2016 BMW X1 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other X1 years
- Far more complaints than other years 1st of 15 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 3 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 159 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 BMW X1. That is the most of any X1 model year in the database (15 years). The most reported problem area is unknown or other (64 complaints, 40%), typically at around 34,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 fire, 4 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
- 159owner complaints
- 3safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 1complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2016 BMW X1 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown or Other | 64 | 40% | 34,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 33 | 21% | 67,000 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 18 | 11% | 43,500 | — | — |
| Structure | 17 | 11% | 39,402 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 13 | 8% | 52,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 8 | 5% | 28,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 8 | 5% | 47,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 4 | 3% | 30,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 4 | 3% | 7,041 | — | — |
| Suspension | 4 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 2% | 500 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | 7,000 | — | — |
| Visibility | 2 | 1% | 29,400 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1% | 15,000 | — | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Tires | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2016 BMW X1 recalls (3)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Structure:body:roof and pillars
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2019 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles. In the event of a crash where the occupants head contacts the B-pillar, the pillar may not absorb an adequate amount of the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Risk: In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vertical trim pieces on the upper portion of the interior B-Pillars, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 1, 2019. Second notices will be sent as parts become available, starting on September 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seat belts:front:retractor
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, MINI Hardtop 4 Door Cooper, Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper S, MINI Cooper Clubman, and Cooper S Clubman, 2017 Rolls-Royce Ghost, and 2016 528i vehicles. The vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism of the seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for the driver's seat may not lock as designed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Risk: In the event of a crash where heavy braking is applied, the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) may activate when the occupant is more forward in the seat, possibly increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one model year 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door vehicle manufactured November 24, 2015, and one BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) manufactured October, 19 2015. The steering gearbox may have been manufactured with incorrect parts.
Risk: A gearbox malfunction may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will replace the steering gearbox, free of charge. Affected vehicles are located in dealer inventory and will be remedied before customer retail. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture (EA21002) — opened Sep 17, 2021, still open.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Known HVAC-produced moisture drainage issue that cause water to get trapped inside the system and cabin air filter housing, causing significant mold or mildew to grow on the filter itself and spread spores through cabin ventilation system and contaminates air inside cabin which poses serious health…
- Roof and pillars I have been having for almost a year when trying to open and slide on the track. It is harsh and noisy. - Engine oil filter housing and coolant leak. This issue is critical. Finally on April 10, 2025 I ended spending $1007.52 to get the housing replaced to stop the ongoing drip…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 BMW X1. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 81,295, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was…
My 2016 BMW X1 28i is leaking coolant. I am also getting a smell of something burning inside the car when driving. This is consistent with problems associated with the 2024 recall for water pump. I was told by my dealership that my vehicle was not one affected by the recall. I think it might be one…
About 24 months back the sunroof curtain of my BMW X1 started having problems when I retract or operate it. It used to make stretching noises when I tried to open my sunroof and after a few times I heard a crackling noise and before I can stop it the curtain tore. Initially it was a small tear, so…
Other BMW X1 years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 X1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2025 X1 | 17 | 3 |
| 2024 X1 | 30 | 3 |
| 2023 X1 | 70 | 6 |
| 2022 X1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2021 X1 | 9 | 1 |
| 2020 X1 | 13 | 1 |
| 2019 X1 | 13 | 3 |
| 2018 X1 | 59 | 4 |
| 2017 X1 | 156 | 2 |
| 2016 | 159 | 3 |
| 2015 X1 | 52 | 2 |
| 2014 X1 | 55 | 2 |
| 2013 X1 | 38 | 2 |
| 2012 X1 | 0 | 1 |
See all BMW X1 problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW X1?
Owners most often report unknown or other, power train, visibility/wiper problems. The top one, unknown or other, accounts for 64 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2016 BMW X1?
Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2016 BMW X1 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other X1 model years, the 2016 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.