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2016 BMW X1 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 BMW X1 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 163owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 14%fail the UK MOT
163 complaints, against an average of 57 for the other 12 BMW X1 model years.
Every BMW X1 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 BMW X1?
The components named most often in the 163 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 BMW X1 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 163 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2016 BMW X1 been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Structure: Body: Roof And Pillars 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.
Air Bags: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator Module BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 X1 xDrive28i and X1 sDrive28i vehicles. The affected vehicles have an instrument panel that may not allow the front passenger air bag to deploy properly in the event of a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seat Belts: Front: Retractor 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) 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.
Is the 2016 BMW X1 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSATakata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)
Risk: Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.
Fix: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.
UK DVSACheck Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
Risk: Affected vehicles may have had a retrofit or conversion of the airbag using a previously recalled airbag variant which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury possibly fatal to people in the vicinity. The original factory fitment airbag for the vehicle is not affected.
Fix: Vehicles will have the airbag checked and if necessary replaced.
UK DVSAOn some diesel vehicles glycol leakage from the EGR-Cooler may occur.On some diesel vehicles glycol leakage from the EGR-Cooler may occur. In very rare cases this could lead to the melting of the Intake manifold and in very rare cases result in a possible fire.
Risk: On some diesel vehicles glycol leakage from the EGR-Cooler may occur. In very rare cases this could lead to the melting of the Intake manifold and in very rare cases result in a possible fire.
Fix: Initial warning letter with advice to be sent with follow up Letter to call in vehicles for rectification work to be carried out on the affected vehicles once parts are available. The EGR cooler will be replaced with an optimised component.
UK DVSAA possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which…A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Risk: A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Fix: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.
UK DVSAUndetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
Risk: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident
Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak over time
Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module cooler could leak over time
Fix: The EGR cooler will be inspected on the affected vehicles and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
UK DVSAExhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak
Risk: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk
Fix: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles
UK DVSAFront passenger airbag maynot deploy correctly
Risk: It is possible a recess on the inside of the instrument panel was not machined correctly. The recess is the predetermined break point of the instrument panel when the front passenger airbag is activated. If the milling has not been carried out correctly the proper deployment of the front passenger airbag cannot be ensured.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the milling of the predetermined break point. Where necessary the instrument panel will be replaced.
UK DVSAPlug in contact cable may malfunction
Risk: It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
UK DVSAAirbag may not deploy
Risk: A recess on the inside of the fascia panel may not have been correctly machined . This recess affects the deployment of the front passenger's air bag and it may not deploy as intended.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace fascia panel.
UK DVSAAirbags may not deploy
Risk: The igniter for the certain airbag modules may not have been correctly manufactured which may affect air bag deployment in the event of a collision.
Fix: Where necessary replace affected airbag modules.
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant within the integrated inflator of driver airbags can deteriorate during time.If the airbag deploys, it could result in fragments from the inflator casing injuring the vehicle’s occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe airbag may deteriorate over time, and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal…The airbag may deteriorate over time, and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 30/03/2023
EU Safety GateThe airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and…The airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA spherical-collar disk is missing on the tie rod end of the steering gear.Consequently, the steering gear might break due to excessive wear, leading to a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe necessary opening lines in the area of the passenger airbag cover may not have been machined correctly.In the event of an accident, the passenger airbag may consequently not be able to unfold correctly, increasing the risk of injury for the passenger.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe side, head and knee protection airbags of the front passenger seat may not work.This could increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe latch mechanism of the rear seat backrests might not have been welded properly.As a result, the rear seat backrest may fold inadvertently in an accident and increase the risk of personal injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2016 BMW X1 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 BMW X1 owners report?
12 of the 163 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
- 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…
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.
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…
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.
Every time I get in or out of my car, the secure vehicle against rolling indicator light comes on.
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.
Warning light stating "Secure vehicle against rolling". Even when the vehicle is in park it could still roll and injure or kill someone.
Received an error message: Transmission. Use parking break to prevent rolling. Dealership said it was the internal gear shift. It didn’t recognize the vehicle was in park. It was an expensive repair because they had to remove the console to fix. Was told it was an issue with my model.
Steering Geer Box Structure body Roof and Pillars Seat belt retractors Air bags frontal
The power sunshade came loose and dropped one side of the sunshade to the drivers side because it came loose
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X1. The contact stated that the airbag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the airbag was faulty and the airbag module might be damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
BMW NA and its authorized dealership and self-funded arbitration program business practices and conducts are unfair, dishonest, and unlawful. I purchased my certified pre-owned car, a lease return with extremely low mileage, 25,922 miles covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Warranty and the BMW Certified Pre-Owned warranty. My family's safety has been at significant risk by the willful negligence of the car manufacturer BMW NA and its authorized dealership. Since I purchased my car, it has had material defects related to its engine, engine electrical systems, engine and gearbox…
2016 BMW X1: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 BMW X1 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 163 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 BMW X1; the most common categories were power train (34, 20.9%), visibility/wiper (18, 11%), structure (17, 10.4%). There are 4 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 5 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW X1?
Across 163 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (20.9% of complaints), visibility/wiper (11% of complaints), structure (10.4% of complaints), electrical system (8.6% of complaints), engine (5.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 BMW X1 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 BMW X1; the most recent (campaign 19V349000, 2019-05-09) concerns Structure: Body: Roof And Pillars. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Can the sunroof on the 2016 BMW X1 shatter or fail?
10 of the 163 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 BMW X1 (6.1%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "The sunroof shade is a common failure point on these cars that’s not being addressed. A quick internet search provides hundreds of reports of the same with the 2016+ vehicles." (NHTSA complaint 11505662, February 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own X1
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only; combines NHTSA's entries for X1 and X1 SAV.