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 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 BMW X1 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 BMW X1

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2016 BMW X1
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:44:22.439Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 159
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2016: 159 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2012	0
2013	38
2014	54
2015	52
2016	159
2017	156
2018	60
2019	13
2020	13
2021	8
2022	1
2023	71
2024	30
2025	17
2026	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

21% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing floor shift and gear position indication (prndl).

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, 2023-09-25

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, 2023-09-14

Visibility/wiper

11% · 18 reports

Structure

11% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing body and ceiling.

Electrical system

8% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and instrument cluster/panel.

FIRE

Service brakes

5% · 8 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2015-12-28Steering15V887000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
▮
2016Complaint volume 159 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2019-07-03Seat belts16V747000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-09-27Structure19V349000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2016 BMW X1 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 33 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 18 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 15V887000 · Steering
Recall 16V747000 · Seat belts
Recall 19V349000 · Structure

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 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 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 BMW X1 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.