The Lemon Index2016 BMW X1.
The 2016 BMW X1 is better than average by owner complaints: 21 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 76, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 25 mpg combined. The best BMW X1 year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 163 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X1 year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 17K to 51K miles on the car (38 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- body structure 2019
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.
- seat belts 2016
The vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism of the seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for the driver's seat may not lock as designed.
- steering 2015
A gearbox malfunction may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 218 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Creaking noises when driving on rough road
- "headlight assemblies have visible internal moisture/condensation
- Driver's seat groans/creaks under load
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2016 BMW X1 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 76; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X1 year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2016 BMW X1 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (33%), speed control (14%) and airbags (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 BMW X1 have?
3 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 BMW X1 get?
25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2016 BMW X1 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 17,800 and 51,500 miles. The middle report was at 36,000 miles, from 38 complaints.
Does the 2016 BMW X1 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 BMW X1 cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 BMW X1 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What BMW X1 year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2017 and 2016.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works