2016 BMW X1
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 37 |
| 2014 | 53 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 159 |
| 2017 | 154 |
| 2018 | 59 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 70 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
19% of complaints: power train — 30 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
per internet, very common problem. Gear box problem that prevents car from automatically going into Park when rolling, doors open, etc....there is a message warning driver to secure car by parkiing brake to prevent from rolling.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230925
The gear selector spring is defective. An error message comes up on the screen each time the car is turned on with an error related to the transmission.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230914
11% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 18 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: structure — 15 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.
FIRE5% of complaints: service brakes — 8 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 15V887000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 16V747000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 19V349000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 BMW X1 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V887000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V747000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V349000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 BMW X1 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 BMW X1 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW X1?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 BMW X1 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.