2016 BMW X1 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
92/100
#2 most-complained of 14 X1 years
The 2016 BMW X1 ranks 2nd worst out of 14 model years, with a Complaint Index of 92, 163 complaints, and 4 recalls. Transmission and powertrain issues lead at 21% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 36,000 miles overall.
- Complaints
- 163
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 31 hwy
Top 2016 BMW X1 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other64 (39%)
- Transmission & Powertrain34 (21%)
- Visibility & Wipers20 (12%)
- Structure & Body18 (11%)
- Electrical System15 (9%)
- Engine11 (7%)
- Brakes8 (5%)
- Airbags5 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (3%)
- Steering4 (2%)
What owners report
- Steering wheel vibrates without warning when the air conditioner runs at full capacity.
- Steering locks up briefly while turning, then resolves after restarting the ignition.
- Vehicle hesitates for one to three seconds when accelerating from a stop, creating a dangerous merging situation.
- Passenger seat electrical fuse blows and sparks when the seat is moved fully back, disabling nearby buttons.
- Hands-free tailgate closes unintentionally while loading or unloading cargo, striking the person underneath.
- Front and knee airbags fail to deploy in a frontal collision.
2016 BMW X1 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V349000May 9, 2019Structure & Body106,182 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
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."
Risk: 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 contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 17V062000Jan 26, 2017Airbags16,771 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 X1 xDrive28i and X1 sDrive28i vehicles. The affected vehicles have an instrument panel that may not allow the front passenger air bag to deploy properly in the event of a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 16V747000Oct 17, 2016Seat Belts15,455 vehicles
Seat belts:front:retractor
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."
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.
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.
2016 BMW X1 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,200
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other X1 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 BMW X1 a bad year?
- Compared to other X1 model years, 2016 ranks 2nd worst with a Complaint Index of 92 and a verdict of Avoid. It has 163 complaints, 2 crashes, and 2 fires reported to NHTSA.
- What is the top problem area for the 2016 BMW X1?
- Transmission and Powertrain issues are the top problem area, accounting for 21% of complaints (34 total), with a median mileage at failure of 56,500 miles.
- Does the 2016 BMW X1 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 X1, covering Structure & Body, Airbags, Seat Belts, and Steering components. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2016 X1 compare to the 2017 X1?
- The 2017 X1 has a Complaint Index of 100 and is also rated Avoid, slightly worse than the 2016 X1's Complaint Index of 92.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2016 BMW X1?
- The 2016 X1 gets 25 mpg combined (22 city / 31 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $3,200 according to EPA data.