Recall 16V919 affects 8 2016 BMW X5 vehicles for a loose DME ground cable. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 8 2016 X5 xDrive40e SUVs because a loose electrical ground cable at the Digital Motor Electronic control unit can create an under-voltage condition and shift the transmission into neutral. If the vehicle shifts unexpectedly, crash risk increases; BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
In the 2016 BMW X5, the Digital Motor Electronic (DME) control unit is the computer that manages engine operation. It needs a clean electrical ground path to the engine block so voltage stays stable while the vehicle is running. The ground cable is the return path that lets that electronic control unit work as designed.
On affected X5 vehicles, the electrical ground cable between the DME and the engine block was not tightened enough during assembly. A loose ground connection can interrupt the electrical path and create an under-voltage condition at the DME. When that happens, the control unit can fail temporarily while driving, and the transmission can shift into neutral.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is tied to the ground connection itself, so an owner should not expect a dashboard message, sound, or driveability symptom before the DME loses stable voltage.
Who's affected?
| 2016 BMW X5 | wiring |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 8 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 BMW X5 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the 2016 BMW X5 unexpectedly shifts to neutral, the vehicle loses drive power and crash risk rises. Schedule the repair soon, and use extra caution until the dealer tightens the ground cable. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 BMW X5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free ground-cable tightening that secures the DME electrical ground and prevents an unexpected shift to neutral.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one, or reference recall number 16V919 when you call.
- Keep extra following distance until the repair is complete because an unexpected shift to neutral increases crash risk.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about the dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician tightens the ground cable for the Digital Motor Electronic control unit so the connection is secure. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. BMW has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for related repairs before the recall notice. Bring receipts or repair documentation to the service desk, or ask BMW customer service how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 15, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| December 21, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| February 6, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 10, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V919?
Recall 16V919 covers 8 2016 BMW X5 vehicles with a Digital Motor Electronic control unit ground cable that can be loose. That condition can create under-voltage and shift the transmission into neutral. BMW dealers will tighten the ground cable for free.
What should I do if my 2016 BMW X5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V919. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask for the Digital Motor Electronic ground cable repair. Reference recall number 16V919 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW will tighten the affected ground cable free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unexpected shift into neutral while driving. If the transmission shifts to neutral, the vehicle loses drive power, which increases crash risk. The repair path is to have a BMW dealer tighten the Digital Motor Electronic ground cable for free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V919000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V919 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V919000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →