2016 BMW X1 Sav recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. 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.
What could happen: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 X1 SAV.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V062000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: 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.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2016 BMW X1 Sav owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (1), Seats (1), Vehicle Speed Control (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
04/23/2019 · Electrical system · fire
WHEN I EXTEND THE PASSENGER SEAT ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK, THE FUSE BLOWS UP. THERE ARE SPARKS UNDER THE SEAT. AFTER THAT ALL THE BUTTONS TOWARDS PASSENGER SEAT ARE NOT RESPONSIVE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SAME DAY AND THEY FIXED IT ON THE SAME DAY BY REPLACING THE FUSE. AS SOON AS I GOT THE CAR, I TRIED EXTENDING THE SEAT AND FUSE BLOWS UP AGAIN. THE DEALER…
11/07/2018 · Vehicle Speed Control
OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL IS ACTIVE, THE COLLISION WARNING WILL LIGHT AND THE BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NOTHING IN FRONT OF THE CAR. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON A STRAIGHT, FLAT ROAD WITH NO SHADOWS, UNDULATIONS, OR CARS ANYWHERE IN SIGHT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD SINCE IT HAS HAPPENED WITH CARS TRAVELING IMMEDIATELY…
11/18/2017 · Transmission / drivetrain
2016 BMW X1 XDRIVE 28I HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AT RANDOM TIMES. THE DELAY CAN TAKE UP TO 1 SECOND BEFORE THE ACCELERATOR RESPONDS AND THE VEHICLE STARTS MOVING. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN TRYING TO MERGE WITH TRAFFIC.
10/30/2017 · Airbags · crash
ON 10/28, MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL OFFSET HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A CHEVY SILVERADO. THE IMPACT OCCURRED INSIDE OF A TURNING LANE WHERE THE CHEVY WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 15 MPH, AND MY DAUGHTER BEGAN ACCELERATING OUT OF THE TURN LANE AT 5-10MPH WHEN THEY COLLIDED. THE SILVERADO'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, THE BMWS DID NOT. NO FRONT AIRBAGS OR KNEE AIRBAGS…