2015 BMW X1 problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 BMW X1, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 52
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 0
- Median mileage
- 90,000 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 38 of 52 complaints (73%).
- Electrical System (31) and body & structure (3) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 90,000 mi.
- Owners reported 0 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries.
- The 2015 BMW X1 has 2 recalls on file.
- It ranks 5th of 14 BMW X1 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
- That is 5% fewer complaints than the 2014 model year (55).
2015 BMW X1 problems by category
- 38 complaints
- 31 complaints
- Other / Unknown7 complaints
- Body & Structure3 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion2 complaints
- Airbags1 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers1 complaints
- Lighting1 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts1 complaints
- Steering1 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain1 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 system | 31 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 21 |
| Engine | 16 |
| Unknown or other | 7 |
| Structure:body | 2 |
| Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lock | 1 |
| Power train | 1 |
| Seat belts | 1 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2015 BMW X1 recalls (2)
- 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.
- 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 2015 BMW X1 complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Mar 26, 202697,000 miCAEngine
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated while starting. Additionally, while stopped in traffic, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the camshaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was…
NHTSA complaint #11727256 · source - Filed Feb 8, 2026UTEngine
I had to replace the Oil Fliter housing with oil cooler because it was made out of plastic and caused an oil and antifreeze. The repair man told me that engine part were made out of plastic and tend to fail over time.
NHTSA complaint #11716609 · source - Filed Feb 8, 2026UTElectrical System
Complete electrical failure while driving on the Highway. I barely was able to get over without causing an accident. The car without notice went dead and no power. I couldn't turn the steering wheel. Lots of warning lights started flashing then completely dead.
NHTSA complaint #11716607 · source - Filed Jan 26, 2026110,000 miNVBody & StructureEngineVisibility & Wipers
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for maintenance, the contact was informed that the water pump had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the visit, the vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not found. The failure persisted. On a separate occasion, while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side door failed to open as intended from…
NHTSA complaint #11713377 · source - Filed Dec 19, 202595,800 miCAFireTowedEngine
The contact owned a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, she noticed there was smoke emerging from underneath the hood, and it caught fire. The contact was able to exit the vehicle safely. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The service warning light was illuminated prior to the failure. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployments, or crashes. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The local…
NHTSA complaint #11706087 · source - Filed Sep 29, 2025TNEngine
The timing chain jumped, shredding the plastic teeth which ended up in oil pump causing complete engine shut down. The certified mechanic says this is a known design flaw in the N20 engines.
NHTSA complaint #11690429 · source - Filed Sep 11, 202588,000 miGATowedElectrical SystemEngine
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed and left at the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not…
NHTSA complaint #11686617 · source - Filed Aug 22, 2025NEElectrical SystemEngine
Current owner of a 2015 BMW X1 bought in Feb 2025. Was informed by the car dealer at that time there is currently an unresolved important safety recall campaign for NHTSA Recall Number 24V608000 - "Water Pump Connector May Short Circuit" opened back in August 2024. I reached out to the local BMW dealer for a status update if the remedy was available and they indicated a remedy is still not available. They had me contact BMW Customer Relations for a better status update. BMW…
NHTSA complaint #11682527 · source
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Other 2015 BMW models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 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