KnownCarProblems2016 BMW 428i Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 44 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 BMW 428i, most often about the electrical (55% of complaints). It is the 2nd most complained-about 428i model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.
Most common 2016 BMW 428i problems
Electrical
24 complaints · 55%The door lock actuator-driver's side periodically sticks in a locked position. When I attempt to exit the car,the locking mechanism does not release when door handle is pulled.I have to press unlock button to deactivate the lock and have handle return to normal function.I believe this is a safety issue that needs to…
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 428i. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the vehicle had an abnormal engine coolant leak. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine temperature gauge was rising abnormally. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine…
Engine
23 complaints · 52%When diving on the freeway I had an drive terrain malfunction error in my BMW 4281. My car stared to slow down extremely fast and I could not accelerate to get over to the far right lane safely. Everything seemed to be in some lock mode and I would press the gas and would only go less than 20 MPH. Almost got rear…
The contact owned a 2016 BMW 428i. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The vehicle was taken rallye BMW (1 brush hollow rd, westbury, ny 11590, [phone]) however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred with an abnormal ticking sound coming from the…
Other or unspecified
6 complaints · 14%Exploding sunroof. Sunroof was in the full open position when it just suddenly exploded. It sounded like a gun going off in the car. Glass shards went flying down on me. One shard went into my hand. I was on an entrance ramp to the interstate on a sunny day when it happened. Speed was approximately 55mph.
Brakes
3 complaints · 7%Visibility and wipers
3 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: sun/moon roof assembly, defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Exploding sunroof. Sunroof was in the full open position when it just suddenly exploded. It sounded like a gun going off in the car. Glass shards went flying down on me. One shard went into my hand. I was on an entrance ramp to the interstate on a sunny day when it happened. Speed was approximately 55mph.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2016 BMW 428i recalls
Electrical: connectors/plugs/receptacles
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on march 28, 2025. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc. (bmw) is recalling certain 2012-2015 x1 sdrive28i, x1 xdrive28i, 2012-2016 z4 sdrive28i, 528i, 528i xdrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 x5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xdrive, 328xi gran turismo, 2013-2017 x3 sdrive28i, x3 xdrive28i, 2015-2018 x4 xdrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Summary
From 2000 through 2017, takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("psan") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004l. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 blomquist report at www.NHTSA.gov/sites/NHTSA.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa
Questions about the 2016 BMW 428i
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW 428i?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (24 complaints); engine (23 complaints); other or unspecified (6 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2016 BMW 428i have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 13, 2024 (electrical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2016 a bad year for the BMW 428i?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about 428i model year since 2000, with 44 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.