NHTSA vehicle safety data

2016 BMW X1 Recalls & Complaints

The 2016 BMW X1 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 159 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2016 BMW X1. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2016 BMW X1 owner complaints

Owners have filed 159 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 BMW X1, describing incidents dated December 28, 2015 to January 5, 2026.

Most-cited components

Unknown or Other 64 complaints
Power Train 33 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 20 complaints
Structure 17 complaints
Electrical System 13 complaints
Engine 8 complaints

Of the 159 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash and 1 a fire; across all 159 complaints, owners report 4 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11708977 · Filed January 5, 2026
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…
ODI #11667511 · Filed June 17, 2025
- 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…
ODI #11665898 · Filed June 9, 2025
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…

Read all 159 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2016 BMW X1 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA21-002: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Open since September 17, 2021

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Occupant Injury in the Event of a Crash/FMVSS 201

NHTSA #19V349000 · Structure — Body — Roof and Pillars · NHTSA notice

Reported May 9, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 106,182 vehicles

Repair completion: 92.87% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified September 27, 2019 · Vehicles built March 10, 2015 – May 2, 2019 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Seat Belt may Not Lock/FMVSS 209

NHTSA #16V747000 · Seat Belts — Front — Retractor · NHTSA notice

Reported October 17, 2016 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 15,455 vehicles

Repair completion: 89.71% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified July 3, 2019 · Vehicles built May 12, 2016 – October 14, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Steering Gearbox Malfunction

NHTSA #15V887000 · Steering — Gear Box (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) · NHTSA notice

Reported December 30, 2015 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 2 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified December 28, 2015 · Vehicles built October 19, 2015 – October 19, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A gearbox malfunction may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2016 BMW X1. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

159 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 BMW X1.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11708977

Incident: January 5, 2026 · Filed: January 5, 2026

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 hazards.

Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11667511

Incident: June 17, 2025 · Filed: June 17, 2025

- 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 drip effect. - Steering gear box. This issue remains despite the fact that I replaced struts. For almost a year since I bought the vehicle, there appears to be a clunking type noise especially when going over rail tracks on the road where I am forced to almost come to a complete stop to let the car go over the tracks out of fear of sustaining damage.

Electrical System

ODI #11665898

Incident: June 9, 2025 · Filed: June 9, 2025

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 135,400.

Visibility/Wiper

ODI #11664440

Incident: May 22, 2023 · Filed: June 2, 2025

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 it did not bother much but over time the curtain completely left the guide/rail on one side and started sagging. Given it is a sunroof the curtain is as long as the vehicle and so now it is sagging to a point that it obstructs driver's visibly in back mirror. BMW won't do anything about it saying it is out of warranty and ultimately to avoid accidents I had to remove the curtain completely. I also tried getting it fixed, but the issue is not just the curtain but the rails of the curtain which is a non-replaceable part :( I would have to replace full sunshade assembly which is upwards of $1600. Also, it seems to be a common problem with these vehicles. Here are more examples of it: [XXX] . Please help me and other drivers be safe on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other

ODI #11664401

Incident: May 15, 2025 · Filed: June 2, 2025

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 that is. The vehicle could catch fire if there is a failure of the wiring.

Structure

ODI #11659743

Incident: February 15, 2025 · Filed: May 8, 2025

Sunroof shade came off the tracks and is now sagging partially obstructing the view of my rear view mirror, if this sags more or falls off completely I will be unable to see out the rear window and can cause a collision. I see this has been an issue with multiple vehicles and should be addressed with the company immediately.

Power Train

ODI #11656952

Incident: April 21, 2025 · Filed: April 26, 2025

Every time I get in or out of my car, the secure vehicle against rolling indicator light comes on.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11639150

Incident: January 27, 2025 · Filed: January 28, 2025

Error message when getting in the truck says “Secure vehicle against rolling”.

Power Train

ODI #11636409

Incident: January 16, 2025 · Filed: January 17, 2025

The car is indicating the I need to press the parking brake to secure the car from rolling after I have placed it in park and pressed the electronic parking brake.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11634955

Incident: January 8, 2025 · Filed: January 8, 2025

"Secure vehicle from rolling" keeps coming on the dashboard when I turn the car off or put into park.

Other BMW X1 model years

Check your 2016 BMW X1 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW X1 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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