2017 BMW X1 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 BMW X1, most often about transmission & drivetrain. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
145
Recalls
2
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
10
Median mileage
54,105 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Transmission & Drivetrain is the most-reported problem area, named in 57 of 145 complaints (39%).
  • Brakes (26) and electrical system (24) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 54,105 mi.
  • Owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires and 10 injuries.
  • The 2017 BMW X1 has 2 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It has the most serious complaint record of all 14 BMW X1 model years we track.

2017 BMW X1 problems by category

  • 57 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    48 complaints
  • 26 complaints
  • 24 complaints
  • Engine
    14 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    12 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    8 complaints
  • Suspension
    3 complaints
  • Airbags · 2 crashes
    2 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Power train50
Unknown or other48
Service brakes26
Electrical system24
Engine12
Structure:body11
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift4
Back over prevention: warnings4

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k410k–30k330k–60k460k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2017 BMW X1 complaints that list mileage.

2017 BMW X1 recalls (2)

  • Recall 19V349000May 9, 2019106,182 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.

  • Recall 16V747000Oct 17, 201615,455 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open

    Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C…

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2017 BMW X1 SUV AWDNot RatedNot RatedNot RatedNot Rated
2017 BMW X1 SUV RWDNot RatedNot RatedNot RatedNot Rated

Recent 2017 BMW X1 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 9, 2026FLBrakesOther / Unknown
    I am reporting a recurring safety warning on my 2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i. The vehicle repeatedly displays the message “Secure vehicle against rolling” on the dashboard even though the gear selector indicates that the vehicle is in Park. A diagnostic scan with BlueDriver also recorded BMW fault code 420106 – “Shift Lock Solenoid: Unlock stuck.” The warning has returned multiple times and appears to indicate a problem with the vehicle’s Park/shift-lock or parking-lock recognition…
    NHTSA complaint #11762954 · source
  2. Filed Jul 24, 2026VAEngine
    The BMX1 overheated while parked and on with no warning of any levels being low or any obvious issues for it to overheat. I just saw the starter and overheated recall which led me to check my suv.
    NHTSA complaint #11752650 · source
  3. Filed Mar 20, 2026INBrakesEngineSuspension
    What You’re Noticing (and Why It Matters) 1. Engine Mounts Wearing Out Engine mounts can wear over time, but premature failure (early loosening, vibration, clunking) can point to: Defective parts Poor design for that model year This is a common complaint in some BMW models, especially as mileage increases. 2. Brake System & Sensor Issues Warning lights staying on even after replacing sensors can mean: Faulty wiring or control module (not just the sensor itself) Ongoing…
    NHTSA complaint #11725881 · source
  4. Filed Nov 26, 2025OHBrakesEngineWheels & Tires
    I am writing to formally file a report regarding the severe mechanical damage to the vehicle I purchased on June 14th, 2024, identified as A 2017 BMW- X1 sDrive28i, with VIN NUMBER [XXX] . It has come to my attention that this damage was not disclosed at the time of purchase, which constitutes a violation of consumer protection laws. As a consumer, I have the right to receive truthful and accurate information about the products I purchase. The failure to disclose significant…
    NHTSA complaint #11701704 · source
  5. Filed Oct 7, 2025TNBrakes
    Every time I get in the vehicle or turn the vehicle off I get a message "Secure vehicle against rolling contact service specialist". Even if I press the emergency brake it still continues, this appears to be a known problem with the BMW X1 and not sure if it will cause my car to roll away.
    NHTSA complaint #11691848 · source
  6. Filed Aug 16, 2025MASuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain
    My car suddenly displayed a drivetrain malfunction error, and I cannot identify the reason because the car was driving normally in a residential area.
    NHTSA complaint #11681098 · source
  7. Filed Aug 14, 2025MIEngine
    Pressure tested cooling system, found oil filter housing to be leaking coolant, replace oil filter housing with both sets of gaskets
    NHTSA complaint #11680778 · source
  8. Filed Jul 30, 202560,000 miAZEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact received a notification letter of BMW Campaign Number: SIB 01 02 24(Evap System Purge(Vent) Valve Extended Limited Warranty). The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle hesitated and vibrated while the engine revved. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon shifting to drive(D), the vehicle responded as intended. The vehicle was taken to a collision center, where an unknown diagnosis was made, and an…
    NHTSA complaint #11677270 · source

Compare the 2017 BMW X1 with another vehicle →

Other 2017 BMW models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology