BMW X1 problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 614 owner complaints and 20 recalls on file for the BMW X1 (2012–2026). The 2017 X1 has the most serious complaints, most often about transmission & drivetrain.
- Complaints
- 614
- Recalls
- 20
- Model years
- 15
- Worst year
- 2017
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst BMW X1 years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2017 BMW X1 — 145 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
- 2016 BMW X1 — 142 complaints, 1 crash, 1 fire; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
- 2018 BMW X1 — 30 complaints, 6 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
- 2023 BMW X1 — 70 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Brakes
- 2015 BMW X1 — 52 complaints, 4 fires; top problem: Engine
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2012 (0 complaints).
Every BMW X1 model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 X1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | Brakes |
| 2025 X1 | 17 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System |
| 2024 X1 | 30 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 3 | Brakes |
| 2023 X1 | 70 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Brakes |
| 2022 X1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine |
| 2021 X1 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1 | Airbags |
| 2020 X1 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2019 X1 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | Electrical System |
| 2018 X1 | 30 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 4 | Engine |
| 2017 X1 | 145 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 2 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2016 X1 | 142 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2015 X1 | 52 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 2 | Engine |
| 2014 X1 | 55 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Engine |
| 2013 X1 | 38 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Engine |
| 2012 X1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
Most common BMW X1 problem areas (all years)
- Engine140 complaints
- Electrical System140 complaints
- Brakes123 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain116 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech74 complaints
- Body & Structure34 complaints
- Airbags25 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers25 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion19 complaints
- Steering13 complaints
Complaint trend
BMW X1 recalls
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A damaged seat belt retractor may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: A damaged seat belt retractor may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: A B-Pillar structure with reduced strength may not adequately protect passengers in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A pinched seat belt may not function properly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk: A driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Risk: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
Risk: If the safety systems do not deploy as intended in a roll over crash, it may increase the risk of injury.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Risk: A broken steering tie rod would lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.
Risk: If a taillight detaches from the vehicle, it would no longer provide the required lighting to following traffic, or it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: 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.
Risk: A gearbox malfunction may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Other BMW models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology