Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2017 BMW X1 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 14 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed
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 Gasket / Housing Leaks You mentioned oil leaking from a plastic housing—this is important. BMW engines (including the X1) often use: Plastic oil filter housings Plastic cooling components These are known to: Crack from heat over time Cause oil leaks and coolant loss This isn’t always clearly explained in sales descriptions. 4. Plastic Engine Components Many modern engines use plastic parts for: Weight reduction Fuel efficiency But downside: More prone to cracking, warping, or leaking Especially under high heat conditions ⚠️ Should There Be a Recall? For something to become a recall through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it must: Be a widespread defect Pose a safety risk (not just wear and tear) 👉 Right now: Some of these issues (like oil leaks or mounts) are often treated as maintenance or design concerns, not recalls Brake system failures could qualify if they affect stopping safety—but only if widely reported and proven defective
I am writing to formally file a report regarding the severe mechanical damage to the vehicle I purchased on June 14th, 2024, identified as A 2017 BMW- X1 sDrive28i, with VIN NUMBER [XXX] . It has come to my attention that this damage was not disclosed at the time of purchase, which constitutes a violation of consumer protection laws. As a consumer, I have the right to receive truthful and accurate information about the products I purchase. The failure to disclose significant mechanical issues is a violation of the Federal Trade Commission's regulations and applicable state consumer protection laws, including the prohibition against deceptive acts and practices. This vehicle poses as a safety risk to myself, and other's. Specifically, I have experienced the following issues with the vehicle: 1. Leaking oil 2. Loud engine. 3. Overheating. 4. Suspension issues. 5. Control arm alignment. 6. Shock and strut assembly. 7. Wheel alignment. 8. Turbocharger alignment 9. Engine assembly. I've encountered all of these issues since the sale of the vehicle in 2024. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine motor mounts failed
PRESSURE TESTED COOLING SYSTEM, FOUND OIL FILTER HOUSING TO BE LEAKING COOLANT, REPLACE OIL FILTER HOUSING WITH BOTH SETS OF GASKETS
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 aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
1. Failed Engine, coolant, temperature sensor; missing COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR. Avail for inspection. 2. My car failed multiple occasions to show a warning light that almost got me and others hurt or cause a catastrophic incident on freeway. 3. The issues confirmed after months of several complaints, inspected per BMWUSA at Santa Monica BMW, I was provided December 5, 2024 print out of "MISSING COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR, failed temp sensor warning lights, ODD. " 4. No. 5. There were NO WARNING lamps, messages. I have always received warning messages: OIL level low, WIPER fluid low, BATTERY low, KEY battery low, TIRES low inflate, BULB malfunction. The first issue revealed 2021 routine oil filter service. BMW technician at The Haus, alerted me "urgent, water pump leaking, low coolant, go back to Sherman Oaks BMW where I got the car, pump under warranty!" I was confused, why no warning light? Sherman Oaks replaced water pump, coolant hoses under warranty. 2022, shocked to learn water pump coolant leaking during another routine oil service. No warning lights! SHERMAN OAKS tried to charge me 3200.00. BMWUSA replaced 2nd pump under warranty. December 2023, cold weather, my heater stopped working, no warning light. Next day MY ENGINE/CAR DIED ON FREEWAY. Terrified, no warnings on dash. Cars speeding past me as I sat trying to start car. Heavy car Finally accelerated with new roaring engine sound, no warning light. Drove slowly off freeway. Bob Smith BMW "turn engine off!!" TAKE BACK TO SHERMAN OAKS BMW. January 2024, BMWUSA ( Madison ) instructed via email Sherman Oaks BMW to inspect, why are there no warning lights??? They refused to put in writing. I was told check my coolant monthly. Replaced oil/coolant hose. November 2024, BMWUSA instructed Santa Monica BMW, inspect, why are there no warning lights? I finally received a print out, " No Coolant Level Sensor," "failed temp sensor." "bring in monthly," and "I wouldn't put a child in your car."
The car overheated seemingly out of nowhere. About 8:25 AM on the date of the incident I noticed my heat wasn't blowing hot. I figured I just didn't let the car warm up enough. I began to drive home after work at approximately 4:00pm and the warning yellow light came on stating "drive moderately, at risk of overheating). I slowed down and drove very gently. The warning light went away. A few minutes later it came back on so I slowed down again. I was on back roads and not driving fast anyway. I then turned to go home and at the beginning of a bridge the light turned from yellow to red and said pull over. I couldn't pull over on a bridge but pulled off as soon as I was able, about three minutes later. I coasted into the nearest parking lot and had the car towed to the dealership. Their determination was it was leaking coolant from the oil filter housing area. They removed the intake manifold and repaired the car. I'm not sure exactly what was done. I want to know if the overheating was due to the ongoing recall of the coolant systems in the BMW. If so, I want to know why my car wasn't included in the recall and why a remedy wasn't performed. Receipt of the estimate was April 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was briefly stranded in the middle of the roadway, but the vehicle was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the radiator fan was cycling on max, and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle was extremely low on coolant. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
My water pump went bad and overheated my engine, resulting in a repair cost of over $4,000 for a 2017 BMW X1. Needed repairs are: Water Pump, Remove & Replace Drive Belt Tensione, OEM , OE Replacement, and New Engine Water Pump.
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact stated that upon start-up, the driver had to wait two minutes for the vehicle to warm up to prevent the vehicle from stalling while driving, reversing, or shifting into gear. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled but restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the message “Engine Overheated - Drive Moderately" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that there was no coolant in the reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the residence and the contact observed condensation underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the coolant housing was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
ROUGH IDLE UPON START UP. OCCURS DAILY. WEATHER IS NOT A FACTOR. CONFIRMED WITH COLLISION CENTER.
I have been complaining about roughness for quite some time. Especially when are is cold. I have a 2017 X1, less than 40k and the engine mount cracked BMW Service informed me this is an known issue within BMW. Not only x1 but X2 and some X3 models. Also said the others will crack within 10-20K miles I had made the concern known about the car almost or complete stalling out to the dealerships. Link below to the video. Part was thrown away on Saturday (I am told) No warning lamps, messages. Just some roughness tough who would think engine mount issue under 40K. Due to Covid car is out of warranty by 6mos as it wasn't driven as much as it would have been under normal times. Video of issue https://api.mykaarma.com/video-walkaround/details?inspection_uuid=6174461f01a695000135cd1a&fileType=image_and_video
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.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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