Despite above-average reliability scores from J.D. Power, 2017 BMW X1 owners report problems with their vehicle’s tailgate and air conditioning system.

The BMW X1 blends sedan-style stability with the convenience of all-wheel drive, best-in-class cargo capacity, and a luxurious cabin. This small but sporty crossover comes with a turbocharged engine that makes it lots of fun to drive, and includes plenty of luxe features like a touchscreen infotainment system, driver-assistance tech, and leather upholstery.

All those features make the 2017 BMW X1 a great pick, but this small SUV has a few quirks you should know about. In this guide from

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BMW X1 insurance cost

The most common 2017 BMW X1 problems

Let’s talk about the good news first. When comparing the 2017 BMW X1 to similar vehicles from the same model year, it has comparatively few complaints. It also earned a higher-than-average reliability rating from J.D. Power and performed well enough on crash tests to be named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

In general, the 2017 X1 should be considered a reliable car, but it’s prone to a few problems that inconvenience its drivers. The most common issue reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (

NHTSA

) has to do with the car’s power liftgate. Some drivers experienced their tailgate automatically opening or closing on its own, even if they hadn’t pressed the activation button on their keyfob or used the electronic foot sensor.

Most reports are for the tailgate coming down as drivers were trying to load or unload their car, but there are also a few reports of the tailgate opening while driving. While this usually isn’t dangerous, it could be a major nuisance to drivers who keep small items in their vehicle’s cargo area or those who travel with pets.

Here are some other common complaints about the 2017 BMW X1:

The air conditioning emits a foul smell after changing the

air filters

The “secure vehicle from rolling” warning comes on when the car is on level ground.

The engine stalling in cold weather.

Excessive road noise.

Thankfully, these problems are more irritating than they are unsafe, but it’s always a good idea to be aware of potential issues before purchasing a used car.

There have been two recalls issued for the 2017 BMW X1, which address the following problems:

The seat belt locking mechanism could fail.

The car’s front B-pillar may not offer adequate impact absorption in the event of an accident.

If you own a 2017 BMW X1 and weren’t aware of these recalls, simply bring your car to a BMW dealership to have it fixed for free.

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Is the 2017 BMW X1 reliable?

Despite having a few problems and recalls under its belt, the 2017 BMW X1 earns average or above-average reliability scores, depending on the source. According to RepairPal.com, the 2017 X1 came in at #6 out of 11 luxury compact SUVs and earned a reliability rating of 3.5/5, while J.D. Power gave it a 76/100 rating for quality and reliability.

Those ratings are far from embarrassing, but drivers that prioritize low repair costs might be better off with something like the 2017 Buick Encore, which earned a score of 87/100 from J.D. Power and a 4/5 from RepairPal.com.

On average, the 2017 BMW X1 costs drivers about $824 per year in

car repairs

and maintenance. With that number, you might assume the 2017 X1 needs more frequent repairs than some other luxury-brand small SUVs.

MORE:

A complete guide to BMW safety ratings

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