FaultScore

BMW X1 airbag problems

26 of the 954 complaints filed about the BMW X1 are about the airbag system — 3% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2018.

26

Complaints

3%

Share of all complaints

14

Crashes

1

Fires

Airbags complaints by model year

2013 X1 1 3.8%

Median failure at 96,000 miles

2014 X1 4 15.4%

Median failure at 146,000 miles

2015 X1 1 3.8%
2016 X1 4 15.4%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

2017 X1 3 11.5%

Median failure at 58,000 miles

2018 X1 6 23.1%
2020 X1 1 3.8%
2021 X1 2 7.7%

Median failure at 6,000 miles

2023 X1 4 15.4%

Median failure at 2,000 miles

What owners said

2014 BMW X1 Kenosha, WI Crash Fire

AIR BAGS

Vehicle: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i Incident Date: 11/21/2025 Location: Interstate highway in Wisconsin Description of the Issue: My husband was driving our 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i when he was involved in a front-end collision at approximately 40 mph. He struck the rear of another vehicle with the front passenger-side portion of the BMW. Despite the force and angle of the crash, neither the driver airbag nor the passenger airbag deployed. Immediately after impact, heavy smoke began coming through the dashboard vents within seconds, and the vehicle caught fire within approximately one minute. The entire front of the vehicle was destroyed by the fire. The airbags never deployed at any point, including during the fire. We believe this represents a serious failure of the airbag system or the crash sensors. A collision at this speed and angle, followed by catastrophic fire, should have triggered airbag deployment. This creates a significant safety risk for the driver and any passengers. What Happened to the Occupant: The driver experienced impact to the chest and upper body that likely would have been mitigated by airbag deployment. He required medical evaluation. Why We Are Reporting: We want to notify NHTSA of this potential airbag system failure, as it may indicate a defect affecting additional BMW X1 vehicles. We are requesting that the incident be reviewed to determine whether: The frontal crash sensors malfunctioned The airbag control module failed Wiring or electrical issues prevented deployment A previously unknown defect exists in this model This was a dangerous failure of a critical safety system. There was no prior airbag warning light or malfunction indicator before the crash. The vehicle is a total loss and is currently with our insurance company. We will request the airbag control module (ACM) and crash data from the insurance inspection. The vehicle has not previously been involved in an airbag deployment. The vehicle had up-to-date maintenance.

NHTSA complaint #11700856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 BMW X1 Adelphi, MD

AIR BAGS

The brakes have been replaced also rotors now I am removing pads again in the front less the 6 month noise. The whole radiator system was replaced and I had to remove the new expansion tank again along with 2 holes air bag light came on but went out so did the brakes light I do not there's no ground to this vehicle what so ever there also electric issues.

NHTSA complaint #11687268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 BMW X1 North Versailles, PA

AIR BAGS

Passenger restraint system malfunction is the error code. I am reporting this because it seems to be a common problem with a very important safety system in the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11672428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 BMW X1 Washington, DC, DC Crash 4 injured

AIR BAGS

On [XXX] [XXX] was operating her 2017 BMW X1 traveling northbound on [XXX]. While driving in the middle lane, her vehicle was struck on the right side. The point of impact was the right front passenger side, extending toward the rear passenger area. The force of the collision was significant enough to eject the right front passenger tire from the vehicle. Despite the severity of the impact, the right front passenger airbag failed to deploy. As a result of the collision and the car’s failure to properly respond to the crash, [XXX] sustained injuries that required hospitalization. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11670388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 BMW X1 Ellicott City (Howard County), MD Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Airbag. No open recalls. Spinal injury in head-on collision. Unknown Crash Champions at Windsor Mills in Baltimore, MD (auto body shop for Progressive) No warnings

NHTSA complaint #11606959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 BMW X1 Baltimore, MD Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

This was struck in the rear at the stop light.

NHTSA complaint #11587165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 BMW X1 Baltimore, MD Crash

AIR BAGS

This vehicle was rear ended with rear frame damage. The airbag light stays on and the seat belt was ejected and lock. The seat now will not extend to fit and latch. My wife the owner of the car [XXX] head and body was jerked extremely hard due to the lack of airbag not deploying. My wife completed all required maintenance with the BMW dealer prior to the accident. This is frustrating since we paid a lot of money over the years to maintain the car and we expect nothing less, but a safe vehicle for my wife. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11583839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 BMW X1 Opelika, AL

AIR BAGS

WARNING LIGHTS AND ALARMS KEEP GOING OFF IN MY CAR! The car was sold to mf like this by Carvana and these problems are not listed in the car fax’s!

NHTSA complaint #11551705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 BMW X1 Atlanta, GA Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

I was involved in an accident today and the front steering wheel airbags didn’t deploy The blue car in the pictures turned in front of me and I hit them

NHTSA complaint #11523048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 BMW X1 Brownsville, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V079000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and Bert Ogden McAllen BMW (3201 N 10th St, McAllen, TX 78501) were made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11520105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 BMW X1 Lutz, FL

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V079000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11518718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 BMW X1 Minneapolis, MN

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V079000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11516925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 BMW X1 at 2,000 miles San Antonio, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Driver Restraint System Malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V079000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that apart from the driver's air bag, another unknown air bag also needed to be replaced; however, the contact stated that additional information was not provided. The dealer confirmed parts were not available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.

NHTSA complaint #11512801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 BMW X1 Palatine, IL Crash

AIR BAGS

At-fault vehicle (charged with improper lane usage) in Toyota Corolla attempted to abruptly merge left from "local lanes" going north of IL 53 to the "express" lanes hitting a Toyota Camry which veered into my front right tossing me across 3 lanes taking out 70' of guardrail and totaling my 2018 BMW X1. My airbags did not deploy. My engine came away from the chassis and left front wheel came away from the vehicle as well. It is my opinion at least one airbag/safety restraint should have been deployed. I submitted a report to this department February 1, 2022. I heard back in June and nothing else ever happened even after I submitted the requested information. See the email stream last week from [XXX], HR, NHTSA-----> Good morning [XXX], I reviewed the documents you sent me and it appears you submitted everything [XXX] requested. The information my contact gave me is as follows: “The customer can go to the NHTSA Report a Safety Problem web page on NHTSA’s public webpage (link below) and complete the required information. They can also call the toll free number at 888-327-4236, Monday-Friday 8am-8pm ET to report as well. Report a Vehicle Safety Problem, Equipment Issue | NHTSA” Let them know you submitted your complaint back on February 1, 2022, and [XXX] contacted you and requested additional information to include the location of the incident, the Police Accident Report (you submitted), nature of injuries (you submitted), the event recorder report (which you notified him that you did not have), and manufacturer complaint number (which you provided to him). The last time you heard from him was June 10, 2022 when he requested the additional information and you provided the information later that day. Let them know you are trying to bring closure to this matter. I hope this helps! [XXX], HR, NHTSA INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11497909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 BMW X1 Palatine, IL Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

Serious highway accident in Chicago suburbs whereby car was totaled. Engine came away from chassis after ramming into and taking out 50 feet of guardrail and coming to a screeching halt. Left front wheel came away from vehicle in its entirety. No front, side or overhead airbags deployed whatsoever. Traveling at 50MPH at time of accident. I have pictures if required.

NHTSA complaint #11495584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 BMW X1 at 58,000 miles Wildwood, MO Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact stated his wife was driving at 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to slow the vehicle down however her purse got entrapped near the brake pedal and accelerator pedal causing her to crash into the vehicle in front who was stopped. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to retract. The contacts wife collided with the steering wheel due to the impact. The contact's wife suffered chest injuries where a doctor later confirmed she had a cracked sternum. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was towed to a Collison Center. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA complaint #11474112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 BMW X1 at 53,000 miles Grand Prairie, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X1. The contact stated that the airbag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the airbag was faulty and the airbag module might be damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

NHTSA complaint #11462276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 BMW X1 Palatine, IL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I was in a 3-car accident through the fault of another driver. This was on a highway in northwest suburbs of Chicago. Very serious crash ending in a totaled vehicle. Severe (left) front end damage with engine disengaging from the chassis and left front wheel coming off vehicle. I believe I was put at high risk of losing my life because none of the airbags deployed inside the vehicle. The car was viewed by state police (police report available) and insurance representatives officially deeming the vehicle "totaled". Based on my VIN, there were no pending airbag recalls on file. See uploaded pictures

NHTSA complaint #11449738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 BMW X1 at 6,000 miles Ashland, MO Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 mph, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. The contact mentioned the air bags failed to deploy from the intensity of the vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the driver sustained a broken right hand that needed medical attention and was unaware of the other vehicle injuries. The vehicle was towed to the body shop. The dealer was not contacted. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer but there was no answer. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11444704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 BMW X1 at 96,000 miles Chicago, IL Crash

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that no issues were found, however, the brake sensor system was reset. The contact stated the failure reoccurred while driving and coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated while driving at 20-25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond and went all the way to the floorboard, causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the independent mechanic with assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V627000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) as her VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

NHTSA complaint #11433897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other BMW X1 problems