The 2016 BMW X1 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 121,639 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 186 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the unknown or other. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
STRUCTURE19V3490002019-05-09106,182 affected
Defect
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…
Consequence
In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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…
SEAT BELTS16V7470002016-10-1715,455 affected
Defect
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…
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
STEERING15V8870002015-12-302 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
A gearbox malfunction may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Complaints by component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
64
4injuries
POWER TRAIN
30
VISIBILITY/WIPER
18
STRUCTURE:BODY
15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11
1fires
ENGINE
8
SERVICE BRAKES
8
AIR BAGS
4
1crashes
STEERING
4
1crashes
SUSPENSION
4
Total complaints186
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“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…”
“- 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…”
“- 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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“Every time I get in or out of my car, the secure vehicle against rolling indicator light comes on.”
“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…”
“Error message when getting in the truck says “secure vehicle against rollingâ€�.”
Defect investigations
InvestigationEA21002 Opened 2021-09-17 · open
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…
InvestigationEA21002 Opened 2021-09-17 · open
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…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2016 BMW X1 as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.