STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
2016 BMW X1
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 159 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 BMW X1, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), visibility and body & structure categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 219 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2019 | 2 | 12 |
| Sep 2019 | 2 | 14 |
| Oct 2019 | 2 | 16 |
| Nov 2019 | 1 | 17 |
| Mar 2020 | 2 | 19 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 20 |
| Jul 2020 | 2 | 22 |
| Aug 2020 | 2 | 24 |
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 25 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 26 |
| Nov 2020 | 5 | 31 |
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 32 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 33 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 34 |
| Apr 2021 | 4 | 38 |
| May 2021 | 3 | 41 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 42 |
| Jul 2021 | 3 | 45 |
| Aug 2021 | 4 | 49 |
| Sep 2021 | 3 | 52 |
| Oct 2021 | 2 | 54 |
| Nov 2021 | 3 | 57 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 58 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 59 |
| Feb 2022 | 2 | 61 |
| Mar 2022 | 5 | 66 |
| Apr 2022 | 4 | 70 |
| May 2022 | 4 | 74 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 75 |
| Jul 2022 | 2 | 77 |
| Aug 2022 | 8 | 85 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 86 |
| Dec 2022 | 2 | 88 |
| Jan 2023 | 3 | 91 |
| Feb 2023 | 2 | 93 |
| Mar 2023 | 2 | 95 |
| Apr 2023 | 5 | 100 |
| May 2023 | 3 | 103 |
| Jun 2023 | 2 | 105 |
| Aug 2023 | 3 | 108 |
| Sep 2023 | 4 | 112 |
| Oct 2023 | 4 | 116 |
| Nov 2023 | 3 | 119 |
| Dec 2023 | 7 | 126 |
| Jan 2024 | 3 | 129 |
| Feb 2024 | 2 | 131 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 132 |
| Apr 2024 | 3 | 135 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 136 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 137 |
| Jul 2024 | 3 | 140 |
| Aug 2024 | 2 | 142 |
| Oct 2024 | 2 | 144 |
| Nov 2024 | 2 | 146 |
| Dec 2024 | 3 | 149 |
| Jan 2025 | 3 | 152 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 153 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 154 |
| Jun 2025 | 4 | 158 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 159 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)3024.6%
- Visibility2016.4%
- Body & structure1512.3%
- Electrical1310.7%
- Brakes86.6%
- Engine86.6%
- Driver assistance54.1%
- Airbags43.3%
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
3 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.govSEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11708977
- Incident
- Jan 5, 2026
- 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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11667511
- Incident
- Jun 17, 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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11665898
- Incident
- Jun 9, 2025
- Mileage
- 135,400 mi
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)
- NHTSA ID
- 11664440
- Incident
- May 22, 2023
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11664401
- Incident
- May 15, 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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11659743
- Incident
- Feb 15, 2025
Every time I get in or out of my car, the secure vehicle against rolling indicator light comes on.
- NHTSA ID
- 11656952
- Incident
- Apr 21, 2025
Error message when getting in the truck says “Secure vehicle against rolling”.
- NHTSA ID
- 11639150
- Incident
- Jan 27, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
POWER TRAIN
The limited warranty for the automatic transmissions Selector Lever Magnetic Shift Interlock Mechanism (Gearshift lug assembly portion) has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles, as determined by the vehicles original first in-service / delivery date, when a gearshift lug repair kit installation procedure is required to be performed to address a displayed Check Control message (CCM) that states P not engaged - secure vehicle with parking brake against rolling away
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The “End of life” or “Emergency call system error” Check Control message appears in the vehicle. The following fault memory entry is stored: B7F341 – Emergency battery: Hardware faulty
ENGINE
For this vehicle, the EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles, from the original 10 years/120,000 miles, as determined from the original in-service date. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusion criteria that apply to the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Vehicles that are registered in California or a State that has fully adopted the State of California PZEV(SULEV) emission regulation (State of registration, model, and model year dependent), the emission-relevant coverage for this component is 15 years/150,000 miles.
STRUCTURE
Customer complains of a musty odor or damp front footwell carpet.
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 âÂÂdischarged batteryâ complaints.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE
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
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.