The steering gearbox in your vehicle is like a critical transmission component that helps you steer your vehicle. In your 2016 MINI Cooper or BMW X1, this gearbox might have been made with incorrect parts.
Risk if Unfixed
If the gearbox malfunctions, you could lose control of your vehicle while driving, which could cause a serious crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the steering gearbox with a reliable one, free of charge. This repair is already being done on vehicles in dealer inventory, so you don't need to take any action yet.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one model year 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door vehicle manufactured November 24, 2015, and one BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) manufactured October, 19 2015. The steering gearbox may have been manufactured with incorrect parts.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A gearbox malfunction may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
BMW will replace the steering gearbox, free of charge. Affected vehicles are located in dealer inventory
and will be remedied before customer retail. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) in your seat belt is a mechanism that keeps the seat belt from becoming a projectile in a sudden stop. In some 2016-2017 models, this mechanism might not work as designed, so the seat belt could potentially fly forward in a severe braking event.
Risk if Unfixed
If your seat belt isn't secured properly, you could be at risk of injury if the ELR activates during a hard stop, possibly causing the seat belt to strike you.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace your driver's seat belt assembly with a new one that works as intended, at no cost to you. This repair is free and should be done as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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. The vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism of the seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for the driver's seat may not lock as designed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash where heavy braking is applied, the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) may activate when the occupant is more forward in the seat, possibly increasing the risk of injury.
Original — 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.
The B-pillar in your X1 acts like a protective shield for your head and neck. Unfortunately, in some 2016-2019 models, this shield might not work as well as it should in a crash, leaving you at risk of injury.
Risk if Unfixed
In a collision, the pillar might not absorb the impact properly, which could increase the risk of a head or neck injury.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the upper B-pillar trim pieces at no cost to you, making your vehicle safer and more protective in the event of a crash. Schedule the repair as soon as you receive the notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.
Original — 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. Second notices will be sent as parts become available, starting on September 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
