FaultScore

FaultScore report

2020 BMW X1 problems

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 2020 BMW X1 with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 12 worst.

C

FaultScore 46/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the BMW X1.

How this is worked out

The numbers

21

Complaints

2

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

3

Injuries reported

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 13 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure not reported
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 13
Against the median year of the BMW X1. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
38.1% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.

How 2020 compares with every other BMW X1

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2020 BMW X1

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Transmission & Drivetrain 4 19.0%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 67,000 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 3 14.3%

Median failure at 67,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 3 14.3%
Other & Unspecified 2 9.5%

Median failure at 3,000 miles

Seat Belts 2 9.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Brakes 2 9.5%
Electrical System 2 9.5%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 1 4.8%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 4.8%

Median failure at 67,000 miles

Airbags 1 4.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires

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.

Apr 2021 peak 4 Jul 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2020 BMW X1

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

DP22005 Opened 27 Jan 2023 Closed 7 Aug 2023 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...

Recalls on the 2020 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 2024544 587,250 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 2021777 21,732 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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

South Ozone Park, NY Fire

POWER TRAIN

I had a series of concerning incidents with my car. The trunk door was getting stuck halfway, but I was able to close it after turning on the engine. I also encountered a malfunction error on the backup camera, a Drive Train warning sign, and the car alarm going off by itself. The most alarming issue was when the car started smoking and then caught fire underneath the hood near the driver's side windshield. Thankfully, my father and I were able to put out the flames with a water hose before calling 911 to report the incident to the fire department. The car is considered a total per Geico Insurance.

NHTSA complaint #11611674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

South Ozone Park, NY Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I had a series of concerning incidents with my car. The trunk door was getting stuck halfway, but I was able to close it after turning on the engine. I also encountered a malfunction error on the backup camera, a Drive Train warning sign, and the car alarm going off by itself. The most alarming issue was when the car started smoking and then caught fire underneath the hood near the driver's side windshield. Thankfully, my father and I were able to put out the flames with a water hose before calling 911 to report the incident to the fire department. The car is considered a total per Geico Insurance.

NHTSA complaint #11611674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

South Ozone Park, NY Fire

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

I had a series of concerning incidents with my car. The trunk door was getting stuck halfway, but I was able to close it after turning on the engine. I also encountered a malfunction error on the backup camera, a Drive Train warning sign, and the car alarm going off by itself. The most alarming issue was when the car started smoking and then caught fire underneath the hood near the driver's side windshield. Thankfully, my father and I were able to put out the flames with a water hose before calling 911 to report the incident to the fire department. The car is considered a total per Geico Insurance.

NHTSA complaint #11611674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mount Holly, NC Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS

I was in a front end crash at approximately 30 to 35 miles per hour and airbags did not deploy nor did the seatbelt lock. My chest hit the steering wheel and I was transported by EMS to hospital. Nothing was broken. I had a bruise upper right chest but my pain is in my sternum which is not visibly bruised but is very sore and my activity and mobility is impaired. My radiator was busted and car was towed by local police department to tow yard which is where it is right now. Soon to be moved to a repair center as the police report becomes available. It has not been inspected at this point. Just want to make the issue known.

NHTSA complaint #11429002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mount Holly, NC Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I was in a front end crash at approximately 30 to 35 miles per hour and airbags did not deploy nor did the seatbelt lock. My chest hit the steering wheel and I was transported by EMS to hospital. Nothing was broken. I had a bruise upper right chest but my pain is in my sternum which is not visibly bruised but is very sore and my activity and mobility is impaired. My radiator was busted and car was towed by local police department to tow yard which is where it is right now. Soon to be moved to a repair center as the police report becomes available. It has not been inspected at this point. Just want to make the issue known.

NHTSA complaint #11429002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 3,000 miles Altadena, CA 2 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE TRUNK COVER HAS PIECES OF EITHER PLEXI OR FIBER GLASS THAT GETS INTO YOUR SKIN. I HAVE GOTTEN TINY SHARDS OF THE GLASS IN MY SKIN AND IT BECOME UNIMAGINABLY PAINFUL AND IT IS VERY HARD TO GET OUT OF THE SKIN.

NHTSA complaint #11406288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 67,000 miles Scottsdale, AZ

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 10 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. During the failure, the messages, "Chassis Stabilization: Drive Moderately," "Collision Warning System Malfunction," "Pedestrian Warning Reduced," and "Drivetrain: Continued Driving Possible" were displayed. The vehicle was pulled over into a remote emergency lane and driven 10 miles to an exit. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a short circuit to ground at the throttle body. The contact was informed that the throttle ground wire and controller needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.

NHTSA complaint #11753485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 67,000 miles Scottsdale, AZ

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 10 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. During the failure, the messages, "Chassis Stabilization: Drive Moderately," "Collision Warning System Malfunction," "Pedestrian Warning Reduced," and "Drivetrain: Continued Driving Possible" were displayed. The vehicle was pulled over into a remote emergency lane and driven 10 miles to an exit. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a short circuit to ground at the throttle body. The contact was informed that the throttle ground wire and controller needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.

NHTSA complaint #11753485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 67,000 miles Scottsdale, AZ

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:THROTTLEBODY/MANIFOLD

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 10 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. During the failure, the messages, "Chassis Stabilization: Drive Moderately," "Collision Warning System Malfunction," "Pedestrian Warning Reduced," and "Drivetrain: Continued Driving Possible" were displayed. The vehicle was pulled over into a remote emergency lane and driven 10 miles to an exit. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a short circuit to ground at the throttle body. The contact was informed that the throttle ground wire and controller needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.

NHTSA complaint #11753485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Jose, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The fuel tank got punctured on the freeway causing the car to lose power. The problem seems that BMW plastic fuel tank is located on the right side at the bottom of the car so any stone or particle on the freeway can puncture the plastic tank from the bottom causing no fuel and the car losing power. Seems like that is problem with design and BMW is aware of it since the new models of the car starting 2023 have an extra underbody protection for the fuel tank which is missing on the previous year models.

NHTSA complaint #11666751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Frankfort, IL

POWER TRAIN

Wastegate actuator turbo failure. Causes sudden loss of power to engine. Turbo function impacted. Drivetrain malfunction warning on dashboard. No prior warning sent. Problem with wastegate has been confirmed by Independent Service Center. Found similar issue with BMW E-Series Model 530e xdrive sedan Production dates 2/22/17-6/18/20 which extended warranty to 15 yr/150000 miles for same part. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11646229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Frankfort, IL

ENGINE

Wastegate actuator turbo failure. Causes sudden loss of power to engine. Turbo function impacted. Drivetrain malfunction warning on dashboard. No prior warning sent. Problem with wastegate has been confirmed by Independent Service Center. Found similar issue with BMW E-Series Model 530e xdrive sedan Production dates 2/22/17-6/18/20 which extended warranty to 15 yr/150000 miles for same part. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11646229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

South Ozone Park, NY Fire

POWER TRAIN

I had a series of concerning incidents with my car. The trunk door was getting stuck halfway, but I was able to close it after turning on the engine. I also encountered a malfunction error on the backup camera, a Drive Train warning sign, and the car alarm going off by itself. The most alarming issue was when the car started smoking and then caught fire underneath the hood near the driver's side windshield. Thankfully, my father and I were able to put out the flames with a water hose before calling 911 to report the incident to the fire department. The car is considered a total per Geico Insurance.

NHTSA complaint #11611674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

South Ozone Park, NY Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I had a series of concerning incidents with my car. The trunk door was getting stuck halfway, but I was able to close it after turning on the engine. I also encountered a malfunction error on the backup camera, a Drive Train warning sign, and the car alarm going off by itself. The most alarming issue was when the car started smoking and then caught fire underneath the hood near the driver's side windshield. Thankfully, my father and I were able to put out the flames with a water hose before calling 911 to report the incident to the fire department. The car is considered a total per Geico Insurance.

NHTSA complaint #11611674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

South Ozone Park, NY Fire

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

I had a series of concerning incidents with my car. The trunk door was getting stuck halfway, but I was able to close it after turning on the engine. I also encountered a malfunction error on the backup camera, a Drive Train warning sign, and the car alarm going off by itself. The most alarming issue was when the car started smoking and then caught fire underneath the hood near the driver's side windshield. Thankfully, my father and I were able to put out the flames with a water hose before calling 911 to report the incident to the fire department. The car is considered a total per Geico Insurance.

NHTSA complaint #11611674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Anderson, IN

POWER TRAIN

it all started with the Battery and Powertrain and lound Loud niose from under my vehicle and my rear tail light code default. service forgetting to put the clamps back on i took the vehicle back from service and drove over 200 miles when the code for the above mention malfuntion appeared again they admitted the negilence of the service team...from that point on they my car was in and out of service for weeks at a time from September 2023 until Febuary 2024. I endlessly tried to resovle reimbursement and prove my vehicle was unsafe to drive and manufacture defects. i also consulted corporate several times submitting claim and nothing was esculated or followed up. listed below are the issues I have experienced on sevaral trips in my vehicle.I am in panic state each and every time I drive this vehicle. the codes and invetigation numbers are associted with the creen shots I obtained with the service machanics virtual video of my visits: 10228427 B220222 10177616 B010419 10176377 B610520 10228428 B120723 1024907 B611305 10178993 B160319 My Request would be a Brand Buy Back or my Rights for claim under Indiana lemon law consumer act.

NHTSA complaint #11590598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Anderson, IN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

it all started with the Battery and Powertrain and lound Loud niose from under my vehicle and my rear tail light code default. service forgetting to put the clamps back on i took the vehicle back from service and drove over 200 miles when the code for the above mention malfuntion appeared again they admitted the negilence of the service team...from that point on they my car was in and out of service for weeks at a time from September 2023 until Febuary 2024. I endlessly tried to resovle reimbursement and prove my vehicle was unsafe to drive and manufacture defects. i also consulted corporate several times submitting claim and nothing was esculated or followed up. listed below are the issues I have experienced on sevaral trips in my vehicle.I am in panic state each and every time I drive this vehicle. the codes and invetigation numbers are associted with the creen shots I obtained with the service machanics virtual video of my visits: 10228427 B220222 10177616 B010419 10176377 B610520 10228428 B120723 1024907 B611305 10178993 B160319 My Request would be a Brand Buy Back or my Rights for claim under Indiana lemon law consumer act.

NHTSA complaint #11590598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Anderson, IN

SERVICE BRAKES

it all started with the Battery and Powertrain and lound Loud niose from under my vehicle and my rear tail light code default. service forgetting to put the clamps back on i took the vehicle back from service and drove over 200 miles when the code for the above mention malfuntion appeared again they admitted the negilence of the service team...from that point on they my car was in and out of service for weeks at a time from September 2023 until Febuary 2024. I endlessly tried to resovle reimbursement and prove my vehicle was unsafe to drive and manufacture defects. i also consulted corporate several times submitting claim and nothing was esculated or followed up. listed below are the issues I have experienced on sevaral trips in my vehicle.I am in panic state each and every time I drive this vehicle. the codes and invetigation numbers are associted with the creen shots I obtained with the service machanics virtual video of my visits: 10228427 B220222 10177616 B010419 10176377 B610520 10228428 B120723 1024907 B611305 10178993 B160319 My Request would be a Brand Buy Back or my Rights for claim under Indiana lemon law consumer act.

NHTSA complaint #11590598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Los Angeles, CA

SEAT BELTS

I got my BMW X1 in December of 2020 and currently has 21,000 miles. I've notice unusual wear and tear on the driver side seatbelt so I brought it into the dealer but all they said was that it needs to be replaced. I don't think this is a normal wear and tear because as I've said, I only drove this vehicle for 21,000 miles. The tear is expanding and I believe this can be a serious safety issue during an accident or sudden stops. I was concerned if this was an issue to similar vehicles or if it's just my vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11590316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Anaheim, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Check Engine light checked at dealership revealed Fuel in the NVLD System! They had to replace the NVLD, Charcoal canister, and the Tank vent valve. They accused me of overfilling my fuel tank! I am 100% certain that I NEVER overfill fuel whatsoever. I am afraid this may cause other drivers to ignore the problem resulting in vehicle fires! Please investigate further or ask for repair frequency of this problem from BMW. I owned a BMW for almost 20 years and never experienced this problem! Thanks

NHTSA complaint #11577034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

University Place, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle’s sunroof exploded spontaneously. This occured on an elevated expressway with no access above the vehicle. There was no physical impact to the vehicle. There were no visible warning signs. The sunroof shattered into small shards.

NHTSA complaint #11503402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Los Angeles, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

On 7/1/22, my Vehicle Alert came on advising that the front brake pads need replacement and to schedule an appointment within 1,000 miles. I called the same day to schedule an appointment with my local dealer. However, the next available date was on 7/13/22. I specifically requested an earlier date, but that was the only available slot they had. I brought my vehicle in on 7/13/22 (alert now says schedule an appointment within 800 miles so i had driven 200 miles) and was given an estimate to replace the front brake pads. On the same day, i get a call from the dealer service advisor that the front rotors also needs replacement as they were damaged due to continued driving with worn down brake pads. They also advised the engine mount was cracked and leaking. My safety concern is that the alert should have came on sooner as I called to schedule an appointment the same day the alert came on but the only available time for almost two weeks later. There should have been a more urgent alert (i.e. replace within 50 miles) as I would have then made separate arrangements immediately. Alternatively, the alert should come on much earlier in the brake pads' wear detection. Instead, I was unknowingly driving my vehicle with dangerously damaged rotors due to the false sense of safety as the alert said schedule appointment within the next 1000 miles and I had only driven 200 miles. This put not only my safety at risk but others on the road as well should my brakes have failed. A crash would have been more dangerous in light of the cracked engine mount and leak. I understand brakes are wear and tear and customer pay but i feel that the alert system design and logic needs to be looked at as non-savvy drivers rely on them to make appointments accordingly.

NHTSA complaint #11492346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seattle, WA

ENGINE

On Sept 8, 2021, on I-5, North of Marysville, WA, a truck threw a rock through the lower radiator of our X1. We lost all coolant and car was hauled to BMW, Seattle on 9/9/21. On 9/10 service rep Josh Logan advised: "We confirmed that it does not come with a guard, but when you order a new part, that does come in conjunction." and that: "no warranty coverage, as it does not cover damages, so you would have to go through your insurance for that one." We did so and USAA covered the amount above the $1000 deductible. It is unacceptable that the need for the rock shield was clearly a known condition, yet when damage occurred due to it not being installed from new, that the replacement was not covered under warranty. First Name: [XXX] Last Name: [XXX] Email Address: [XXX] Phone Number: [XXX] Preferred Contact Method: Email Address: [XXX] City: [XXX] State: [XXX] ZIP Code: [XXX] Own a BMW: Yes Year: 2020 Series: X Model: X1 xDrive28i VIN: [XXX] Month Purchased: November Year Purchased: 2020 INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11436620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seattle, WA

ENGINE

On Sept 8, 2021, on I-5, North of Marysville, WA, a truck threw a rock through the lower radiator of our X1. We were very lucky that we stopped and found the coolant running out. Otherwise the engine might have seized at highway speed , causing an accident. We lost all coolant and car was hauled to BMW, Seattle on 9/9/21. On 9/10 service rep Josh Logan advised: "We confirmed that it does not come with a guard, but when you order a new part, that does come in conjunction." and that: "no warranty coverage, as it does not cover damages, so you would have to go through your insurance for that one." We did so and USAA covered the amount above the $1000 deductible. It is unacceptable that the need for the rock shield was clearly a known condition, yet when damage occurred due to it not being installed from new, that the replacement was not covered under warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11436278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mount Holly, NC Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS

I was in a front end crash at approximately 30 to 35 miles per hour and airbags did not deploy nor did the seatbelt lock. My chest hit the steering wheel and I was transported by EMS to hospital. Nothing was broken. I had a bruise upper right chest but my pain is in my sternum which is not visibly bruised but is very sore and my activity and mobility is impaired. My radiator was busted and car was towed by local police department to tow yard which is where it is right now. Soon to be moved to a repair center as the police report becomes available. It has not been inspected at this point. Just want to make the issue known.

NHTSA complaint #11429002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mount Holly, NC Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I was in a front end crash at approximately 30 to 35 miles per hour and airbags did not deploy nor did the seatbelt lock. My chest hit the steering wheel and I was transported by EMS to hospital. Nothing was broken. I had a bruise upper right chest but my pain is in my sternum which is not visibly bruised but is very sore and my activity and mobility is impaired. My radiator was busted and car was towed by local police department to tow yard which is where it is right now. Soon to be moved to a repair center as the police report becomes available. It has not been inspected at this point. Just want to make the issue known.

NHTSA complaint #11429002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 3,000 miles Altadena, CA 2 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE TRUNK COVER HAS PIECES OF EITHER PLEXI OR FIBER GLASS THAT GETS INTO YOUR SKIN. I HAVE GOTTEN TINY SHARDS OF THE GLASS IN MY SKIN AND IT BECOME UNIMAGINABLY PAINFUL AND IT IS VERY HARD TO GET OUT OF THE SKIN.

NHTSA complaint #11406288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.