Does the 2016 BMW X1 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 BMW X1, the most recent reported on May 9, 2019 (Structure: body, roof and pillars). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW X1?

Owners have filed 159 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (64 complaints), followed by power train (33).

How many 2016 BMW X1 complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 159 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2016 BMW X1 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 159 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 BMW X1.

recalls

159

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 BMW X1 recalls

Structure: body, roof and pillars

NHTSA campaign 19V349000 · reported May 9, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC · 106,182 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
The risk: In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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 contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Seat belts: front, retractor

NHTSA campaign 16V747000 · reported October 17, 2016 · BMW of North America, LLC · 15,455 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 Locking Retractor (ELR) for the driver's seat may not lock as designed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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.

Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)

NHTSA campaign 15V887000 · reported December 30, 2015 · BMW of North America, LLC · 2 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: A gearbox malfunction may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Unknown or other64
Power train33
Visibility/wiper18
Structure17
Electrical system13
Engine8
Service brakes8
Air bags4
Steering4
Suspension4

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 5, 2026 · Unknown or other
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 health hazards.

Jun 17, 2025 · Engine
- 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 drip effect…

Jun 9, 2025 · Electrical system · 135,400 miles
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 135,400.

Jun 2, 2025 · Unknown or other
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 one that is. The…

Jun 2, 2025 · Visibility/wiper
About 24 months back the sunroof curtain of my BMW X1 started having problems when I retract or operate it. It used to make stretching noises when I tried to open my sunroof and after a few times I heard a crackling noise and before I can stop it the curtain tore. Initially it was a small tear, so it did not bother…

X1 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2013	2	38	2	1
2014	2	55	1	2
2015	2	52	0	4
2016	3	159	1	1
2017	2	156	3	0
2018	4	60	6	2
2019	3	13	1	0

Across all years, the 2016 X1 has the most complaints (159). All BMW X1 years →

Questions

Does the 2016 BMW X1 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 BMW X1, the most recent reported on May 9, 2019 (Structure: body, roof and pillars). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW X1?: Owners have filed 159 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (64 complaints), followed by power train (33).
How many 2016 BMW X1 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 159 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 5, 2026.