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2017 BMW X1 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2017 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
- 164owner complaints
- 3crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 13%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about BMW X1 year on file: 164 complaints, against an average of 57 for the other 12 model years.
Every BMW X1 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2017 BMW X1?
The components named most often in the 164 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2017 BMW X1 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 164 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2017 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.
Air Bags BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
Risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 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.
Is the 2017 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 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 GateA faulty connecting socket on the dual clutch transmission could lead to the gears switching to neutral.It would then be impossible to change gear or start the engine once the vehicle has stopped.
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: 01/08/2017
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 2017 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 2017, 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 2017 BMW X1 owners report?
12 of the 164 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.
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 code 420106 – “Shift Lock Solenoid: Unlock stuck.” The warning has returned multiple times and appears to indicate a problem with the vehicle’s Park/shift-lock or parking-lock recognition system. Because this warning concerns the possibility of the vehicle rolling while parked, I consider it a potential…
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.
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 increases. 2. Brake System & Sensor Issues Warning lights staying on even after replacing sensors can mean: Faulty wiring or control module (not just the sensor itself) Ongoing system miscommunication BMW braking systems rely heavily on electronics, so one issue can trigger repeated alerts. 3. Oil…
My car suddenly displayed a drivetrain malfunction error, and I cannot identify the reason because the car was driving normally in a residential area.
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact received a notification letter of BMW Campaign Number: SIB 01 02 24(Evap System Purge(Vent) Valve Extended Limited Warranty). The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle hesitated and vibrated while the engine revved. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon shifting to drive(D), the vehicle responded as intended. The vehicle was taken to a collision center, where an unknown diagnosis was made, and an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made…
On [XXX] [XXX] was operating her 2017 BMW X1 traveling northbound on [XXX]. While driving in the middle lane, her vehicle was struck on the right side. The point of impact was the right front passenger side, extending toward the rear passenger area. The force of the collision was significant enough to eject the right front passenger tire from the vehicle. Despite the severity of the impact, the right front passenger airbag failed to deploy. As a result of the collision and the car’s failure to properly respond to the crash, [XXX] sustained injuries that required hospitalization. INFORMATION…
X1 gear shifter is causing a Transmission waring - and comment to secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult Service center. I have spoken with BMW mechanic and other mechanic who have stated that it is common issue with X1 and Mini's that use same shifter. A spring breaks off in the shifter. Mini - issued a large warranty extension but it appears BMW has not.
The warning light “Secure vehicle against rolling” appears when the gear is shifted into park. An additional message reads: “Transmission: Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult service center.” It has been verified that the gear is indeed mechanically in the park position. Upon further investigation, I discovered numerous BMW X1 owners reporting this same issue on various online forums. The common cause appears to be a broken spring inside the gear shifter. This spring normally activates a switch that notifies the vehicle's electrical system that it’s in park. When the spring…
"Secure vehicle against rolling" warning light comes on when vehicle's gear is shifted into park. Additional information displayed states, "Transmission: Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult service center." Confirmed vehicle's gear is mechanically shifted into park. Researched issue, and found many BMW X1 owners posting to various online forums stating root cause is due to a broken spring in the gear shifter that is supposed to toggle a switch informing the vehicle's electrical system that the vehicle is shifted into park. Hence the warning message. My vehicle is currently…
Secure vehicle against rolling light on was looked at by 2 independent mechanics and bmw of Wilmington saying pin breaks in shifter assembly. It’s seems to be a common issue that bmw needs to recall and fix. The 5.00-10.00 pin should not cost consumers 3000.00 to fix. The entire assembly does not need replaced. The pin needs recalled for safety purposes
My car has a warning code saying, “ secure vehicle form rolling”. There is a fault spring within the shift column. BMW is not covering it as a recall even though it could roll and hit someone or something.
This week, again, the rear hatch came down on me as I was loading groceries and while I tried to fend it off, giving me a bruise on my lower arm The rear hatch door randomly closes while I am loading/unloading the rear of the X1. In the past I thought it might be the key fob being bumped in a purse or pocket, but NO. It happens randomly. It beeps its warning thank goodness, but has put me, my grandchildren, and others helping load at risk several times since we purchased this car in 2017. I thought this might be peculiar to my car alone, but now see others with the same complaint! I will not…
2017 BMW X1: questions owners ask
Is the 2017 BMW X1 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 164 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 BMW X1; the most common categories were power train (57, 34.8%), service brakes (27, 16.5%), electrical system (25, 15.2%). There are 4 safety recalls. 3 complaints mention a crash, 11 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 BMW X1?
Across 164 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (34.8% of complaints), service brakes (16.5% of complaints), electrical system (15.2% of complaints), structure (15.2% of complaints), engine (7.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2017 BMW X1 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 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.
Why does my 2017 BMW X1 overheat?
8 of the 164 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 BMW X1 (4.9%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11752650, July 2026). 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.
Why does my 2017 BMW X1 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
6 of the 164 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 BMW X1 (3.7%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Car experiences a very rough idle at start and often stalls after being placed in gear. This can happen after car starts moving. I drive this car and am experiencing regular stalls after taking off." (NHTSA complaint 11656307, April 2025). 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.
Can the 2017 BMW X1 roll away when parked?
6 of the 164 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 BMW X1 (3.7%) describe the car rolling away or not holding in park. One owner wrote: "Every time I get in the vehicle or turn the vehicle off I get a message "Secure vehicle against rolling contact service specialist"." (NHTSA complaint 11691848, October 2025). 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 2017 only; combines NHTSA's entries for X1 and X1 SAV.