2014 BMW X1 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 BMW X1, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
55
Recalls
2
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Median mileage
90,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 32 of 55 complaints (58%).
  • Electrical System (24) and fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion (7) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 90,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries.
  • The 2014 BMW X1 has 2 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 6th of 14 BMW X1 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 45% more complaints than the 2013 model year (38).

2014 BMW X1 problems by category

  • 32 complaints
  • 24 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    8 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    7 complaints
  • Brakes
    6 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    4 complaints
  • Steering
    2 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    1 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system24
Engine17
Engine and engine cooling15
Unknown or other8
Fuel/propulsion system6
Service brakes5
Air bags4
Power train4

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k110k–30k230k–60k1060k–100k11100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2014 BMW X1 complaints that list mileage.

2014 BMW X1 recalls (2)

  • Recall 24V608000Aug 13, 2024720,796 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP

    BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

    Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • Recall 20V017000Jan 15, 202059,965 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recent 2014 BMW X1 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 30, 202688,000 miTXTowedSuspension
    The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the front passenger's side control arm fractured, causing the tire to dislocate 90 degrees from the vehicle and the vehicle became unmovable. The vehicle was towed to Christian Brothers Automotive, where it was determined that the lower control arm and related parts had fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was…
    NHTSA complaint #11767980 · source
  2. Filed Sep 26, 2026CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I own a 2014 BMW X1 equipped with the N20 engine. The vehicle has been producing smoke from the exhaust/tailpipe after it has been sitting, and the vehicle appears to be burning engine oil very quickly. I am concerned that the malfunction involves the turbocharger engine-oil supply/feed system. BMW has previously documented a similar condition involving N20/N26 engines in Service Information Bulletin SI B11 16 15, which includes the E84 BMW X1 and addresses smoke from the…
    NHTSA complaint #11767175 · source
  3. Filed Mar 25, 2026ILElectrical System
    I was driving on the highway and all of my dashboard lights began to flicker, my windshield wipers came on and my doors began to lock and unlock then the car shut off while I was driving.
    NHTSA complaint #11727003 · source
  4. Filed Feb 19, 202670,850 miHIElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after shifting to park(P), there was white smoke coming from under the hood, with a burning plastic odor. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there were no authorized dealers close by. The vehicle was not diagnosed or…
    NHTSA complaint #11719114 · source
  5. Filed Nov 21, 2025WICrashFireTowedAirbagsOther / Unknown
    Vehicle: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i Incident Date: 11/21/2025 Location: Interstate highway in Wisconsin Description of the Issue: My husband was driving our 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i when he was involved in a front-end collision at approximately 40 mph. He struck the rear of another vehicle with the front passenger-side portion of the BMW. Despite the force and angle of the crash, neither the driver airbag nor the passenger airbag deployed. Immediately after impact, heavy smoke began…
    NHTSA complaint #11700856 · source
  6. Filed Oct 14, 2025OKEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown
    Car was taken in for service for a water pump recall. When I receive the car back there is a radiator photo on the dashboard as if there is low coolant. After returning the car to BMW they are stating that the water pump part that was fixed has nothing to do with why there is now a coolant leak from the back of the radiator. The fuel leak is coming from the fuel pump.
    NHTSA complaint #11693406 · source
  7. Filed Sep 29, 2025NYTransmission & Drivetrain
    I believe there is a class action lawsuit for timing chains and oil pumps on BMW years 2012-2015 with N20/N26 engines. My vehicle is an exact match for this recall but it dos not show for BMW or even on your website. How do I proceed with this matter since it is something that I should not have to pay for. Can you please advise further.
    NHTSA complaint #11690304 · source
  8. Filed Sep 15, 2025MDAirbagsBrakesFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The brakes have been replaced also rotors now I am removing pads again in the front less the 6 month noise. The whole radiator system was replaced and I had to remove the new expansion tank again along with 2 holes air bag light came on but went out so did the brakes light I do not there's no ground to this vehicle what so ever there also electric issues.
    NHTSA complaint #11687268 · source

Compare the 2014 BMW X1 with another vehicle →

Other 2014 BMW models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology