Owners have filed 17 complaints
about the 2019 BMW X1 with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 11
Against the median year of the BMW X1. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
23.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2019 BMW X1
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
529.4%
Median failure at 39,673 miles
Engine & Cooling
317.6%
Median failure at 28,336 miles
Other & Unspecified
211.8%
Median failure at 17,000 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
211.8%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Body & Structure
211.8%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
15.9%
Suspension
15.9%
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2019peak 3Jun 2026
Recalls on the 2019 BMW X1
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024544587,250 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Recall 202177721,732 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tell-tale (warning light) for the antilock brake system (ABS) doesn't light up in the instrument cluster when you start the vehicle. Canadian regulations require the ABS tell-tale to turn on during the start-up sequence to tell you that the ABS is working. Note: The braking system will continue to work normally, and the ABS tell-tale will turn on when there is a problem with the ABS. Safety Risk: If the ABS tell-tale does not turn on during start-up, you may not know if the ABS is working correctly. A problem with the ABS will cause a warning message to appear on the vehicle's central information display screen, even if the ABS tell-tail fails. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer update the vehicle software.
Recall 2019042592 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, the brackets for the rear tail lights may crack. This could cause the tail lights to separate from the vehicle. Safety Risk: If the tail lights separate from the vehicle, others may not see the vehicle and its turn signals or brake lights. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for an inspection of the rear tail lights. The mounting nuts will be replaced, and if necessary, dealers will replace the tail lights.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Baltimore, MDCrash3 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The car is equipped with Driving Assistant. BMW Active Driving Assistant is a collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies. Active Driving Assistant includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. BMW Active Driving Assistant systems help a driver to avoid a collision. The package includes advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that are increasingly common as standard equipment for mainstream and luxury brands alike. Forward-collision warning monitors for obstacles ahead, and with Active Driving Assistant the technology can also identify pedestrians in the vehicle’s path. If the driver fails to brake, the automatic emergency braking system engages to stop or slow the BMW before impact. Be sure to understand that with Active Driving Assistant, the automatic braking works only at lower city speeds. On faster-flowing highways and freeways, the driver must respond to potential collision situations. ( https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/what-is-bmw-active-driving-assistant ). The car was involved in a rear end collision striking the vehicle in front of it on May 28, 2021 at approx. 11:36 AM (picture attached). The car was on York Road near [XXX] being driven in heavy lunch-hour traffic when the accident occurred. My wife, [XXX], was driving the vehicle. She is named on my auto insurance policy. She was taken to the hospital via ambulance to Belvedere/Sanai Hospital at 2401 West Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215. She sustained a broken sternum, major bruising and lacerations on her arms and legs. The vehicle was towed to a holding yard (Linhard's Towing, 11013 York Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030) by the police due to the air bags deploying. The steering wheel, drivers lower leg and passenger side curtain air bags deployed. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11442032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car is equipped with Driving Assistant. BMW Active Driving Assistant is a collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies. Active Driving Assistant includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. BMW Active Driving Assistant systems help a driver to avoid a collision. The package includes advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that are increasingly common as standard equipment for mainstream and luxury brands alike. Forward-collision warning monitors for obstacles ahead, and with Active Driving Assistant the technology can also identify pedestrians in the vehicle’s path. If the driver fails to brake, the automatic emergency braking system engages to stop or slow the BMW before impact. Be sure to understand that with Active Driving Assistant, the automatic braking works only at lower city speeds. On faster-flowing highways and freeways, the driver must respond to potential collision situations. ( https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/what-is-bmw-active-driving-assistant ). The car was involved in a rear end collision striking the vehicle in front of it on May 28, 2021 at approx. 11:36 AM (picture attached). The car was on York Road near [XXX] being driven in heavy lunch-hour traffic when the accident occurred. My wife, [XXX], was driving the vehicle. She is named on my auto insurance policy. She was taken to the hospital via ambulance to Belvedere/Sanai Hospital at 2401 West Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215. She sustained a broken sternum, major bruising and lacerations on her arms and legs. The vehicle was towed to a holding yard (Linhard's Towing, 11013 York Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030) by the police due to the air bags deploying. The steering wheel, drivers lower leg and passenger side curtain air bags deployed. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11442032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Cape Neddick, ME
POWER TRAIN
My car began shaking at low speeds when turning. Brought it to a mechanic to investigate and they performed a recommended manufacturer alteration on the car related to rear differential vent. That did not fix the issue and mechanic said a full rear differential replacement was required and it was a safety issue. If the rear differential failed while driving it could cause a serious accident. He suggested that the manufacturer knew there was an issue because they had this upgrade in their service literature. My concern is that the manufacture knew of a potential safety defect and did not initiate a recall. My car has 58k miles which in my opinion should not put it at risk for major powertrain failures.
NHTSA complaint #11742471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Honolulu, HI
SUSPENSION
A recall was issued for similar vehicles (X1) but ended with the 2018 model year (Recall 24V-608). This issue continues to be present in the 2019 model year. The thermostats in subsequent year models continue to leak, presenting a hazard. An engine warning lamp triggered an inspection at BMW Honolulu which identified the thermostat leak issue requiring “immediate attention.” In addition, BMW engine mounts in the same model year vehicle have failed in less than 6 years of operation which could present a significant operational hazard. This issue was identified at the same time as the thermostat issue referenced previously. A similar dealer recommendation of “immediate attention,” suggests the severity of the issue. This vehicle has been properly serviced at BMW Honolulu since it was purchased as a certified pre-owned vehicle from BMW Honolulu on October 22, 2022.
NHTSA complaint #11685845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Honolulu, HI
ENGINE
A recall was issued for similar vehicles (X1) but ended with the 2018 model year (Recall 24V-608). This issue continues to be present in the 2019 model year. The thermostats in subsequent year models continue to leak, presenting a hazard. An engine warning lamp triggered an inspection at BMW Honolulu which identified the thermostat leak issue requiring “immediate attention.” In addition, BMW engine mounts in the same model year vehicle have failed in less than 6 years of operation which could present a significant operational hazard. This issue was identified at the same time as the thermostat issue referenced previously. A similar dealer recommendation of “immediate attention,” suggests the severity of the issue. This vehicle has been properly serviced at BMW Honolulu since it was purchased as a certified pre-owned vehicle from BMW Honolulu on October 22, 2022.
NHTSA complaint #11685845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,770 milesNew York, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X1. The contact stated that the emergency call error light illuminated the instrument panel. In December of 2024, the contact received notification regarding an extended warranty coverage for the battery to be replaced. The contact was unable to immediately take the vehicle to the dealer due to other reasons. Once the contact was able to take the vehicle to the dealer, the contact was informed that the time frame for the Battery Extended Warranty coverage for the replacement of the battery had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer opened a case and decided to cover 50% of the cost for the repair. The failure mileage was 44,770.
NHTSA complaint #11647914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SOS Malfunction For the past two years, I have received a notice on my dashboard that there is a problem with the Emergency Call System. However, the message appears intermittently for weeks or months at a time.211/400
NHTSA complaint #11637819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SOS Malfunction For the past two years, I have received a notice on my dashboard that there is a problem with the Emergency Call System. However, the message appears intermittently for weeks or months at a time.211/400
NHTSA complaint #11637819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,673 milesCranberry Twp, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X1. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change and was informed that the vehicle was leaking coolant. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the contact became aware that there was coolant on the ground underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer determined that the water pump had failed. The dealer confirmed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The water pump was replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 39,673.
NHTSA complaint #11624170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,673 milesCranberry Twp, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X1. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change and was informed that the vehicle was leaking coolant. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the contact became aware that there was coolant on the ground underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer determined that the water pump had failed. The dealer confirmed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The water pump was replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 39,673.
NHTSA complaint #11624170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gulf Shores, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Emergency call (SOS) system is malfunctioning. This prevents the vehicle from communicating if an accident happens. BMW service stated the problem could be caused by water leaking on to the telematics control unit from the shark fin antenna, which would require replacing the unit. The TCU is located under the head liner beneath the shark fin. The head liner has to be removed to diagnosis and replace the TCU. This is poor engineering placement makes the fix difficult and very costly. The life saving feature is compromised!
NHTSA complaint #11565427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wolcott, CT
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The moonroof spontaneously exploded while traveling on interstate highway at 65 mph. I was in the open and no vehicles were near me. I was showered in glass but uninjured because I was wearing a brimmed hat. I could have but did not lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning or other indicator of the problem. The dealership inspected and replaced at no cost to us. No police or insurance involvement.
NHTSA complaint #11511303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MDCrash3 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The car is equipped with Driving Assistant. BMW Active Driving Assistant is a collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies. Active Driving Assistant includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. BMW Active Driving Assistant systems help a driver to avoid a collision. The package includes advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that are increasingly common as standard equipment for mainstream and luxury brands alike. Forward-collision warning monitors for obstacles ahead, and with Active Driving Assistant the technology can also identify pedestrians in the vehicle’s path. If the driver fails to brake, the automatic emergency braking system engages to stop or slow the BMW before impact. Be sure to understand that with Active Driving Assistant, the automatic braking works only at lower city speeds. On faster-flowing highways and freeways, the driver must respond to potential collision situations. ( https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/what-is-bmw-active-driving-assistant ). The car was involved in a rear end collision striking the vehicle in front of it on May 28, 2021 at approx. 11:36 AM (picture attached). The car was on York Road near [XXX] being driven in heavy lunch-hour traffic when the accident occurred. My wife, [XXX], was driving the vehicle. She is named on my auto insurance policy. She was taken to the hospital via ambulance to Belvedere/Sanai Hospital at 2401 West Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215. She sustained a broken sternum, major bruising and lacerations on her arms and legs. The vehicle was towed to a holding yard (Linhard's Towing, 11013 York Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030) by the police due to the air bags deploying. The steering wheel, drivers lower leg and passenger side curtain air bags deployed. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11442032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car is equipped with Driving Assistant. BMW Active Driving Assistant is a collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies. Active Driving Assistant includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. BMW Active Driving Assistant systems help a driver to avoid a collision. The package includes advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that are increasingly common as standard equipment for mainstream and luxury brands alike. Forward-collision warning monitors for obstacles ahead, and with Active Driving Assistant the technology can also identify pedestrians in the vehicle’s path. If the driver fails to brake, the automatic emergency braking system engages to stop or slow the BMW before impact. Be sure to understand that with Active Driving Assistant, the automatic braking works only at lower city speeds. On faster-flowing highways and freeways, the driver must respond to potential collision situations. ( https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/what-is-bmw-active-driving-assistant ). The car was involved in a rear end collision striking the vehicle in front of it on May 28, 2021 at approx. 11:36 AM (picture attached). The car was on York Road near [XXX] being driven in heavy lunch-hour traffic when the accident occurred. My wife, [XXX], was driving the vehicle. She is named on my auto insurance policy. She was taken to the hospital via ambulance to Belvedere/Sanai Hospital at 2401 West Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215. She sustained a broken sternum, major bruising and lacerations on her arms and legs. The vehicle was towed to a holding yard (Linhard's Towing, 11013 York Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030) by the police due to the air bags deploying. The steering wheel, drivers lower leg and passenger side curtain air bags deployed. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11442032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesTimonium, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY 2019 X1 WITH 17000 MILES ON IT SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. IT WOULD NOT START BACK UP AND THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE BLINKING WITH NO RHYME OR REASON. I WAS NOT EVEN ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE LANE ONTO THE SHOULDER TO A SAFE AREA. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY AND IT WAS TERRIFYING.
NHTSA complaint #11364446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesTimonium, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2019 X1 WITH 17000 MILES ON IT SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. IT WOULD NOT START BACK UP AND THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE BLINKING WITH NO RHYME OR REASON. I WAS NOT EVEN ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE LANE ONTO THE SHOULDER TO A SAFE AREA. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY AND IT WAS TERRIFYING.
NHTSA complaint #11364446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesTimonium, MD
ENGINE
MY 2019 X1 WITH 17000 MILES ON IT SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. IT WOULD NOT START BACK UP AND THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE BLINKING WITH NO RHYME OR REASON. I WAS NOT EVEN ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE LANE ONTO THE SHOULDER TO A SAFE AREA. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY AND IT WAS TERRIFYING.
NHTSA complaint #11364446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BMW X1. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V349000 (STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT CALLED ELMHURST BMW (500 W LAKE ST, ELMHURST, IL 60126) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THE DATE FOR THE PARTS TO ARRIVE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS PROVIDED THE SAME INFORMATION AS THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11296899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corneius, NC
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BMW X1. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V349000 (STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HENDRICK BMW NORTHLAKE (10720 NORTHLAKE AUTO PLAZA BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28269, (704) 321-8126) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11246660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.