BMW X1 reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 849 complaints about the BMW X1 with NHTSA since 2013, most often about other or unspecified and electrical system. BMW has filed 16 warranty extensions and 19 service campaigns for it, and there are 27 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the BMW X1? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the X1 a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2013 on.
- Owner complaints
- 849
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 16
- Filed by BMW
- Service campaigns
- 19
- Filed by BMW
- Safety recalls
- 27
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the X1 with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | Brakes (100%) | 2 | 0 |
| 2025 | 17 | Electrical system (53%) | 3 | 4 |
| 2024 | 30 | Brakes (33%) | 3 | 12 |
| 2023 | 70 | Stability control (44%) | 6 | 10 |
| 2022 | 1 | Engine (100%) | 2 | 6 |
| 2021 | 9 | Airbags (44%) | 1 | 2 |
| 2020 | 13 | Transmission and drivetrain (31%) | 1 | 4 |
| 2019 | 12 | Electrical system (42%) | 3 | 5 |
| 2018 | 59 | Body and structure (37%) | 4 | 5 |
| 2017 | 164 | Transmission and drivetrain (35%) | 4 | 3 |
| 2016 | 163 | Other or unspecified (39%) | 4 | 3 |
| 2015 | 94 | Electrical system (34%) | 4 | 4 |
| 2014 | 114 | Airbags (36%) | 6 | 8 |
| 2013 | 102 | Airbags (32%) | 5 | 9 |
| 2012 | 0 | — | 1 | 5 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single X1 model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by BMW
Warranty extensions and service campaigns BMW filed with NHTSA for the X1, in its own words. A warranty extension means BMW pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionJun 2026· Electrical system· model years 2025
Due to an implementation error in various OBD diagnostics in the vehicle's control units, in very rare cases itmay happen that stored fault memory codes (DTCs) and the MIL (warning light) are not automaticallydeleted even though the underlying malfunction has already been…
- Warranty extensionJul 2025· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2016–2017
The limited warranty for the automatic transmissions Selector Lever Magnetic Shift Interlock Mechanism (Gearshift lug assembly portion) has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles, as determined by the vehicles original first in-service / delivery date, when a gearshift lug…
- Warranty extensionFeb 2025· Electrical system· model years 2013–2014
The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionJan 2025· Electrical system· model years 2018–2019
The Telematics Control Units (TCU) Internal Emergency (Backup) Battery for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 6 years without mileage limitation, as determined from the vehicles original first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Electrical system· model years 2018–2020
The Telematics Control Units (TCU) Internal Emergency (Backup) Battery for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 6 years without mileage limitation, as determined from the vehicles original first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionSep 2024· Engine· model years 2016–2023
For this vehicle, the EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles, from the original 10 years/120,000 miles, as determined from the original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Engine· model years 2018–2019
EVAP system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
- Warranty extensionOct 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2012–2015
For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionJul 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2012–2015
BMW of North America, LLC BMW NA is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date
- Warranty extensionJun 2021· Fuel system· model years 2016–2020
For the eligible vehicles that are not covered under the State of California PZEV (SULEV) emission regulation, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicles fuel tank vent (purge) valve
- Warranty extensionOct 2018· Airbags· model years 2012–2015
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment.
- Warranty extensionJun 2017· Engine and cooling· model years 2012–2013
The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
- Warranty extensionJun 2017· Engine and cooling· model years 2013–2014
The engine coolant thermostat component-specific limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000
- Warranty extensionJun 2017· Engine and cooling· model years 2013–2014
The engine coolant thermostat component-specific limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Electrical system· model years 2013–2014
FOOTWELL MODULE: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 8 YEARS/125,000 MILES.
- Warranty extensionMar 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2012–2015
N20 Engine Coolant Thermostat: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles F30 (320i Sedan) Model Years 2013 and 2014 produced from 2/28/2013 to 3/31/2014 F30 (320i xDrive Sedan) Model Years 2013 and 2014 produced from 2/26/2013 to 3/31/2014 F30 (328i Sedan) Model Years…
- Service campaignAug 2026· Electrical system· model years 2023
The BCP controls several vehicle functions, including the windshield wipers and air conditioning actuators.
- Service campaignJul 2026· Electrical system· model years 2020
Once the Telematics Module (TCB2) enters sleep mode, a BMW Data Services trigger for Remote Services(remote engine start, lock/unlock/climate conditioning) will not be able to reactivate the TCB2.
- Service campaignJan 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2025
A reference label for the tailgate SmartOpener (SMO) function (aka “touchless open,or “kick to open”) was mistakenly applied tothe bottom edge of the tailgate trim panel(either of the general locations circled) duringvehicle production.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Electrical system· model years 2025
RSU availability. The engine cranks but will not start.
- Service campaignApr 2025· Electrical system· model years 2021–2023
As a result of a data input error, certain fault memories are permanently stored.
- Service campaignApr 2025· Brakes· model years 2022–2023
As a result of a data input error, certain fault memories are permanently stored.
- Service campaignFeb 2025· Body and structure· model years 2025
Due to changes in the opening mechanism ofthe trunk/tailgate latch, it is possible that thetrunk/tailgate may not completely lock afterclosing it.
- Service campaignJan 2025· Brakes· model years 2024
After replacement of the Integrated Braking system (IB)/Power Brake the total distance covered might be lower than when handed over to the workshop for the repair.
- Service campaignDec 2024· Electrical system· model years 2024
Customers may report various issues in the vehicle, to include: Bluetooth Malfunctions Head Unit Performance Telephony Malfunctions
- Service campaignDec 2024· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2023–2024
Micro-movements combined with frictional corrosion can increase wear on the longitudinal splined connection between the double clutch transmission (DCT) and the transfer box.
- Service campaignDec 2024· Electrical system· model years 2022–2024
Due to a software error in the Basic Central Platform (BCP), Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) is no longerpossible.
- Service campaignSep 2024· Brakes· model years 2024
Improved diagnostic software for the brake system.
- Service campaignJul 2024· Engine· model years 2024
The vibration dampener side cover may not have been pressed in correctly, resulting in a vibration or arough running sensation.
- Service campaignJul 2024· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2024
Micro-movements combined with frictional corrosion can increase wear on the longitudinal splined connection between the double clutch transmission (DCT) and the transfer box.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every X1 model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Other or unspecified175 (21%)
- Electrical system163 (19%)
- Airbags124 (15%)
- Transmission and drivetrain118 (14%)
- Engine101 (12%)
- Brakes101 (12%)
- Body and structure74 (9%)
- Engine and cooling51 (6%)
Safety recalls
27 recalls cover at least one X1 model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
The housing pin in the rear (left and/or right) seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production, resulting in the retractor not locking the seat belt as intended.
The torsion bar in both front seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production.
The left and right-side B-Pillar reinforcement plates may have been manufactured with insufficient structural strength.
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models.
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
On the second-row outboard seats, the seat belts may have been pinched by an interior trim panel during vehicle assembly.
The front driver's air bag may have been manufactured incorrectly and may not deploy as intended during a crash.
The high-pressure fuel rail may crack and result in a fuel leak within the engine compartment.
The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts.
Due to a problem with the rollover sensor within the air bag control unit, in the event of a rollover crash, the head air bag, seat belt pretensioners and other safety systems, may not activate.
These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The steering gear tie rod may have been assembled incorrectly, which may result in excessive wear of the tie rod end, eventually causing it to break.
And 12 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- DP22005Defect petition· opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023· Electrical system· model years 2020
Pedestrian alert sounds
Led to recall 22V063000.
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2013–2018
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
- PE13030Preliminary evaluation· opened Sep 2013, closed Oct 2013· Brakes· model years 2013–2014
Loss of power assist braking
Led to recall 13V454000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 BMW X1 has the complaint text and every document.
Was the work actually done on the car you're looking at?
Model-year records can't tell you about one car. A BMW service history check returns that vehicle's own dealer records by VIN.
Check a BMW's service historyCommon questions
Is the BMW X1 reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2013 on: 849 owner complaints, 16 warranty extensions and 19 service campaigns BMW filed, and 27 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2017 (164), 2016 (163), 2014 (114). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the BMW X1?
Across every model year since 2013, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name other or unspecified (21%), electrical system (19%), airbags (15%). BMW has filed 16 warranty extensions covering the X1, listed on this page.
Which X1 model years have the most complaints?
2017 (164), 2016 (163), 2014 (114). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the X1 with each other rather than with other models.
Has BMW extended the warranty on the X1?
Yes: electrical system (model years 2025); transmission and drivetrain (model years 2016–2017); electrical system (model years 2013–2014), and 13 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a X1?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 27 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.