Most common 2017 BMW X1 problems
Share of the 164 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW X1 complaints by model year
Best X1 years: 2022, 2021, 2019. Years to avoid: 2023, 2024, 2016, 2017, 2025. Compare all years →
2017 BMW X1 recalls (4)
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
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.
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
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.
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.
Air bags
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S,…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seat belts › Front › Retractor
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2017 BMW X1:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2017 BMW X1 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 57 →
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact received a notification letter of BMW Campaign Number: SIB 01 02 24(Evap System Purge(Vent) Valve Extended Limited Warranty). The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle hesitated and vibrated while the engine revved. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon shifting to drive(D), the vehicle responded as intended. The vehicle was taken to a collision center, where an unknown diagnosis was made, and an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the warning message "Secure Vehicle with Parking Brake" illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle; however, he would engage the parking brake whenever he was parking the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the solenoid and spring had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
Brakes all 27 →
I am reporting a recurring safety warning on my 2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i. The vehicle repeatedly displays the message "Secure vehicle against rolling" on the dashboard even though the gear selector indicates that the vehicle is in Park. A diagnostic scan with BlueDriver also recorded BMW fault code 420106 - "Shift Lock Solenoid: Unlock stuck." The warning has returned multiple times and appears to indicate a problem with the vehicle's Park/shift-lock or parking-lock recognition system. Because this warning concerns the possibility of the vehicle rolling while parked, I consider it a potential safety issue. Until the problem is diagnosed and repaired, I have been using the electronic parking brake every time I park as an additional precaution. The vehicle otherwise recognizes the Park position and has remained drivable, but the warning continues to reappear. …
I am writing to formally file a report regarding the severe mechanical damage to the vehicle I purchased on June 14th, 2024, identified as A 2017 BMW- X1 sDrive28i, with VIN NUMBER [redacted] . It has come to my attention that this damage was not disclosed at the time of purchase, which constitutes a violation of consumer protection laws. As a consumer, I have the right to receive truthful and accurate information about the products I purchase. The failure to disclose significant mechanical issues is a violation of the Federal Trade Commission's regulations and applicable state consumer protection laws, including the prohibition against deceptive acts and practices. This vehicle poses as a safety risk to myself, and other's. Specifically, I have experienced the following issues with the vehicle: 1. Leaking oil 2. Loud engine. 3. Overheating. 4. Suspension issues. 5. …
Electrical system all 25 →
I am getting the same message as others before me: "Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult service center." This occurs when I begin to engage the car and prior to exiting the car. It's been sending that message for a couple of months now. At the beginning of drive time, the rear camera does not engage until I acknowledge the parking brake message and press the dial down on the center console. Of course, I wonder, "Is the car actually in Park and the computer just doesn't recognize it?" or "Am I actually at risk because the car is NOT in Park and at risk of rolling until I engage the parking brake?" Could we at least have THAT answered? Service rep at dealership engaged my key fob but couldn't tell me anything about the issue... until I allowed diagnostics at a cost of almost $250. …
"Secure vehicle against rolling" warning light comes on when vehicle's gear is shifted into park. Additional information displayed states, "Transmission: Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult service center." Confirmed vehicle's gear is mechanically shifted into park. Researched issue, and found many BMW X1 owners posting to various online forums stating root cause is due to a broken spring in the gear shifter that is supposed to toggle a switch informing the vehicle's electrical system that the vehicle is shifted into park. Hence the warning message. My vehicle is currently mechanically sound with no issues. My fear is that I have no way of knowing when a real issue does occur because the warning message is constantly displayed. …
2017 BMW X1 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 32 / 26 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 22 / 31 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 BMW X1 a good car?
Based on 164 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 X1 rates avoid: 2.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the X1 at the same age. It is one of the X1 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 BMW X1?
The transmission & drivetrain — 57 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission › lever and linkage › floor shift. Next are the brakes (27) and electrical system (25).
How many recalls does the 2017 BMW X1 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2017 BMW X1, the most recent from May 9, 2019 (roof and pillars). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW X1?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2021 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2024, 2016, 2017 and 2025. See the full BMW X1 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2017 BMW X1 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 13,000 miles; 65% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.