2017 BMW X1: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 163 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (37% of complaints); the 2015 and 2018 and 2019 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall May 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 163 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2025
“My car suddenly displayed a drivetrain malfunction error, and I cannot identify the reason because the car was driving normally in a residential area.”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“My 2017 BMW X1 has a faulty gear selector torsion spring that triggers a "secure vehicle against rolling" warning. This is a known issue that MINI has acknowledged and extended warranty coverage for, despite using the same part. Many BMW owners are experiencing the same failure, which could lead to a rollaway risk if not addressed. BMW should issue a recall or extend coverage for affected vehicles.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2025
“On [XXX] [XXX] was operating her 2017 BMW X1 traveling northbound on [XXX]. While driving in the middle lane, her vehicle was struck on the right side. The point of impact was the right front passenger side, extending toward the rear passenger area. The force of the collision was significant enough to eject the right front passenger tire from the vehicle. Despite the severity of the impact, the right front passenger airbag failed to deploy. As a result of the collision and the car's failure to properly respond to the crash, [XXX] sustained injuries that required hospitalization. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2025
“X1 gear shifter is causing a Transmission waring - and comment to secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult Service center. I have spoken with BMW mechanic and other mechanic who have stated that it is common issue with X1 and Mini's that use same shifter. A spring breaks off in the shifter. Mini - issued a large warranty extension but it appears BMW has not.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2025
“The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was briefly stranded in the middle of the roadway, but the vehicle was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the radiator fan was cycling on max, and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle was extremely low on coolant. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2025
“Gear selector issue that seems very common on all BMW X1 at similar intervals, but it is a faulty wire not an actual drive or safety issue. Car can't seem to understand when gear is shifted to park and gives warning to engage parking brake.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2025
“My water pump went bad and overheated my engine, resulting in a repair cost of over $4,000 for a 2017 BMW X1. Needed repairs are: Water Pump, Remove & Replace Drive Belt Tensione, OEM , OE Replacement, and New Engine Water Pump.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2025
“Car displays a warning stating to ''secure vehicle with parking brake to prevent it from rolling away, Consult Service." This is a common issue with at least this model of vehicle and it's shared "sister" car the Mini cooper. The Mini cooper does have an "extended warranty" to cover the repair of the faulty $3.00 spring that malforms. Here is link to mini's notification [XXX] The repair at BMW is $2600??? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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."
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
How other years compare
Check your exact X1 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2017 BMW X1 reliable?
NHTSA has 163 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2017 BMW X1. The most complained-about area is power train (37% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2017 BMW X1 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 13,326 miles or less.
Does the 2017 BMW X1 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:retractor. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.