2016 BMW X1 Problems
Compared with other BMW X1 years
Typical for this model
57/100 1.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.2× that of a typical BMW X1 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 10 of its 159 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Secure Vehicle Against Rolling warning (gear selector) (67 complaints, median 67,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2013, 2014, 2015
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 159filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles, 35 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl AWD · 22 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 BMW X1 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 2016 X1 most often report a "Secure Vehicle Against Rolling" warning tied to the gear selector assembly, frequently appearing while parked or at shutdown, and panoramic sunroof shade failures where the fabric separates from its track and hangs into the cabin. Engine mount failures and a musty odor from the air conditioning vents also recur in the sample, and complaints describing the shifter message span a wide mileage range, with many reported well past 40,000 miles.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Panoramic sunroof shade detaching and sagging
- 52 complaints (33%)
- median 45,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $2,500 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2020–2025
Complaints describe the fabric sunshade separating from its frame or coming off the track, bunching up, and hanging into the cabin, sometimes while driving. Owners say it obstructs the rear view and lets sun into the cabin, and that dealers often quote a full sunroof assembly repair in the $2,000-$2,600 range, with some being told it is not covered as a cosmetic item. Reported from about 7,000 to 76,000 miles, often in warm climates and after the vehicle has sat outside.
What to check: Open and fully close the shade several times and look at both edges for separation, sagging, or bunched fabric. Ask whether the sunroof assembly or shade has been replaced and whether any warranty coverage remains.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving I opened my sunroof shade cover and heard a crackling noise turned around and it was all bundled up. The cover ripped off on one side. The untimely failure of the shade blind left it sagging/hanging and blocking my view as the driver while operating the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11406831, filed 2021-04, 45,000 miles“I went to open my panoramic sunroof shade and it completely came off the track on one side. The vehicle was in park but turned on, as I was getting ready to leave for the day.”
NHTSA complaint #11343146, filed 2020-08, 42,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Secure Vehicle Against Rolling warning (gear selector)
- 67 complaints (42%)
- median 67,000 mi at 7.4 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- owner-quoted repair $2,600 (median of 12 quotes)
- filed 2021–2025
Owners describe a warning chime and a message telling them to set the parking brake and consult a service center, usually appearing after shifting into park or when starting the car. Several report a dealer or independent shop diagnosed a worn spring, stretched shifter cable, or failed selector lever assembly, with repair quotes commonly in the low thousands. Some owners state the vehicle otherwise drove and shifted normally once the message was cleared. Reported from roughly 44,000 to 140,000 miles, most commonly once the vehicle is several years old.
What to check: Ask whether the shifter assembly or selector spring has been replaced, and have a pre-purchase scan check for stored selector lever fault codes. Note that a warranty program has been extended for a related gearshift interlock part, so confirm coverage with a dealer by VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Unknown, design fault! I’m having an issue with the warning light saying Secure Vehicle from Rolling every time I turn on/off my car. My main menu or radio doesn’t appear until I confirm notice about the parking brake. There were no warnings before this it just toned and has been consistent every time. The dealer says it may be a small spring in the gear box, while the gears are working good.”
NHTSA complaint #11483712, filed 2022-09“Hello, the purpose of me writing to you today is to submit a request about my 2016 BMW X1. I researched the problem and it seem to be a normal problem or recall on these particular vehicles. My X1 currently has an error message stating secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult service center. My BMW was completely fine until now. Since this is a common issue with this particular model that it should be covered under BMW. …”
NHTSA complaint #11508884, filed 2023-02
Buying note. Check the sunroof shade operation and scan for shifter-related fault codes before buying, since both are the most frequently reported items and repairs can be costly. Confirm with a dealer whether the extended warranty program for the gearshift interlock applies to the specific vehicle.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 159 consumer complaints for the 2016 BMW X1. 35 of the complaints include a mileage, and 71% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 42,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 219 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 6 BMW X1 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 57 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown64 40%
- Body and structure17 11%
- Electrical system13 8.2%
- Brakes8 5.0%
- Engine8 5.0%
- Air bags4 2.5%
- Steering4 2.5%
- Suspension4 2.5%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (3), Seat belts (2), Exterior lighting (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Fuel system (1), Lane departure (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “I departed my house and got onto the west park toll way. After driving for a few miles, I heard like an explosion. Under panic, I realized that the sunroof had shattered. I was traveling at about 65mph and no one was ahead of me or adjacent to me. There was a pickup truck behind me about safe following distance.”
NHTSA complaint #11327191, filed 2020-06, 22,800 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I am receiving a ,Secure vehicle against rolling Secure vehicle with parking brake when stationary. Have the problem checked by Service. The following message displays every time I turn vehicle off “Transmission: Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped.” The error message remains even when parked on level ground or when the parking brake is engaged.”
NHTSA complaint #11541803, filed 2023-08Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “The sun shade that covers the moonroof from the interior came apart on the passenger side, causing it to hang into the cabin. This occurred by itself without operating the vehicle or sun shade. The vehicle had been stationary for several days, parked outside in an uncovered private parking space. Bmw is claiming this is not covered by warranty, despite several other owners having the same exact issue. It's clear this is a manufacturing defect. Repair cost is $2,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11331966, filed 2020-07, 36,000 milesBody and structure: “I bought the car from the car shack in hialeah,fl and it did not have the middle hood latch and I had a accident because of it. It happen while I was driving home with my family at 45 MPH that the hood of the car came up and it went against my front window and it damage my hood and part of my car roof. This happen around 6:35 pm. Going west on nw 74 street just east of 72 ave.”
NHTSA complaint #11089765, filed 2018-04, 33,803 milesMileage when problems were reported
71% of the 35 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 18,800 and 53,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 BMW X1 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X1 xDrive28i AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 22 | 31 | 25 | $3,300 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 19V349000May 9, 2019Structure › Body › Roof and pillarsCovers: BMW X1 2016–2019
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…
- 16V747000Oct 17, 2016Seat belts › Front › RetractorCovers: BMW X1 2016–2017, MINI Cooper S 2016–2017, Cooper Convertible 2016 +3 more
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…
- 15V887000Dec 30, 2015Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)Covers: BMW X1 2016, MINI Cooper Convertible 2016
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…
Recall details for the 2016 BMW X1 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 219 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11021117Jul 31, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. The limited warranty for the automatic transmissions Selector Lever Magnetic Shift Interlock Mechanism (Gearshift lug assembly portion) has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles, as determined…
- 11009005Oct 12, 2024Electrical system. The “End of life” or “Emergency call system error” Check Control message appears in the vehicle. The following fault memory entry is stored: B7F341 – Emergency battery: Hardware faulty
- 11008102Sep 16, 2024Engine. For this vehicle, the EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles, from the original 10 years/120,000 miles…
- 10249435Jan 19, 2024Body and structure. Customer complains of a musty odor or damp front footwell carpet.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024Electrical system. The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers…
- 10247567Dec 20, 2023Engine cooling, Fuel system. Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel…
- 10247576Dec 11, 2023Seats. Customer states one of the front seats is inoperative. The seat heater and power supply are inoperative .During the vehicle test, the seat module does not respond. The power supply fuse for the seat…
- 10247578Dec 8, 2023Electrical system. When using the Key Reader to retrieve CBS information from the customer key, no current vehicle data is available, or the data does not match the maintenance schedule.
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Equipment, Electrical system. Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation…
- 10245368Nov 17, 2023Engine cooling, Electrical system. Vehicle exhibits a slight acceleration delay when taking off from a MSA (automatic engine start-stopfunction) stop.
Other model years of the BMW X1
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 17 | 2,650 | 3 | 4 | 28 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 30 | 7,000 | 3 | 4 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 70 | 8,000 | 6 | 4 | 28 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2021 | 10 | 47,000 | 1 | 5 | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 13 | 35,000 | 1 | 5 | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 13 | 39,673 | 3 | 5 | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 60 | 13,000 | 4 | 5 | 26 | 85 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 156 | 50,210 | 2 | — | 26 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 159 | 42,000 | 3 | — | 25 | 57 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 52 | 90,000 | 2 | — | 26 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2014 | 55 | 90,000 | 2 | — | 26 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2013 | 38 | 96,000 | 2 | — | 27 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
All BMW X1 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW X1?
Owners of this 2016 X1 most often report a "Secure Vehicle Against Rolling" warning tied to the gear selector assembly, frequently appearing while parked or at shutdown, and panoramic sunroof shade failures where the fabric separates from its track and hangs into the cabin. The issues reported most often: Panoramic sunroof shade detaching and sagging; Secure Vehicle Against Rolling warning (gear selector).
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 BMW X1 have?
NHTSA recorded 159 consumer complaints for the 2016 BMW X1 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 BMW X1 is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 64 complaints (40% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 33.
Has the 2016 BMW X1 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 BMW X1 get?
The EPA rates the 2016 BMW X1 (X1 xDrive28i, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 BMW X1 reported?
Among the 35 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 42,000 miles and the middle half falls between 18,800 and 53,000 miles; 71% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.