Research · Subcompact Cars

2016 BMW M2Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 5 owner complaints for the 2016 BMW M2. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (5). The EPA rates it 21–22 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
21–22mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Sep 2016
Owner complaints
5
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$3,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Structure: frame and members

Free remedy

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.

StructureReported Sep 9, 2016NHTSA 16V653000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2016 – Mar 2020
  1. Exterior lighting5

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each M2 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20165
201717
20183
20231
20241
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Exterior lighting

5 reports
“THE CONTRAST OF THE GAUGES ARE SO POOR THAT IN CERTAIN LIGHTING (DUSK, DAWN, MOMENTS OF SHADOW BY TREES) THEY BECOME ILLEGIBLE. IT IS EXAGGERATED BY WEARING SUNGLASSES. THE CURRENT MODELS HAVE CORRECTED THIS, BUT OWNERS OF 2016-2017 MODELS (MYSELF INCLUDED) HAVE NO RECOURSE. STRAINING TO SEE THE TACHOMETER OR SPEEDOMETER IS NOT SAFE!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 19, 2020Exterior lightingODI 11318752
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (AM-S7) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
M2
Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202622$3,600394
M2
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
182621$3,800429
  • M2
    Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    20 city · 26 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • M2
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    18 city · 26 hwy · $3,800/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 BMW M2 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 M2 questions

How many recalls does the 2016 BMW M2 have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 BMW M2 problems?

Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 BMW M2 get?

The EPA rates the 2016 BMW M2 at 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026