This seems like an issue withe xml file itself, but can't say for sure without the file. For the 'smimport' function to be able to import an xml file, the file must follow the 'Simscape Multibody XML Schema' as given in the documentation for the 'smimport' function.
'Simscape Multibody XML Schema': https://www.mathworks.com/products/simscape-multibody/download_smxmlschema.html
The 'Simscape Multibody Link' plug-in can be used to convert CAD models into xml files:
Use the plug in to convert CAD model into a xml file that can be used by the 'smimport' function.
Hope this helps