BMW is recalling 2 2016 X1 and Cooper Convertible vehicles for incorrect steering gearbox parts. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 2 2016 vehicles, the X1 and Cooper Convertible, because the steering gearbox was built with incorrect parts. A gearbox malfunction can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk; BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering gearbox on the 2016 BMW X1 and Cooper Convertible is part of the steering system between the steering wheel and the front wheels. When you turn the wheel, the gearbox helps convert that input into controlled movement at the wheels, so the vehicle tracks in the direction you choose.
In recall 15V887, the steering gearbox was assembled with incorrect parts during the supplier's manufacturing process. BMW's review found the affected units that reached vehicle assembly, including a damaged steering gearbox installed in one vehicle. A gearbox built this way does not match the intended design, so the steering system does not have the part configuration BMW specified.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not count on a noise, warning light, or change in steering feel to identify this defect before the gearbox fails.
Who's affected?
Covers the X1 and Cooper Convertible, both tied to the same steering gear component.
| 2016 BMW X1 | steering gear |
|---|---|
| 2016 MINI Cooper Convertible | steering gear |
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A steering gearbox malfunction can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, avoid unnecessary driving until the repair is confirmed and schedule dealer service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 BMW X1 or MINI Cooper Convertible is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free steering gearbox replacement that fixes the incorrect gearbox parts.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V887 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary driving until the steering gearbox replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the steering gearbox with the correct assembly. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. BMW also said affected vehicles were in dealer inventory and would be repaired before retail delivery. If you already paid for a related steering repair before the recall notice, BMW's general reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring the repair order and proof of payment to the service desk when you ask about reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 28, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| December 28, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| December 30, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V887?
Recall 15V887 covers 2 2016 BMW X1 and Cooper Convertible vehicles with steering gearboxes that were built with incorrect parts. A gearbox malfunction can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk. BMW will replace the steering gearbox for free.
What should I do if my 2016 BMW X1 or Cooper Convertible is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V887. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 15V887. BMW says the affected vehicles were in dealer inventory and were to be repaired before retail sale.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW will replace the steering gearbox free of charge at a franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control. BMW reported that the steering gearbox was built with incorrect parts, and a gearbox malfunction can increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free steering-gearbox replacement with a franchised BMW dealer.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. A used vehicle owner has the same recall repair right as the first owner. Check your VIN, then call a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 15V887 and ask whether the steering-gearbox replacement is already complete.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V887000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V887 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V887000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notice (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →