What 154 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 BMW X1

What You’re Noticing (and Why It Matters) 1. Engine Mounts Wearing Out Engine mounts can wear over time, but premature failure (early loosening, vibration, clunking) can point to: Defective parts Poor design for that model year This is a common complaint in some BMW models, especially as mileage increases. 2. Brake System & Sensor Issues Warning lights staying on even after replacing sensors can mean: Faulty wiring or control module (not just the sensor itself) Ongoing system miscommunication BMW braking systems rely heavily on electronics, so one issue can trigger repeated alerts. 3. Oil Gasket / Housing Leaks You mentioned oil leaking from a plastic housing—this is important. BMW engines (including the X1) often use: Plastic oil filter housings Plastic cooling components These are known to: Crack from heat over time Cause oil leaks and coolant loss This isn’t always clearly explained in sales descriptions. 4. Plastic Engine Components Many modern engines use plastic parts for: Weight reduction Fuel efficiency But downside: More prone to cracking, warping, or leaking Especially under high heat conditions ️ Should There Be a Recall? For something to become a recall through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it must: Be a widespread defect Pose a safety risk (not just wear and tear) Right now: Some of these issues (like oil leaks or mounts) are often treated as maintenance or design concerns, not recalls Brake system failures could qualify if they affect stopping safety—but only if widely reported and proven defective

NHTSA ODI 11725881

Secure vehicle against rolling error

NHTSA ODI 11713046

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 [XXX] . 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. Control arm alignment. 6. Shock and strut assembly. 7. Wheel alignment. 8. Turbocharger alignment 9. Engine assembly. I've encountered all of these issues since the sale of the vehicle in 2024. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11701704

Every time I get in the vehicle or turn the vehicle off I get a message "Secure vehicle against rolling contact service specialist". Even if I press the emergency brake it still continues, this appears to be a known problem with the BMW X1 and not sure if it will cause my car to roll away.

NHTSA ODI 11691848

My car suddenly displayed a drivetrain malfunction error, and I cannot identify the reason because the car was driving normally in a residential area.

NHTSA ODI 11681098

PRESSURE TESTED COOLING SYSTEM, FOUND OIL FILTER HOUSING TO BE LEAKING COOLANT, REPLACE OIL FILTER HOUSING WITH BOTH SETS OF GASKETS

NHTSA ODI 11680778

Engine motor mounts failed

NHTSA ODI 11680779

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.

NHTSA ODI 11677270

1. Failed Engine, coolant, temperature sensor; missing COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR. Avail for inspection. 2. My car failed multiple occasions to show a warning light that almost got me and others hurt or cause a catastrophic incident on freeway. 3. The issues confirmed after months of several complaints, inspected per BMWUSA at Santa Monica BMW, I was provided December 5, 2024 print out of "MISSING COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR, failed temp sensor warning lights, ODD. " 4. No. 5. There were NO WARNING lamps, messages. I have always received warning messages: OIL level low, WIPER fluid low, BATTERY low, KEY battery low, TIRES low inflate, BULB malfunction. The first issue revealed 2021 routine oil filter service. BMW technician at The Haus, alerted me "urgent, water pump leaking, low coolant, go back to Sherman Oaks BMW where I got the car, pump under warranty!" I was confused, why no warning light? Sherman Oaks replaced water pump, coolant hoses under warranty. 2022, shocked to learn water pump coolant leaking during another routine oil service. No warning lights! SHERMAN OAKS tried to charge me 3200.00. BMWUSA replaced 2nd pump under warranty. December 2023, cold weather, my heater stopped working, no warning light. Next day MY ENGINE/CAR DIED ON FREEWAY. Terrified, no warnings on dash. Cars speeding past me as I sat trying to start car. Heavy car Finally accelerated with new roaring engine sound, no warning light. Drove slowly off freeway. Bob Smith BMW "turn engine off!!" TAKE BACK TO SHERMAN OAKS BMW. January 2024, BMWUSA ( Madison ) instructed via email Sherman Oaks BMW to inspect, why are there no warning lights??? They refused to put in writing. I was told check my coolant monthly. Replaced oil/coolant hose. November 2024, BMWUSA instructed Santa Monica BMW, inspect, why are there no warning lights? I finally received a print out, " No Coolant Level Sensor," "failed temp sensor." "bring in monthly," and "I wouldn't put a child in your car."

NHTSA ODI 11673201

On [XXX] [XXX] was operating her 2017 BMW X1 traveling northbound on [XXX]. While driving in the middle lane, her vehicle was struck on the right side. The point of impact was the right front passenger side, extending toward the rear passenger area. The force of the collision was significant enough to eject the right front passenger tire from the vehicle. Despite the severity of the impact, the right front passenger airbag failed to deploy. As a result of the collision and the car’s failure to properly respond to the crash, [XXX] sustained injuries that required hospitalization. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11670388

My 2017 BMW X1 has a faulty gear selector torsion spring that triggers a “secure vehicle against rolling” warning. This is a known issue that MINI has acknowledged and extended warranty coverage for, despite using the same part. Many BMW owners are experiencing the same failure, which could lead to a rollaway risk if not addressed. BMW should issue a recall or extend coverage for affected vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11670112

X1 gear shifter is causing a Transmission waring - and comment to secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult Service center. I have spoken with BMW mechanic and other mechanic who have stated that it is common issue with X1 and Mini's that use same shifter. A spring breaks off in the shifter. Mini - issued a large warranty extension but it appears BMW has not.

NHTSA ODI 11669108

The car overheated seemingly out of nowhere. About 8:25 AM on the date of the incident I noticed my heat wasn't blowing hot. I figured I just didn't let the car warm up enough. I began to drive home after work at approximately 4:00pm and the warning yellow light came on stating "drive moderately, at risk of overheating). I slowed down and drove very gently. The warning light went away. A few minutes later it came back on so I slowed down again. I was on back roads and not driving fast anyway. I then turned to go home and at the beginning of a bridge the light turned from yellow to red and said pull over. I couldn't pull over on a bridge but pulled off as soon as I was able, about three minutes later. I coasted into the nearest parking lot and had the car towed to the dealership. Their determination was it was leaking coolant from the oil filter housing area. They removed the intake manifold and repaired the car. I'm not sure exactly what was done. I want to know if the overheating was due to the ongoing recall of the coolant systems in the BMW. If so, I want to know why my car wasn't included in the recall and why a remedy wasn't performed. Receipt of the estimate was April 26, 2025

NHTSA ODI 11663491

The warning light “Secure vehicle against rolling” appears when the gear is shifted into park. An additional message reads: “Transmission: Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult service center.” It has been verified that the gear is indeed mechanically in the park position. Upon further investigation, I discovered numerous BMW X1 owners reporting this same issue on various online forums. The common cause appears to be a broken spring inside the gear shifter. This spring normally activates a switch that notifies the vehicle's electrical system that it’s in park. When the spring fails, the system does not register this correctly, triggering the warning. After contacting BMW North America customer service, I was directed to visit an authorized service center. The estimated repair cost is around $3,000 to replace the gear shifter—despite the fact that this problem matches dozens of other complaints already submitted to the NHTSA. I'm filing this report to contribute to the growing number of similar complaints from BMW X1 owners in hopes that the issue will be formally acknowledged and addressed.

NHTSA ODI 11658198

Car experiences a very rough idle at start and often stalls after being placed in gear. This can happen after car starts moving. I drive this car and am experiencing regular stalls after taking off.

NHTSA ODI 11656307

"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. I am submitting this complaint to add to the 100+ other NHTSA complaints that have already been filed for this issue by other BMW X1 owners with the hope that action will be taken to address it.

NHTSA ODI 11654995

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was briefly stranded in the middle of the roadway, but the vehicle was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the radiator fan was cycling on max, and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle was extremely low on coolant. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11648377

My water pump went bad and overheated my engine, resulting in a repair cost of over $4,000 for a 2017 BMW X1. Needed repairs are: Water Pump, Remove & Replace Drive Belt Tensione, OEM , OE Replacement, and New Engine Water Pump.

NHTSA ODI 11641480

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact stated that upon start-up, the driver had to wait two minutes for the vehicle to warm up to prevent the vehicle from stalling while driving, reversing, or shifting into gear. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled but restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ODI 11641309

Msg stating secure vehicle against rolling

NHTSA ODI 11640348

Gear selector issue that seems very common on all BMW X1 at similar intervals, but it is a faulty wire not an actual drive or safety issue. Car can’t seem to understand when gear is shifted to park and gives warning to engage parking brake.

NHTSA ODI 11640121

Car displays a warning stating to ''secure vehicle with parking brake to prevent it from rolling away, Consult Service." This is a common issue with at least this model of vehicle and it's shared "sister" car the Mini cooper. The Mini cooper does have an "extended warranty" to cover the repair of the faulty $3.00 spring that malforms. Here is link to mini's notification [XXX] The repair at BMW is $2600??? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11633088

When shifting vehicle to park "Secure Vehicle Against Rolling" warning displays on iDrive and warning message center along with "contact BMW service center". Shifter assembly failed internally. $850 shifter assembly has a $10 internal spring that broke and requires replacement. My safety at risk due to vehicle being unsafe when parked and possibly allowed to roll if not secured. Problem can be reproduced at all times when parking vehicle. Warning is also present at start up. Dealership quoted over $3000 to replace shifter assembly. There is no incident or damage to vehicle and it has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance reps. Warning lights came on after shifter assembly internal spring failure and continually afterwards while parking and starting the vehicle. Must accept warning message on iDrive system.

NHTSA ODI 11630830

"Secure vehicle against rolling" warning light comes on even while driving. It is a $10 spring but the dealer wants $3500+ to replace it. The entire center section and console needs to be taken apart just to get to the spring. Countless reports of this ... BMW is very casual about the concern and adamant on ignoring customer complaints ,but this is a serious safty issue involving the emergency brake and nonstop warning lights, this should be covered. Please enforce laws so that BMW gives proper attention to this vehicle brakes/transmission issue immediately and issue recall for the faulty parts. There are numerous folks having this issue and BMW is outright ignoring customer complaints. See some of the complaints from other below. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11630766

"Secure vehicle against rolling" warning light comes on even while driving. It is a $3 spring but the dealer wants $3500 to replace it. The entire center section and console needs to be taken apart just to get to the spring. Countless reports of this ... BMW should not ignore this, as they have, but involving the emergency brake and nonstop warning lights, this should be covered.

NHTSA ODI 11628998