RoadVitals

2017 BMW X1 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
155
Latest Jul 24, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
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.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 BMW X1, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

50
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My car suddenly displayed a drivetrain malfunction error, and I cannot identify the reason because the car was driving normally in a residential area.

NHTSA ID 11681098 · filed Aug 16, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11677270 · filed Jul 30, 2025
All 50 reports naming powertrain (other)

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11725881 · filed Mar 20, 2026

Secure vehicle against rolling error

NHTSA ID 11713046 · filed Jan 24, 2026
All 25 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11669108 · filed Jun 25, 2025

"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 mechanically sound with no issues. My fear is that I have no way of knowing when a real issue does occur because the warning message is constantly displayed. I am submitting this complaint to add to the 100+ other NHTSA complaints that have already been filed for this issue by other BMW X1 owners with the hope that action will be taken to address it.

NHTSA ID 11654995 · filed Apr 16, 2025
All 24 reports naming electrical

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11561583 · filed Dec 22, 2023

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 let my grandchildren stand around the back of the car when loading. BMW will be sued by someone, bet on it, if it hasn't already happened, if any child or animal is injured due to this problem. The force was strong enough to bump and bruise an adult, let alone a child! My dealer listened to my complaint, but offers no solution...I have no paperwork to this effect. This is a safety and public relations nightmare for BMW that it has not been addressed already...

NHTSA ID 11544987 · filed Sep 17, 2023
All 20 reports naming body & structure

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11752650 · filed Jul 24, 2026

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

NHTSA ID 11725881 · filed Mar 20, 2026
All 14 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2017 BMW X1 has a transmission warning to use parking brake because of potential hazard of car rolling away while in park. I investigated this issue and there are hundreds of thousands of people who are receiving this warning as well. This is a major safety issue for the car, the risk of it rolling or not understanding that the car is properly in park. This needs to be covered as a recall for this make and model and BMW should cover this.

NHTSA ID 11611517 · filed Aug 29, 2024

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

NHTSA ID 11602286 · filed Jul 15, 2024
All 8 reports naming driver assistance

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A warning light appears: "Secure Vehicle Against Rolling Error". I went online to see what the issue was and found that there were numerous vehicles owners with the same exact problem. It appears that a component in the gear selector has failed to properly detect the gear selector position, specifically when it is in park. Even though the gear selector is in park and the parking brake is applied as indicated by lights and physically attempting to move the vehicle, there is a warning message to secure a vehicle with parking brake to prevent it from rolling. This creates a safety hazard because the gear selector can be shifted into Drive without having your foot on the brake. Note that a very large number of BMW owners have complained about this problem on social media and in the BMW message forum. This is clearly a wide-scale problem that stems from a faulty design, and it creates a potential safety hazard. As such, BMW should be forced to do a formal recall to correct this issue.

NHTSA ID 11498928 · filed Dec 27, 2022

Error message "Secure Vehicle against rolling engage parking brake" on starting car and when parking. Same problem is reported all over the internet regarding the 2017 BMW X1 having this same problem, error message caused by a faulty spring in the Shifter panel.

NHTSA ID 11489720 · filed Oct 18, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE 3 OUTSTANDING RECALLS ON MY BMW STARTING SINCE 2016. I HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR INTO AN AUTHORIZED BMW DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES SINCE THEN TO HAVE THE RECALLS FIXED, AND EACH TIME THEY HAVE AVOIDED COMPLETING THE RECALL. I'D LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST STEVENS CREEK BMW FOR THEIR REFUSAL TO FIX MY MANDATORY RECALLS.

NHTSA ID 11268083 · filed Oct 12, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW X1. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V747000 (SEAT BELTS) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V349000 (STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT BMW OF ARLINGTON (LOCATED AT 1105 E LAMAR BLVD, ARLINGTON, TX 76011, (817) 461-9222) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID 11242794 · filed Aug 9, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11670388 · filed Jun 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact stated his wife was driving at 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to slow the vehicle down however her purse got entrapped near the brake pedal and accelerator pedal causing her to crash into the vehicle in front who was stopped. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to retract. The contacts wife collided with the steering wheel due to the impact. The contact's wife suffered chest injuries where a doctor later confirmed she had a cracked sternum. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was towed to a Collison Center. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA ID 11474112 · filed Jul 15, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11725881 · filed Mar 20, 2026

My car suddenly displayed a drivetrain malfunction error, and I cannot identify the reason because the car was driving normally in a residential area.

NHTSA ID 11681098 · filed Aug 16, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Sunshae blind is falling off on one side causing bad view of a light while driving I'm a tall man. Electric issue possible causing the track to function wrong causing sun shade to tear off. Small amount thin line of adhesive can be seen on the cloth shade. Please issue something about this many drivers on car threads have this issue.

NHTSA ID 11476618 · filed Jul 29, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ROUGH IDLE UPON START UP. OCCURS DAILY. WEATHER IS NOT A FACTOR. CONFIRMED WITH COLLISION CENTER.

NHTSA ID 11455222 · filed Mar 4, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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)

NHTSA ID 11701704 · filed Nov 26, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .