There are 17 owner-reported visibility & wipers complaints for the 2016 BMW X1in NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
The power sunshade came loose and dropped one side of the sunshade to the drivers side because it came loose
About 24 months back the sunroof curtain of my BMW X1 started having problems when I retract or operate it. It used to make stretching noises when I tried to open my sunroof and after a few times I heard a crackling noise and before I can stop it the curtain tore. Initially it was a small tear, so it did not bother much but over time the curtain completely left the guide/rail on one side and started sagging. Given it is a sunroof the curtain is as long as the vehicle and so now it is sagging to a point that it obstructs driver's visibly in back mirror. BMW won't do anything about it saying it is out of warranty and ultimately to avoid accidents I had to remove the curtain completely. I also tried getting it fixed, but the issue is not just the curtain but the rails of the curtain which is a non-replaceable part :( I would have to replace full sunshade assembly which is upwards of $1600. Also, it seems to be a common problem with these vehicles. Here are more examples of it: [XXX] . Please help me and other drivers be safe on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle features a panoramic sunroof with a retractable sunroof shade. The sunroof shade is attached to the sides of the vehicle ceiling with glue that fails over time and causes the sunshade to partially or completely detach from the ceiling of the vehicle, causing a dangerous obstruction to visibility.
The panoramic sunroof screen has separated where glued to retractable component, causing it to sag such that visibility through rearview mirror is partially obstructed, which I anticipate will get worse if not repaired. It is available for inspection and I have scheduled a service appointment with the dealer. My understanding is that this is common for this make/model based on online forums dedicated to the manufacturer's vehicles. My understanding is that the manufacturer considers the sunroof shade a "cosmetic" component excluded from warranties and service plans.
The vehicle features a panoramic sunroof with a retractable sunroof shade. The sunroof shade is attached to the sides of the vehicle ceiling with glue that fails over time and causes the sunshade to partially or completely detach from the ceiling of the vehicle, causing a dangerous obstruction to visibility. From research, this is a common problem that BMW has not remedied for many years.
Panoramic roof shade blind has detached (failed) from its frame and fallen sagging in my sight and blocking the view of the driver while operating the vehicle. Many reports of the same problem of owner community on the internet.
Sunshade panel is not retracting properly and this situation creates a sagging panel that impedes visibility when driving (looking to the rear view mirror)
The retractable sunshade has fallen from the track obstructing the rear view visibility. The glue that was used is faulty according to several repairmen and no one will work on the part. After reviewing several online forums, this looks to be a common problem for the 2016 BMW X1. This should be a recall and covered by BMW because it cannot be remedied and obstructs the drivers view and ability to safely drive.
The sunshade on the panoramic sunroof detached entirely along the passenger side of the car. It hangs down and impairs the driver's vision on the passenger side, preventing the driver from seeing oncoming traffic. Additionally the sunshade cannot be retracted for fear that it will hang down further impairing the driver's view in the rear view mirror. I am not driving my car unless absolutely necessary until this can be repaired. I contacted BMW and took the car to the local BMW dealership for inspection and a repair estimate. The inspection video can be found at www.mkvwa37.com/p/1574bg.html BMW refused to address this defect stating that the vehicle is outside its warranty period. This site has 16 complaints for the same defect with the same year and model of BMW.
The sunscreen on the panoramic sunroof is sagging because the motor has broken and it is lost tension leaving the sunscreen sagging overhead blocking driver Visibility
The shade of panoramic sunroof is deflected, the adhesive is not strong enough as time goes, it can’t hold the shade in place which caused the shade falling from the original place, blocked the rear view sights. Is dangers while operating in conditions like this
THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF HEADLINER ON THIS MODEL IS MADE OF CLOTH. THE CLOTH CAME OFF OF THE TRACK DURING NORMAL OPERATION, CAUSING THE CLOTH HEADLINER TO SAG AND A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN VISIBILITY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW X1. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE RETRACTABLE SUNROOF HEAD LINER DETACHED FROM THE SLIDING TRACK CAUSING THE HEAD LINER FABRIC TO CRUMBLE AND BLOCK THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FERMAN BMW (31400 US HIGHWAY 19 NORTH, PALM HARBOR, FL 34684, (727) 400-3542) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD LINER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY DURING A CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP, THE SUNROOF SUN SHADE/BLIND CAME OUT OF ITS TRACK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. A VISIT TO A BMW DEALER NOTED AN OUT OF WARRANTY REPAIR COST OF $2600. THE DEALER SAID THE ENTIRE PANORAMIC SUNROOF ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED TO REPLACE THE SUN SHADE/BLIND. THE SUN SHADE HAS NOW BECOME INOPERABLE AND IS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THIS HAS CREATED AN UNACCEPTABLE EXPOSURE TO THE SUN IN THE VEHICLE. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES WERE OVER 110 DEGREES. IT APPEARS THAT A METAL COIL SPRING LIKE MATERIAL HAS BECOME DETACHED FROM THE SHADE/BLIND FABRIC. THE ADHESIVE BONDING THE MATERIALS HAS FAILED. THE SPRING MATERIAL IS TANGLED UNDER THE HEADLINER AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.
The roof sunshade adhesive loose which makes the sunshade loose from the roof, makes the sunshade inoperable and blocking the rear view sight.
THE SUN SHADE THAT COVERS THE MOONROOF FROM THE INTERIOR CAME APART ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, CAUSING IT TO HANG INTO THE CABIN. THIS OCCURRED BY ITSELF WITHOUT OPERATING THE VEHICLE OR SUN SHADE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR SEVERAL DAYS, PARKED OUTSIDE IN AN UNCOVERED PRIVATE PARKING SPACE. BMW IS CLAIMING THIS IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, DESPITE SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. IT'S CLEAR THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. REPAIR COST IS $2,500. *TR
I DEPARTED MY HOUSE AND GOT ONTO THE WEST PARK TOLL WAY. AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MILES, I HEARD LIKE AN EXPLOSION. UNDER PANIC, I REALIZED THAT THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED. I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 65MPH AND NO ONE WAS AHEAD OF ME OR ADJACENT TO ME. THERE WAS A PICKUP TRUCK BEHIND ME ABOUT SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE. *TR
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026