BMW X1 years to avoid (and the best years)
656 NHTSA owner complaints and 17 recalls across 11 model years, 2013 to 2025. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 656complaints
- 17recalls
- 22reported crashes
- 12reported fires
- 27reported injuries
Which BMW X1 years should you avoid?
No BMW X1 model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical BMW X1 year has 52 complaints on file. The busiest years are the 2016 (159) and 2017 (156).
What are the best BMW X1 years?
The BMW X1 years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2019 (11), 2020 (13) and 2013 (38). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 15 | 0.3× | 3 | 2 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2024 | 30 | 0.6× | 3 | 3 | 1 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2023 | 70 | 1.3× | 6 | 2 | 0 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2020 | 13 | 0.2× | 1 | 1 | 3 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2019 | 11 | 0.2× | 3 | 1 | 3 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2018 | 59 | 1.1× | 4 | 6 | 6 | Few red flags | Body and structure |
| 2017 | 156 | 3.0× | 2 | 3 | 10 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2016 | 159 | 3.1× | 3 | 1 | 4 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2015 | 52 | 1.0× | 2 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2014 | 53 | 1.0× | 2 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2013 | 38 | 0.7× | 2 | 2 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 128 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Brakes63 (49%)
- Engine & powertrain21 (16%)
- Other systems17 (13%)
- Electrical & infotainment12 (9%)
- Airbags & seat belts6 (5%)
Recalls (17)
Brakes · 26V422000 · Jul 2026 · model years 2023, 2024
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.
Seat belts · 25V616000 · Sep 2025 · model year 2025
A damaged seat belt retractor may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Structure · 24V829000 · Nov 2024 · model year 2025
A B-Pillar structure with reduced strength may not adequately protect passengers in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 24V739000 · Oct 2024 · model year 2023
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.
Safety · 24V697000 · Sep 2024 · model years 2023, 2024
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.
Engine · 24V608000 · Aug 2024 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Safety · 24V104000 · Feb 2024 · model years 2023, 2024, 2025
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.
Seat belts · 23V260000 · Apr 2023 · model year 2023
A pinched seat belt may not function properly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Airbags · 23V079000 · Feb 2023 · model year 2023
A driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Airbags · 20V283000 · May 2020 · model year 2020
If the safety systems do not deploy as intended in a roll over crash, it may increase the risk of injury.
Airbags · 20V017000 · Jan 2020 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Steering · 19V601000 · Aug 2019 · model years 2018, 2019
A broken steering tie rod would lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure · 19V349000 · May 2019 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.
Exterior lighting · 19V074000 · Jan 2019 · model years 2018, 2019
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.
Engine · 18V465000 · Jul 2018 · model year 2018
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 16V747000 · Oct 2016 · model years 2016, 2017
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.
Steering · 15V887000 · Dec 2015 · model year 2016
A gearbox malfunction may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.