2016 BMW X1 recalls and problems

The 2016 BMW X1 has 3 safety recalls and 159 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
159
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 BMW X1 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 BMW X1 recalls

Recall 19V-349: Structure

Reported May 9, 2019 · 106,182 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

Recall 16V-747: Seat Belts

Reported Oct 17, 2016 · 15,455 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

Recall 15V-887: Steering

Reported Dec 30, 2015 · 2 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

2016 BMW X1 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Unknown or Other64
Power Train33
Visibility/Wiper18
Structure17
Electrical System13
Engine8
Service Brakes8
Steering4
Air Bags4
Suspension4
Vehicle Speed Control3
Visibility2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 15
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift — 2
  • Structure › Interior Panels › Ceiling — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 42,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 BMW X1 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Jan 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 · reported Jun 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…
Electrical System · at 135,400 miles · reported Jun 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.
Unknown or Other · reported Jun 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.
Visibility/Wiper · reported Jun 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…

Other BMW X1 years

Compare all BMW X1 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 BMW X1 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 BMW X1: 19V-349 (structure), 16V-747 (seat belts), 15V-887 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 BMW X1?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (64 reports), followed by power train (33). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 42,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.