2017 BMW X1 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · 156 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other X1 years
Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 156 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 BMW X1. That ranks 2nd out of 15 X1 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is power train (57 complaints, 37%), typically at around 59,000 miles. Complaints mention 3 crashes, 10 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

BMW X1
BMW U11 X1 M35i in Stuttgart-Vaihingen. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2017 BMW X1 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Power Train57 · ~59,000 mi
Unknown or Other50 · ~50,210 mi
Service Brakes26
Electrical System24 · ~12,000 mi
Structure20 · ~12,000 mi
Engine12 · ~87,500 mi
Back Over Prevention4
Air Bags3 · ~58,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling3 · ~79,000 mi
Forward Collision Avoidance3
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Power Train problems5737%59,000“against rolling” (49%)$3,050
Unknown or Other5032%50,210——
Service Brakes2617%———
Electrical System2415%12,000——
Structure2013%12,000——
Engine128%87,500——
Back Over Prevention43%———
Air Bags32%58,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling32%79,000——
Forward Collision Avoidance32%———
Seat Belts32%———
Suspension32%———
Fuel/propulsion System11%———
Lane Departure11%———
Visibility/wiper11%———
Wheels11%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2022, with 44 complaints
2018: 1201812019: 102019102020: 4202042021: 142021142022: 442022442023: 302023302024: 302024302025: 192025192026: 420264

n = 156 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2017 BMW X1 recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Structure:body:roof and pillarsMay 9, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V349000 · 106,182 vehicles

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:retractorOct 17, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V747000 · 15,455 vehicles

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.

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.

I am reporting a recurring safety warning on my 2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i. The vehicle repeatedly displays the message “Secure vehicle against rolling” on the dashboard even though the gear selector indicates that the vehicle is in Park. A diagnostic scan with BlueDriver also recorded BMW fault…

Service Brakes · received Sep 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11762954

The BMX1 overheated while parked and on with no warning of any levels being low or any obvious issues for it to overheat. I just saw the starter and overheated recall which led me to check my suv.

Engine · received Jul 24, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11752650

What You’re Noticing (and Why It Matters) 1. Engine Mounts Wearing Out Engine mounts can wear over time, but premature failure (early loosening, vibration, clunking) can point to: Defective parts Poor design for that model year This is a common complaint in some BMW models, especially as mileage…

Suspension · received Mar 20, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11725881

Secure vehicle against rolling error

Service Brakes · received Jan 24, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11713046

I am writing to formally file a report regarding the severe mechanical damage to the vehicle I purchased on June 14th, 2024, identified as A 2017 BMW- X1 sDrive28i, with VIN NUMBER [XXX] . It has come to my attention that this damage was not disclosed at the time of purchase, which constitutes a…

Engine · received Nov 26, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11701704

Other BMW X1 years

← 2016 X1 · 2018 X1 →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2026 X112
2025 X1173
2024 X1303
2023 X1706
2022 X112
2021 X191
2020 X1131
2019 X1133
2018 X1594
20171562
2016 X11593
2015 X1522
2014 X1552
2013 X1382
2012 X101

See all BMW X1 problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.

Similar BMW models

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 BMW X1?

Owners most often report power train, unknown or other, service brakes problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 57 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2017 BMW X1?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2017 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 2017 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.