RoadVitals

2017 BMW X1 Sav

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
8
Latest Jul 11, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jan 26, 2017
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 BMW X1 Sav, most frequently naming the body & structure, brakes and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 190 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure562.5%
  • Brakes112.5%
  • Electrical112.5%
  • Other / unspecified112.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 26, 2017
16,771 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: 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.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS

Dec 20, 2016
3,506 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: 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.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA21002OpenEngineering Analysis

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structure
Filed Jul 11, 2019

AUTOMATIC TAILGATE MALFUNCTIONS. TOE KICK FUNCTIONS RESPOND ERRATICALLY 50% OF THE TIME. THE TAILGATE HAS CLOSED ON MY HEAD WHILE LOADING/UNLOADING. IT HAS OPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT HAS OPENED ONLY HALFWAY AND STALLED WHILE STATIONARY, AND MORE IMPORTANT IT HAS STALLED HALFWAY WHILE CLOSING. I RECENTLY PRESSED THE CLOSE BUTTON AND DROVE OFF WITH THE TAILGATE HALF CLOSED, AND DIDN'T REALIZE IT UNTIL SOMEONE BEHIND ME BLEW THE HORN. ITEMS IN THE CARGO AREA COULD TUMBLE TO THE HIGHWAY AND CREATE A POSSIBLE HAZARD. IT HAS BEEN IN THE BMW SERVICE DEPART 6 TO 8 TIMES AND INSPECTED AT LEAST TWICE BY SOMEONE FROM BMW OF N. AMERICA. INASMUCH AS IT IS ERRATIC THEY CLAIM THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I CONTEND IT IS AN INCONVENIENCE WHICH SHOULD BE CORRECTED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY IT COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. THERE IS EVIDENCE TO BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET OF OTHER OWNERS HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. I HAVE HAD A SUBDURAL HEMATOMA AND THE TAILGATE CLOSING ON MY HEAD IS NO SMALL CONCERN. BMW REFUSES TO ADMIT THE PROBLEM EXISTS AND HAS SHOWN INDIFFERENCE. THE ISSUE CONTINUES TO PERSIST.

NHTSA ID
11231069
Incident
Aug 1, 2017
Mileage
100 mi
BrakesOther / unspecified
Filed Nov 17, 2018

MY BRAKES ARE DEFECTIVE, HAVE BEEN REPAIRED & REPLACED BY BMW THREE TIMES. THE CALIPERS EASILY AGE AND RUST, AND DO NOT HOLD THE PADS AGAINST THR ROTORS PROPERLY.

NHTSA ID
11152131
Incident
Mar 12, 2017
Mileage
13,326 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jul 5, 2018

THE CAR WAS ON AND IN DRIVE, BUT FULLY STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT ON A CITY STREET. THE REAR DOOR OPENED WITHOUT ANY DRIVER INPUT. THE DOORS WERE LOCKED.

NHTSA ID
11109769
Incident
Jul 5, 2018
Mileage
5,800 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 30, 2018

THE BACK HATCH CLOSES SPONTANEOUSLY WITHOUT MOTION. THE CAR IS PARKED, THEN I MAY SIT ON THE TRUNK OF THE CAR PUTTING ON MY GOLF SHOES AND THE HATCH CLOSES ON ME UNTIL I PUSH IT BACK. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER AT THE REGULAR ONE-YEAR SERVICE AND THEY SAID EVERYTHING IS FINE.

NHTSA ID
11098797
Incident
May 21, 2018
Mileage
8,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 9, 2018
1 injury reported

ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4TH, I WAS HELPING MY COLLIE INTO THE BACK OF THE SUV TO TAKE HER TO THE VETS AND THE LIFT GATE AUTOMATICALLY BEGAN COMING DOWN WHEN SHE WAS HALF IN. I PUSHED THE BUTTON TO STOP IT AND MY DOG STARTED FALLING OUT, WHEN I TUNED RO CATCH HER THE LIFT GATE HIT MY HEAD WITH ENOUGH FORCE THAT I FELL ON MY KNEES AND SUFFERED A CONCUSSION THAT I AM STILL STRUGGLING WITH. THAT LIFT GATE HAS AUTOMATICALLY COME DOWN AT LEAST A COUPLE DOZEN TIMES AS WE PUT THINGS IN THAT BACK SUCH AS GROCERIES OR BOXES. WE USUALLY MANAGE TO GET OUT IF THE WAY. WE COMPLAINED TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN DECEMBER BUT IT WORKED FINE WHEN THE TECH CHECKED IT AND HE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT COULD BE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH BMW OF OCALA, FLORIDA AND HAVE BEEN CONTACTED BY THEIR MAIN OFFICE IN NJ. I AM REPORTING IT BECAUSE THIS COULD POSSIBLY KILL A PERSON OR PET.. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND TURNED OFF, THE PASSENGER DOOR MAY HAVE BEEN OPEN SINCE I WAS PUTTING THINGS IN THE CAR FOR MY DOG, BUT I'M NOT SURE.

NHTSA ID
11084211
Incident
Apr 4, 2018
Body & structure
Filed Nov 24, 2017

REAR HATCH UNEXPECTEDLY CLOSES AND WILL HIT YOU IF YOU CAN'T MOVE QUICKLY ENOUGH. I SUSPECT IT HAPPENS IF YOUR FEET MOVE UNDER THE BUMPER WHEN LOADING OR UNLOADING THE VEHICLE, TRIGGERING THE AUTOMATIC OPEN/CLOSE SENSORS. CAR PARKED. AN WARNING BEEP OCCURS BUT THIS ONLY HAPPENS AFTER THE HATCH HAS STARTED TO CLOSE. IT WILL HIT YOU. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR 2 WEEKS AND IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. ONLINE OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS HAPPENING.

NHTSA ID
11048254
Incident
Nov 24, 2017
Mileage
11,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 30, 2017

X1 WITH COMFORT ACCESS PACKAGE. POWER TAILGATE OFTEN CLOSES UNPROMPTED WHEN PUTTING GROCERIES ECT IN THE BACK OF THE PARKED CAR. CLOSED TWICE WHILE I WAS CHANGING A TODDLER'S DIAPER IN THE BACK ALMOST HITTING ME AND HER. BOTH FEET WERE FIRMLY ON THE GROUND WHEN IT HAPPENED AND NOBODY WAS TOUCHING THE KEY. LUCKILY IT BEEPS BEFORE CLOSING BUT IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF CAUGHT IN THE CLOSING DOOR. THE TAILGATE ALSO OPENS AT RANDOM TIMES JUST WHEN WALKING PAST THE REAR OF THE PARKED CAR. THE DEALERSHIP TRIED TO BLAME BOTH ISSUES ON ME INADVERTENTLY PRESSING THE KEY, BUT IT HAS HAPPENED TOO MANY TIMES SINCE I ORIGINALLY REPORTED IT TO MY SALESMAN ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASE. BECAUSE IT DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME, THE DEALER SAID THEY CAN'T REPLICATE IT AND IT IS MY FAULT. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH INDICATES THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE ON THE X1 FOR THOSE WITH COMFORT ACCESS.

NHTSA ID
11030631
Incident
Sep 25, 2017
Mileage
5,000 mi
Filed Jun 14, 2017

"TAKATA RECALL" PULLING CAR OUT OF GARAGE IN REVERSE AND SUNROOF EXPLODED OUTWARD SPEWING GLASS EVERYWHERE.

NHTSA ID
10995260
Incident
Jun 14, 2017
Mileage
6,015 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B640416

STRUCTURE

Customer complains of a musty odor or damp front footwell carpet.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

B521723

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SEATS

Customer states one of the front seats is inoperative. The seat heater and power supply are inoperative. During the vehicle test, the seat module does not respond. The power supply fuse for the seat module isfound to have blown.

B651523

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.

B514616

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.

B510323

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

While driving on rough roads, a knocking sound can be heard coming from top of the instrument panel (aka dashboard) in the bulkhead area.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW X1 Sav by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2017Viewing821
2016411
2015422155.5
2014594261.3
2013643251.0
2012000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.