39 of the
954 complaints filed about the BMW X1
are about the driver-assist systems —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2023.
39
Complaints
4%
Share of all complaints
8
Crashes
1
Fires
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance complaints by model year
In November 2025, I was driving an errand on city streets in a neighborhood. Speed was approximately 30-35MPH. Two lane road. There were no hazards in the road and while I was descending down a hill, my forward collision/emergency braking system activating, causing my vehicle to come to a complete and full stop from road speed. This had happened several other times when reversing out of parking spots into traffic or driving position but since the speed was slow and I do have cross traffic/collision avoidance, I initially I assume it was related to surrounding vegetation and sensor sensitivity. The issue happened again in December 2025 but I was moving at a much slower pace. In May 2025, I had the BMW integrated braking system recall addressed (NHTS #24V1040034860200). However, per the NHTSAA website, it appears there was a subsequent recall/safety repair required for the exact same issue, NHTS Recall #24V739000. I was not aware of this; was not notified by the dealership nor BMW and it could correlate to this issue. On June 4, 2026, I took my BMW to the BMW of El Cajon dealership in order to investigate the issue, as well as to address a nail in a tire and a brake warning light. Prior to attending the appointment, I noted the second recall for the braking system. However, the dealership is not checking or simply stating that there is no open recall on my vehicle which does not correlate with the NHTSA website. I am pushing this issue up the administrative chain of command but am very concerned. The dealership is simply attempting to replicate the issue without further investigation and refused to check the computer system nor the equipment replaced in May 2025 to confirm that there are no mechanical/system failures. Had this issue occurred on a freeway, I would have been in HUGE danger. I request that the NHTSA look into BMW and, specifically, this dealerships handling of mandatory safety recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11742992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In November 2025, I was driving an errand on city streets in a neighborhood. Speed was approximately 30-35MPH. Two lane road. There were no hazards in the road and while I was descending down a hill, my forward collision/emergency braking system activating, causing my vehicle to come to a complete and full stop from road speed. This had happened several other times when reversing out of parking spots into traffic or driving position but since the speed was slow and I do have cross traffic/collision avoidance, I initially I assume it was related to surrounding vegetation and sensor sensitivity. The issue happened again in December 2025 but I was moving at a much slower pace. In May 2025, I had the BMW integrated braking system recall addressed (NHTS #24V1040034860200). However, per the NHTSAA website, it appears there was a subsequent recall/safety repair required for the exact same issue, NHTS Recall #24V739000. I was not aware of this; was not notified by the dealership nor BMW and it could correlate to this issue. On June 4, 2026, I took my BMW to the BMW of El Cajon dealership in order to investigate the issue, as well as to address a nail in a tire and a brake warning light. Prior to attending the appointment, I noted the second recall for the braking system. However, the dealership is not checking or simply stating that there is no open recall on my vehicle which does not correlate with the NHTSA website. I am pushing this issue up the administrative chain of command but am very concerned. The dealership is simply attempting to replicate the issue without further investigation and refused to check the computer system nor the equipment replaced in May 2025 to confirm that there are no mechanical/system failures. Had this issue occurred on a freeway, I would have been in HUGE danger. I request that the NHTSA look into BMW and, specifically, this dealerships handling of mandatory safety recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11742992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We have owned the car for nearly 2 years and the rear cross traffic alert has never worked, even when cars and pedestrians are walking behind the vehicle. BMW says nothing is wrong. Many other drivers report the exact same issue with their BMW.
NHTSA complaint #11738793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 2/25/26, in rush hour traffic we were driving on a NJ highway. We happened to be in the left-most of 3 lanes with a concrete divider (no shoulder – there was about 3 ft between the concrete divider and the left side of the left lane). We were about 4 car lengths behind the next car when traffic was slowing for a red light. The car indicated “Everything OK”. When I hit my brakes, they did not engage; they locked. The car skidded; it felt like we were on ice, but the road was clear. We were upon the car in front of us and had no place to go. I held the steering tight and tried pumping the brakes to disengage the lock. To no avail. I was planning on scraping the divider on my side to slow the car down. I steered the car into the tight space next to the divider thinking it would cause less injuries as opposed to plowing into the back of the stopped car in front of me. We slid at least 4 car lengths before traveling past 3 stopped cars in succession, I just barely missed hitting the concrete divider and/or the cars in the lane in front/beside me. On the left side, I could see that my mirror was over the divider and on right side we were within an inch or two of a hit. Realizing that I miraculously missed hitting anything, I tested the brakes going only a couple of inches and the brakes did engage. I slowly moved across the lanes to get to the right shoulder. Through all of this, the car indicated “Everything OK”. On 2/26 the car was towed to the dealership. The dealership technician and BMW representative easily replicated the brake failure. Through their testing they determined that the Integrated Brake Module, the same part that had be replaced in Nov 2025 for a recall, had failed again. Before, during, and after the incident, the car indicated “Everything OK”. After repeated requests, neither the dealership or BMW rep gave us any information about why the car failed to warn us of the problem or assurance us of its safety.
NHTSA complaint #11727462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While reversing into a parking space, the parking sensor system repeatedly indicated an obstacle on the left side of the vehicle even though no object was present. The system displayed a red warning on the left side and automatically applied the brakes very suddenly, causing the vehicle to jerk to a stop. I exited the vehicle to check the area and confirmed there was nothing on the ground or near the vehicle that would explain the warning. The surface was flat and clear. Because the system continued to detect a phantom obstacle on the left side, it repeatedly interfered with maneuvering the vehicle while reversing. During this situation the vehicle ultimately made contact with a pole behind the car, which I did not initially realize because the braking intervention was so abrupt. The parking sensor was damaged in the impact. The vehicle was inspected by a BMW dealership, and they stated diagnostics showed no malfunction prior to the collision, only that the sensor malfunctioned after the impact. However, this was not the first time the vehicle’s parking system has falsely detected an obstacle and locked the brakes while reversing, which raises concerns about the reliability of the parking-assist automatic braking feature. The sudden braking and false obstacle detection create a potential safety risk, particularly if the system unexpectedly stops the vehicle or interferes with maneuvering in tight spaces. I am reporting this incident so it can be investigated as a possible defect in the parking sensor or automatic braking system.
NHTSA complaint #11724361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1 Brakes: The brakes seem to have excessive wear. The car was purchased new and started making loud squeaking noises after about 18k miles. The squeaking sometimes went away after regular maintenance, but usually reappeared withing a few hundred miles of driving. Two different BMW dealership service centers examined the car at different times and claimed the squeaking was a sensor, however there was never a dashboard light or computerized message stating the same. At about 29K, a dashboard light and computerized message displayed warning the brakes needed regular maintenance. Strangely, the loud squeaking went away as soon as the dashboard light displayed. 2 Lane Keeping Assistance: the car will attempt to swerve into other lanes, fighting my attempts to control the steering wheel. This happens when lane markings have been redrawn, but the vehicle is detecting the painted-over lines and tries to divert to there instead. It also happens when a lane has an option to split into different directions. If I am driving straight, the vehicle will try to swerve into the alternate direction, instead of proceeding in the direction the car is already traveling. This sometimes risks driving into a curbs or barriers that separate the directions and has occurred numerous times.
NHTSA complaint #11707927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Rear Cross Traffic system does not work! A few days ago a car stopped inches away from me without any warning. I was backing out of a parking space at the grocery store.
NHTSA complaint #11706815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Rear Cross Traffic system does not work! A few days ago a car stopped inches away from me without any warning. I was backing out of a parking space at the grocery store.
NHTSA complaint #11706815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX] we were headed to Myrtle Beach, a warning lite came on the dash to go straight to the dealer. Later when we got home, my wife called the dealer and set up an appointment. At that time the service department said that BMW didn't have a solution to the problem and told us to wait until we received a text or call to have the X1 BMW serviced. We got a letter in August that the remedy is available and carried it to the dealer. The service department then told us that the part was not there for our car and it was in transit. Also the part had to be paired to our vin number, so they put us back on the road for another week of maybe nothing will happen. We tried to get a loaner, because we been long bought the car. Finally on September 12th we carried the car in to be serviced for the recall, at which time we demanded a loaner to drive and received one, same as our car a year newer.The point I am getting to, is that BMW "Safety Is Important To Us" don't mean anything because they let us drive for almost a year with a Brake Recall endangering our lives. The service we got was befitting the company of BMW. Very unhappy customers [XXX] and [XXX] , You should have some type of gift or gift card for all that we went through to get our new X1 BMW repaired at our cost of time and worry. NOT HAPPY!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11688188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We had forward collision mitigation option on this vehicle but it didn't brake to stop. This caused to rear end a SUV infront on service road and causing big damage to both vehicles. There was a recall on previous year vehicles on the braking system but were told this was fixed in this 2025 model.
NHTSA complaint #11663011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We had forward collision mitigation option on this vehicle but it didn't brake to stop. This caused to rear end a SUV infront on service road and causing big damage to both vehicles. There was a recall on previous year vehicles on the braking system but were told this was fixed in this 2025 model.
NHTSA complaint #11663011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We have owned the car for nearly a year and the rear cross traffic warning simply does not work. It gives no alerts when backing out of a space and either cars or pedestrians are crossing behind. Totally unsafe.
NHTSA complaint #11642644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing this complaint regarding the unresolved safety recall for the Integrated Brake System (IBS) on my 2023 BMW X1. The recall, issued in February 2024, addresses critical safety issues, including the potential loss of power brake assist, Antilock Brake System (ABS) failure, and compromised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). These defects increase the risk of accidents, particularly in emergency braking situations or poor driving conditions. Since the recall’s announcement, BMW Corporate has repeatedly confirmed that no official remedy is available, most recently in December 2024. However, my original dealership, BMW of Norwood, recently contacted me and claimed they could perform the repair immediately. This is contradictory and suspicious, as I had escalated the issue to BMW Corporate earlier in the week and mentioned my intent to seek legal counsel. Additionally, I have attempted to appraise or trade my vehicle multiple times since August 2024, but the recall has made this impossible, leaving me with financial and safety concerns. The dealership’s sudden claim that parts are available, without issuing a formal notice or providing documentation, raises concerns about improper recall handling or miscommunication between BMW Corporate and its dealerships. This delay, coupled with inconsistent information, leaves me and other affected customers at ongoing risk. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate BMW’s handling of this recall, ensure a consistent remedy is made available to all affected vehicles, and confirm that proper communication and compliance protocols are followed. Desired Outcome: 1.Investigate BMW’s recall handling and determine if a remedy exists. 2.Ensure consistent and accurate communication about recall remedies. 3.Require BMW to provide official documentation to affected customers when the recall is resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11630635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2024 BMW X1
at 7,000 milesNorthport, NYCrash1 injured
The contact leased a 2024 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the sun obstructed her driving view, she lost control and crashed into an electrical pole. There were no warning lights. The automatic braking system did not engage. The air bags deployed. The contact was taken by ambulance to the hospital due to head, neck, back, and chest injuries. The police informed her the vehicle may be totaled. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
NHTSA complaint #11629623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The touch screen on the passenger side wasn't functional - it was completely black except for a small BMW logo. Tried turning off the car and turning it back on, but that didn't solve the problem. As a result I was unable to change the temperature/AC, use navigation or the back up camera - important safety and comfort features. A few hours later when I returned to use the car it was functioning properly. The issue continued, and on August 15, 2024 the car was brought to the service center for evaluation (car was dropped off while the screen was black) - car was evaluated, reset and returned on 8/16 claiming the issue was resolved. (2 days) However: When we got the keys and pulled the car into the driveway the screen was black, again! The following week, the car was returned to the service center - issue could not be recreated so BMW agreed to replace the entire computer system. Today, when dropping off the car for the integrated breaking system recall, I was offered an x1 loaner from the dealership. When I turned on the car it also had a black screen on the passenger side - needless to say I requested another vehicle!
NHTSA complaint #11627373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When backing up, my new 2025 X1 fails to warn of crossing vehicle traffic and pedestrian traffic. I have had two near misses of crossing vehicles and one near miss of hitting a pedestrian.
NHTSA complaint #11624779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A deer was standing ahead in the road and I began to brake! I was only going 25-30mph. The brakes were hard to push and it felt like something was malfunctioning eventually hitting the deer straight on!!! The Automatic Braking System did NOT work, the forward collision warning did NOT work and the BRAKES did not work after pressing hard to brake to avoid a collision!!! I have had this BMW for over a year and have had several recalls that the dealership fixed EXCEPT for the IB recall issued on 2/12/24 that they still have NO REMEDY!!!!!!! Not only is this a MAJOR safety issue that I've expressed to them many times- the worst has happened now and my braking system FAILED causing a collision!!! The Phil Hughes service dept. has lied about filling my washer fluid and that the faulty battery issue was due to it sitting too long! I drive this car EVERY DAY!! They also did not even disclose to me that there were faulty sensor issues when I had it serviced recently!! I do NOT trust them at this point!! Just this past week my check engine light went off and on. My husband unscrewed and screwed on the gas cap - the light was still on and then just went off as I was driving the next day! My battery still goes completely dead for unknown reasons....... I DO NOT FEEL SAFE!!! I am disabled from being rear-ended from a tractor trailer 4 years ago and this car has completely TRAUMATIZED me all over again and I will not drive this BMW ever again!!
NHTSA complaint #11623815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A deer was standing ahead in the road and I began to brake! I was only going 25-30mph. The brakes were hard to push and it felt like something was malfunctioning eventually hitting the deer straight on!!! The Automatic Braking System did NOT work, the forward collision warning did NOT work and the BRAKES did not work after pressing hard to brake to avoid a collision!!! I have had this BMW for over a year and have had several recalls that the dealership fixed EXCEPT for the IB recall issued on 2/12/24 that they still have NO REMEDY!!!!!!! Not only is this a MAJOR safety issue that I've expressed to them many times- the worst has happened now and my braking system FAILED causing a collision!!! The Phil Hughes service dept. has lied about filling my washer fluid and that the faulty battery issue was due to it sitting too long! I drive this car EVERY DAY!! They also did not even disclose to me that there were faulty sensor issues when I had it serviced recently!! I do NOT trust them at this point!! Just this past week my check engine light went off and on. My husband unscrewed and screwed on the gas cap - the light was still on and then just went off as I was driving the next day! My battery still goes completely dead for unknown reasons....... I DO NOT FEEL SAFE!!! I am disabled from being rear-ended from a tractor trailer 4 years ago and this car has completely TRAUMATIZED me all over again and I will not drive this BMW ever again!!
NHTSA complaint #11623815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear cross traffic alert does not work. It gives no indication or sound when a car or human drives by. I nearly got into an accident multiple times. When mentioned to my service manager, they tested backing up into a curb and not "cross traffic". They thought it was not a problem, but when I explained the issue of rear cross traffic I was told to bring my vehicle in and that there is a fix. When asked why this doesn't work, or if this is a software update that was missed I was told that they do not know. Only that it is something that they can " add " to my vehicle. No clear explanation.
NHTSA complaint #11619571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2017 BMW X1 has a transmission warning to use parking brake because of potential hazard of car rolling away while in park. I investigated this issue and there are hundreds of thousands of people who are receiving this warning as well. This is a major safety issue for the car, the risk of it rolling or not understanding that the car is properly in park. This needs to be covered as a recall for this make and model and BMW should cover this.
NHTSA complaint #11611517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.