2016 BMW X1

Routine

Owners filed 159 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 3 times.

Avoid One of the BMW X1 years to avoid: 2.8× the complaints of a typical X1 year. Which BMW X1 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
42,000 milesMedian miles at failure

35 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,000–50,000 miles.

Most common 2016 BMW X1 problems

29 of the 159 complaints (18%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Unknown or Other57
004
Power Train · transmission26
000
Visibility/Wiper · wipers18
000
Structure › Body · body and frame13
000
Electrical System9
010
Service Brakes · brakes8
000
Engine7
000
Suspension4
000
Air Bags · airbags4
100
Structure › Interior Panels › Ceiling · body and frame2
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars19V349000
Filed May 9, 2019106,182 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. 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.

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor16V747000
Filed Oct 17, 201615,455 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. 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.

Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)15V887000
Filed Dec 30, 20152 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. 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.

Risk. A gearbox malfunction may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. 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.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 5, 2026WA

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.

Engine
Filed Jun 17, 2025WV

- 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. - Steering gear box. This issue remains despite the fact that I replaced struts. For almost a year since I bought the vehicle, there appears to be a clunking type noise especially when going over rail tracks on the road where I am forced to almost come to a complete stop to let the car go over the tracks out of fear of sustaining damage.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Jun 9, 2025135,400 milesVA

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 2, 2025OR

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 vehicle could catch fire if there is a failure of the wiring.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 2, 2025CA

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 much but over time the curtain completely left the guide/rail on one side and started sagging. Given it is a sunroof the curtain is as long as the vehicle and so now it is sagging to a point that it obstructs driver's visibly in back mirror. BMW won't do anything about it saying it is out of warranty and ultimately to avoid accidents I had to remove the curtain completely. I also tried getting it fixed, but the issue is not just the curtain but the rails of the curtain which is a non-replaceable part :( I would have to replace full sunshade assembly which is upwards of $1600. Also, it seems to be a common problem with these vehicles. Here are more examples of it: [XXX] . Please help me and other drivers be safe on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Structure › Interior Panels › Ceiling
Filed May 8, 2025NY

Sunroof shade came off the tracks and is now sagging partially obstructing the view of my rear view mirror, if this sags more or falls off completely I will be unable to see out the rear window and can cause a collision. I see this has been an issue with multiple vehicles and should be addressed with the company immediately.

Power Train
Filed Apr 26, 2025PA

Every time I get in or out of my car, the secure vehicle against rolling indicator light comes on.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 28, 2025TN

Error message when getting in the truck says “Secure vehicle against rolling”.

Power Train
Filed Jan 17, 2025NJ

The car is indicating the I need to press the parking brake to secure the car from rolling after I have placed it in park and pressed the electronic parking brake.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 8, 2025CT

"Secure vehicle from rolling" keeps coming on the dashboard when I turn the car off or put into park.

Tires
Filed Dec 5, 2024TX

225/50 R18. Purchased in March 2024 and tread is already at 4/32 and 5/32 as of Dec 2024 for 2 of them. Tires driven for 13K miles. This is completely unacceptable and unsafe. I believe there is a defect, for tires to be so new and tread to be degrading so quickly.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 4, 2024MD

After I got my 2016 BMW X1 from Service, I heard a rough sound when I reversed the vehicle from Park. After a few days, I noticed my vehicle showing an error saying "Secure Vehicle against rolling" every time I parked the vehicle and advising me to use my hand brake. I then did some search on the web and finally took it for servicing at BMW Rockville, Maryland where the service department is managed by Auto Nation. They gave me a quote for around $2500 to fix this issue. Based on the research of this issue on the web, it looks like a $10 spring malfunction causes this issue. I have less than 55,000 miles on my vehicle. I am not sure if this issue is caused by some incorrect service work performed by Auto Nation The report from Auto Nation is at the link below [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 3, 2024CA

My 2016 X1 is showing in the dashboard a “secure vehicle against rolling” transmission message; the fault is due to a little spring in the selector level which has been reported in other BMW and MINI models. I recently found a report in the NHTSA website related to a 10 year warranty extension for the Mini [XXX] ) but it does not include the X1 model, which suffers from the same type of defect. The warning showed up for the first time on Tuesday [XXX]. I have made an appointment with the car dealer to diagnose the issue. Multiple X1 owners have reported the same issue in multiple forums, for example: [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 19, 2024SC

Warning light stating "Secure vehicle against rolling". Even when the vehicle is in park it could still roll and injure or kill someone.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 7, 2024NY

Message-secure vehicle from rolling

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift
Filed Oct 24, 202446,000 milesNH

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X1. The contact stated that after arriving to the destination and shifting the vehicle into park(P), the message "Secure Vehicle against Rolling Malfunction" was displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission shifter lever control cable. The contact was informed that the transmission shifter lever control cable was abnormally stretched. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.

Power Train
Filed Oct 4, 2024MO

The transmission lock sensor is defective in this car design- the spring in the gearshift assembly that contacts the transmission lock sensor has a faulty design and is prone to breaking. This leads to a warning in the car that the transmission lock has not occurred when the car is in park (although it is actually functioning). This creates a "false alarm" situation that then does not allow the user to know if the transmission is truly locked in park This defect has occurred in my car as diagnosed by both dealer and independent mechanic. This is a common and known defect amongst X1 owners (as well as the mechanical sibling Mini Cooper). It is also well known amongst the BMW dealer service; It should be consider a recall defect

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 30, 2024TX

Sunroof shade ripped off

Electrical System
Filed Aug 25, 2024TX

Received an error message: Transmission. Use parking break to prevent rolling. Dealership said it was the internal gear shift. It didn’t recognize the vehicle was in park. It was an expensive repair because they had to remove the console to fix. Was told it was an issue with my model.

Power Train
Filed Jul 22, 2024OH

Secure vehicle from rolling error. Secure vehicle with parking brake Spring pin broke in side gear shifter.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 22, 2024CA

My car just started showing an error code every time I turn it off or on saying to "Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped" with a transmission status error code but is running perfectly fine.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 17, 2024FL

Every time I start or stop my vehicle I get a notification that shows Transmission: Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult service center. And my console has a hazard warning that shows: Secure vehicle against rolling. This happens every time, even if the car is parked on a completely flat surface in no danger whatsoever of rolling. I've read SEVERAL X1 owners get this message and all state this needs to be a RECALL. They take their vehicles in for service and are told it's between $2500 and $3000 due to a tiny spring that breaks and the selector no longer communicates with the car in the parking position, and because of this there is an error message in dashboard in which warns you to make sure the vehicle is secure

Power Train
Filed Jun 28, 2024MN

Keep getting the following warning "Transmission - secure vehicle with parking brake". It seems this is a known issue relating to a simple spring in the gear shifter that causes the computer to not recognize that the vehicle is in park. It's not only a very expensive repair for such a simple part failure, but also a safety concern in not knowing if the vehicle is secure to park.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 26, 2024MN

During the parking of the vehicle (gearbox shifter in “Park Position") and after turning off the engine, the iDrive system shows the following message: “Secure vehicle with parking brake and have the problem checked by dealership. This happens when I start up the vehicle in park and when turning off the vehicle. Also, when the vehicle is parked on level ground the error will remain even if the parking brake is applied. After turning on the engine again and putting the shifter either in R or D position, the error goes away. Dealership error computer diagnostic shows the code “420106” - Shift Lock solenoid: Selector lever wrongly not locked in Park. I shared with the dealership that this is a manufacturer problem and if they could fix it for free or give me a discount to fix the problem due to safety issues and I was told “No” I have to pay the total cost to repair this problem. Currently I am still driving a vehicle that can increase my risk of injury and the injury of bystanders. I purchased this vehicle after I retired because BMW makes good vehicles and this would be the last car I would purchase in my life.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 17, 2024IL

Steering Geer Box Structure body Roof and Pillars Seat belt retractors Air bags frontal

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 15, 2024IL

Dash keeps reading secure vehicle against rolling. I believe it may be something with the gear shifter.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 4, 2024TX

It is showing "SECURE VEHICLE AGAINST ROLLING". what does this mean? Why would the vehicle roll?!

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 27, 2024CO

Repeatedly getting warnings of "secre vehicle with parking brake"

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 19, 2024WA

Error message stating “secure vehicle from rolling”. This is a common issue with the X1. I’ve found countless complaints of the issue on BMW forums. Dealers are quoting $3000-$3500 for the repairs due to the time it takes to repair. BMW has in some cases acknowledged the issue and provided repair as a goodwill gesture but has yet to issue a recall for this known issue.

Power Train
Filed Feb 10, 2024MA

Secure vehicle against rolling error displayed despite the fact the car is securely in Park. Issue is a broke $1 spring inside the gearshifter that requires $4000 to fix at dealership. This is a poor quality issue driving a cash cow at the dealership ls with many people complaining online about this issue. It should be a recall

Power Train
Filed Jan 24, 2024WA

Please note that this is NOT the result of an accident. The car is a 2016 BMW X1 model which we have purchased in July 2020 as a BMW certified vehicle from a BMW dealer. Starting in December 2023 the car dashboard shows a warning light saying Secure Vehicle from Rolling. I have read that is it due to a broken pin in the transmission and it seems a common problem in 2016-17 BMWs X1 . BMW should have issued a recall . Again, there was NO accident.

Suspension
Filed Jan 18, 2024CO

Front left strut and right motor mount failed at less than 40K miles. Vehicle was not driven off road and was not in any accidents. This seems extremely early for such a failure. BMW dealer noted there was a "bulletin" on this model that if one strut failed, the pair should be replaced. It seems there may be a larger issue and possibly the need for a safety recall. Water pump also failed

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 5, 2024MA

When turning car on and off error message “Secure Vehicle against rolling”. Everything shifts completely fine in the car, the parking brake engages and the car shifts into park fine. I’ve been told by dealer to bring in for $199 to do an assessment. I see on line this is a common issue and dealers charge between $2000 and $3000 to repair. I submit that this issue should be corrected by BMW through a recall.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 26, 2023SC

The following warning came up on my car: secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult service center. The problem is a gear selector replacement. This small faulty spring costs only $10 but because of where it is located in the car will cost close to $4,000 to fix; it’s a well-known problem in X1s. This should be recalled.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 26, 2023TN

Secure transmission from rolling light keeps coming on when I try to get out of park. ….drive shifter needs to be replaced. Estimated $2400!!!!! This should be a recall issue. .

Power Train
Filed Dec 20, 2023CA

Many X1 owners have reported the "Secure Vehicle Against Rolling Error" online in forums once the vehicle hits 100K miles. BMW is charging customers over $3K to fix a worn out spring that costs less than $10 on eBay. This should be under recall!

Suspension
Filed Dec 15, 2023WA

2016 BMW X1 - 16,500 miles. When the car is in idle and the wheel is turned left or right it makes a groaning sound. The dealer says the strut mounts failed, and they need to take out the spring shocks, replace the mounts, and realign the vehicle. The vehicle is out of warranty (warranty was 4 yrs or 50,000 miles). When I look on BMW forums I see numerous other X1 owners had this issue at low mileages such as 300, 5000, 7000, 18000, 25000, etc miles. And that on 11/1/16 BMW knew of this defective part, that affected vehicles produced from 7/1/15 to 9/29/16, and issued TSB: SI B31 05 16. However, BMW did not notify owners of the defective part so it could be repaired while the car was under warranty.

Engine
Filed Dec 13, 2023CA

Having an issue with the warning light saying Secure Vehicle from Rolling. gear selector replacement Needed. Shifter Linkage needed replacing

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 4, 2023CA

The power sunshade came loose and dropped one side of the sunshade to the drivers side because it came loose

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 1, 2023FL

Warning - Transmission: Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 20, 2023FL

Im having a message on my bmw states “ secure vehicle against rolling”

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 17, 2023NC

Visor screen covering sunroof. The driver side of screen is partially ripped from track.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 14, 2023MA

I am receiving the secure vehicle against rolling error message. I will be researching how to fix.

Power Train
Filed Oct 18, 2023CA

During the parking of my vehicles (gearbox shifter in P position) and after turning off the engine, the iDrive system shows the following messages: "Transmission: Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult service center." This happens each and every time and also when the vehicle is parked on level ground the error will remain even if the parking brake is applied. After turning on the engine again and putting the shifter either in R or D position, the error goes away. I have ever come to dealer for help, but they charge 300$ for any diagnosis. So I went to a local BMW body shop, and they are able to reproduce it and couldn't fix it completely. After studying this issue on one of the biggest BMW global forums - [XXX] , I came to the opinion that the problem most likely is either in weak design of the gearbox shifter unit or in the gearbox mechatronic unit and unfortunately is a common problem for BMW models. I'm concerned that BMW hasn’t announced any recall procedure, despite the fact that both of the units mentioned are quite expensive and definitely shouldn’t appear after such low odometer readings that are displayed. Other than me, many BMW X1 owners are experiencing the same issue: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 15, 2023WA

Dash displays: “secure vehicle with parking break when stopped. Consult service center.” Apparently this is an ongoing issue with the 2016 X1 and is a relatively simple fix albeit, costs an insane amount of money. This should be a recall.

Power Train
Filed Oct 10, 2023ME

On 6/27/23 the car dealership confirmed that the emergency brake sensor has broken and the car now misinforms the driver of whether the emergency brake has been activated. This had been an Issue for a few months. The display screen informs the driver that the brake is not activated, even if it has been activated. The result of this is that a driver may start to ignore the incorrect warning and may cause a driver to get confused regarding whether the brake is activated. A failure to properly activate an emergency brake could result in life threatening injuries. The car was taken to the dealer who confirmed the above problem with the sensor. I explored online blogs and found that many other X1 BMW owners have experienced similar issues. It looks as if this is a failing of the sensor system in this model car.

Power Train
Filed Oct 7, 2023NJ

Every time I put the car in park It warns me “secure the vehicle against rolling”. I have done extensive research that this is a simple spring located in the gear box. This is something that all X1 have issues with. It should be covered as a RECALL.

Engine
Filed Sep 29, 202342,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X1. The contact stated that while having a routine inspection at the local dealer, the mechanic informed her that the engine mounts had failed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, BMW of Sarasota (5151 Clark Rd., Sarasota, FL 34233) for a battery replacement. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine mounts had failed again at 65,000. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a discount on the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 25, 2023SC

Per internet, very common problem. Gear box problem that prevents car from automatically going into Park when rolling, doors open, etc....there is a message warning driver to secure car by parkiing brake to prevent from rolling. Thousands of dollars to repair per internet ( i understand the problems with internet info) but multiple discussions on line. BMW x1 2016, 35k miles. Multiple mechanics on line state that it results from a broken spring, but 3000.00 labor to open and remove gear box to repair the spring. Any recourse? thanks for any info.....

Power Train
Filed Sep 14, 2023PA

The gear selector spring is defective. An error message comes up on the screen each time the car is turned on with an error related to the transmission. I have had BMW inspect the vehicle and determine there is a sensor issue broken, but the vehicle works. The gear selector spring causes this error and the error pops up and overrides safety features such as the camera when backing up.

Complaints 1-50 of 159, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2016
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20261200Routine
202517310Routine
202430300Routine
202371600Routine
20221200Routine
202110100Routine
202013110Routine
201913300Routine
201860420Routine
2017156200Routine
2016 — this page159310Routine
201552240Routine
201455220Routine
201338210Routine
20120100Routine

Compare every X1 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 9, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.