The 2016 BMW M3 is associated with 5 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 3 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 3 reports (60% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 2 certified vehicle configurations spanning 3l 6-cyl powertrain configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 19 to 20 MPG combined. Detailed NHTSA crash-test ratings are not available in the current AutoUtility dataset for this model year. The 2016 BMW M3 belongs to the 5th generation (F80) M3 platform spanning model years 2015–2018.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 5 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 3 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Engine (3 / 60%)
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: Not rated by NHTSA
- • EPA Efficiency: 19–20 MPG (2 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| M3 | 3L 6-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 17 MPG | 26 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,800 / yr |
| M3 | 3L 6-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 17 MPG | 24 MPG | 19 MPG | — | $4,000 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 4 DR RWD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | — |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as No and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2016 BMW M3 models.
View complete 2016 BMW M3 crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2016 BMW M3 problems & component breakdown (3 categories) →
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Defect Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: BMW will notify vehicle owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Affected Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Defect Summary: BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being replaced. Reuse of the existing bolts may cause the bolts to loosen.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 3, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Defect Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and 2015-2016 M4 Convertible vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that may not have been filled with grease. As a result, the slip-joint may fail over time.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driveshaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 14, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View all 2016 BMW M3 recalls & campaign history (3 campaigns) →