The Most Common 2016 BMW X1 Problems
Aside from uncomfortable seats, the 2016 BMW X1’s most common problems are safety recalls for the seat belts, airbags, and structural integrity.
Written by Zachary Morgan
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
The biggest problem with the 2016 BMW X1 has to do with the luxury SUV’s questionable structural integrity during a collision, but it’s also plagued with minor issues like uncomfortable seats.
- Four major recalls affect the 2016 BMW X1, including seat belt and airbag problems.
- X1 owners report minor issues like uncomfortable seats and audio system inconsistencies.
- The X1 was selected by Edmunds as one of the best luxury SUVs of 2016.
- Four major recalls affect the 2016 BMW X1, including seat belt and airbag problems.
- X1 owners report minor issues like uncomfortable seats and audio system inconsistencies.
- The X1 was selected by Edmunds as one of the best luxury SUVs of 2016.
The most common 2016 BMW X1 problems
Even with precision German engineering, the 2016 X1 is not perfect. While it’s not going to burst into flames or anything like that, there are four recalls and other minor issues that deserve your attention.
Recall for poor crash safety: The B pillar structural part of the vehicle could pose a danger to the driver or passengers in the event of a collision.
It was found to be incapable of absorbing enough impact during a crash, which means that it could strike the driver’s head or even send shards of metal spinning through the cabin.
Recall for seat belt locking: The seatbelt’s Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) can activate at an awkward position for the driver and possibly increase the likelihood of injury.
Recall for
gearbox
malfunction: An issue with the gearbox could result in loss of vehicle control and a higher risk of a crash.Recall for airbag deployment: Some X1s have a problem with the inflator module, which could prevent the airbag from deploying in an accident.
Note that not all X1s are affected by these recalls. For instance, some only apply to the BMW X1 xDrive28i. Recall car problems can be fixed for free if you bring your crossover into a BMW dealership.
Finally, as with any other car, there are also smaller issues that aren’t safety concerns but still get on drivers’ nerves.
Other common issues with the 2016 model year X1 include:
- Rattling from engine mount
- Uncomfortable front seats and rear seats
- Issues with audio and infotainment system
- Fuel economy and mpg aren’t quite as advertised
- Malfunctioning fuel pump
- Tailgate closing involuntarily
- Air conditioning, cooling system, and coolant problems
If the Check Engine Light comes on, you may simply need an
oil change
—or it may be overheating due to a faulty gasket. If you pay attention to warning lights and stay on top of regular maintenance, you can avoid most preventable problems.Remember that a new car comes with a warranty. If your car is misbehaving, by all means run some diagnostics—but do check your warranty before paying out-of-pocket for repairs.
Is the 2016 BMW X1 reliable?
Despite everything you just read, the 2016 BMW X1 has above-average reliability scores for its class.
RepairPal: Average 3.5/5 reliability rating
J.D. Power: 79/100 for reliability.
These ratings are pretty darn good—for a luxury SUV, at least. However, it’s a bit of unspoken wisdom that luxury SUVs can’t really compete with their more affordable alternatives when it comes to dependability.
Compare to Toyota: Take a
Toyota RAV4
, for instance. It has a 4.0/5 from RepairPal and an 86/100 from J.D. Power, but still costs thousands and thousands of dollars less than an X1.Compare to Lexus: The Lexus UX (2021 model year) also earns a 4.0/5 from RepairPal—plus it gets a five-star rating from the NHTSA.
Compare to Volvo: The Volvo XC40 has a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA along with a 9.5/10 rating from Car and Driver for recent model years.
With high average annual
car repair
costs, the X1 is (like most BMWs) pretty expensive to maintain, usually costing somewhere around $1,000 a year. Plus, car insurance for a BMW
might be more expensive than average.In the end, the X1 might be a good choice for a used car if you’re interested in a compact luxury SUV with nimble handling and class-leading cargo storage space.
It might lack a six-cylinder engine option and fall a bit behind in terms of fuel economy, but the X1 combines speed, athleticism, and spaciousness in an attractive luxury package that is sure to dazzle.
If you’re looking at a used 2016 X1 for sale, ask to see maintenance records and ensure the recalls have been handled properly. And remember that not all X1s have a sunroof!
“Because I have a luxury car, I was more interested in finding better coverage than the exact price.Jerryhelped me upgrade my policy, and when my record is cleared next year, I will be using Jerry again to choose an even cheaper plan!” —Paige W.
Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Get ahead of my car maintenance
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
4.7You might also be interested
We value your privacy
