141 of the
954 complaints filed about the BMW X1
are about the electrical system —
15% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the navigation screen was glitching and became inoperable. The service message was displayed. There was a red triangle with an exclamation mark displayed. The vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated that the failure was caused by a failure with the grounding cable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the grounding cable was underneath the vehicle. The battery was previously replaced. No additional repairs were completed. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The manufacturer confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle associated with the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I'm not sure If I need to report BMW for declining to repair a recall known as 24V-608. I went to my local BMW dealership Valley Auto World BMW In Fayetteville, NC. The first time we went they said they put a cover over the wiring connector for oil or water dripping from the PCV hose. When we went their were no engine codes and a week after they perform the inspection I got engine codes regarding the water pump codes are U0079 - U019F. I got this when It was at night. The following morning I went out and unplugged the connector and corrosion was on the connector. I proceed to clean the connector pins with isopropyl alcohol and a tooth brush. I also added Dielectric grease to the inside of the water pump connector before I found out that there was corrosion on the connector pins. The codes did not go away. The following morning the pump stopped working so I removed It and corrosion was on the pins for the water pump. I took It to the dealership and the said neither corporate or the dealership would not repair the vehicle because they said they got photos before they put the connector protector on and I said I got photos after they put It on. They are trying to pull you removed It so It was your fault. Like I have the right to repair my own vehicle and you still want to make It seem like I'm the one who put the corrosion there just to get a free pump. I stood In the rain trying to repair the vehicle on the lot but they said we had to get off the property and called the cops. The cops let us continue adding a replacement pump to the car and after I got It on there the engine lights went out.
NHTSA complaint #11752791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AFTER BEING PARKED OUT I THE SUN, AT ABOUT NOON, STARTED CAR AND DROVE FROM PARING LOT CAR RESPNSE TO TROTLE INPUTS ERATTIC AND HARD TO JUDGE FOUND A PLACE TO SAFELY PARK, REBOOTED CAR COMPUTER, AND THEN WAS ALE TO DRIVE HOME (145 MILES) CRUISE CONTROLL DID NOT WORK. WHEN HOME, CALLED BMW, REQUESTED THEY REPAIR car so that it is safe to drive,. Thry have had car since then. Don't feel it safe to drive til BMW declairs it repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11746785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Since November 2025, my 2025 BMW X1 has repeatedly lost propulsion while I was driving, typically after the dashboard screens suddenly crash and reboot. When this happens, the vehicle stops responding to the accelerator, displays the wrong gear, or requires me to shut it completely off in traffic before it will move again. The vehicle has been in the shop for more than 130 days, and there have been seven documented incidents, several supported by photos and videos showing the failures as they occurred. Despite multiple repair attempts, BMW has been unable to identify or correct the problem. I am honestly terrified to drive this vehicle because I never know when it will happen again, especially at highway speeds where losing power or acceleration could easily cause a serious accident. Luckily, I've avoided 3 near misses during these failures, once at highway speed on the NTTA tollway and it blocked a lane and required NTTA authority to pull it off the road. Because of that fear, I now avoid highways whenever possible and limit my driving to surface streets, which has significantly affected my daily life.
NHTSA complaint #11745444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Approximately 8 months ago, I brought my car to the BMW dealership Keeler's in Latham, NY 12110 for a Recall 24V-608:474, the dealer held my car for a day. Two weeks later after taking my car in for the recall, my check engine light started going off and on, off and on, then it comes on and stayed on. On certain occasions I smelt burning wiring and antifreeze smell, yet I assumed that those particular smells come from outside through the car vents. The weather was in the fall season, so I never turned on the AC to make sure the cold air was working, the heat was working. It wasn't until the weather was getting warm that I try to use the Cold air in my car that I notice that there was nothing but hot air coming out and not the ice-cold air that I was getting before I took it to the BMW dealer in Latham. I connected a code reader to my car and the codes that come back were U019F and U0079 which stated that is was a lost communication with the Engin coolant pump. I call BMW and tell them about my complaints; they told me to bring in my car to get it look at. I brought the car to Keeler. The Service Advisor Daniel Purpura told me that my car has be reset and a shelter cap replace and the shop mechanic drove it, and now the check engine light is off. When I went to start the car the engine light was back on, and I told him that. He told me that the code they found was code 003B97. The 003B97 is not the recall code, but it was caused by the recall work. Under federal recall law, any defect created during recall repair must be corrected at no charge. I purchased this vehicle with my own funds and am the person responsible for its maintenance, safety, and recall compliance. The vehicle is titled, registered, and insured in my fiancée name who holds the valid driver’s license for the household. Although the paperwork is in her name, I am the beneficial and equitable owner of the vehicle and who tried to get the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11740918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
am writing to report a potential safety and fire hazard issue involving my BMW X1, along with ongoing electrical concerns I have experienced with this vehicle since purchase. Approximately two weeks ago, for the first time in three years, I needed to bring the vehicle in for an oil change. Due to my work commute of more than two hours each way, neither the BMW dealership near my home nor the one near my workplace was able to accommodate me within a reasonable timeframe. Because I could not continue driving without service, I brought the vehicle to Jiffy Lube for an oil change. During the visit, I agreed to replace the cabin/carbon air filter as recommended. Approximately three weeks later, while driving, I turned on the air conditioning and immediately noticed a strong burning smell coming from the vents. Concerned about a possible electrical or overheating issue, I turned the air off immediately. I contacted BMW service and the earliest available appointment was scheduled for May 20, 2026. During the scheduling call, the BMW service representative informed me that my vehicle also had an active recall that would be addressed during my appointment. When I asked for details, I was told it involved a “software update issue.” On May 18, 2026, I attempted to use the air conditioning again. This time, the burning smell became significantly worse and was combined with a musty odor. Shortly afterward, the ventilation system stopped blowing air entirely. When I arrived at BMW service, I explained the symptoms to my advisor. He responded that the issue “sounded familiar” and stepped away to speak with someone else. When he returned, he explained that another customer had recently reported a similar issue involving a recall on a BMW M5, but stated that the BMW X1 did not currently have the same recall. Given the burning odor, ventilation failure, and the similarity to another BMW recall-related complaint, I believe this issue should be investigated further as a potential hazar
NHTSA complaint #11739163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on the highway and all of my dashboard lights began to flicker, my windshield wipers came on and my doors began to lock and unlock then the car shut off while I was driving.
NHTSA complaint #11727003 — 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.
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine and engine overheating warning lights became illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The contact had an older BMW that had experienced the same failure, and the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The local dealer was contact and the contact was informed that the current vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11721707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after shifting to park(P), there was white smoke coming from under the hood, with a burning plastic odor. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there were no authorized dealers close by. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,850.
NHTSA complaint #11719114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Right around mid-December 2025, I parked my car, and went to bed, just to wake up on a notification that my battery was depleted and I should go to a service center. I went to the nearest BMW dealership, and had them check out the issue. They said it was caused by 2 incidents where I the car's engine was off with key on for 9 minutes and 10 minutes respectively. and therefore it is my fault and the battery is damaged. So, they had to replace it, and they charged me $1,100 for it. I still don't see how that's my fault, because when I put the car in parking and not exit, the engine turns itself off anyways, but entertainment stays on.
NHTSA complaint #11718900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Complete electrical failure while driving on the Highway. I barely was able to get over without causing an accident. The car without notice went dead and no power. I couldn't turn the steering wheel. Lots of warning lights started flashing then completely dead.
NHTSA complaint #11716607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Today is 1/21/26. My car has had problems since 12/4/25 when I started getting drivetrain warning lights. After "call roadside assistance" prompts, it will start, but a drivetrain fault appears on the dash. Many faults have appeared at the dealer and I have it in writing that there is nothing more they can do. They escalated the issue to BMW with no resolution, to date. I have requested a buy-back and they no longer return my calls. In terms of safety, I'm not sure what could happen if the drivetrain fault light is on. On three separate occasions, it told me that the car was in danger of rolling over when I was on a flat surface. Another time, the car wouldn't go over 30 mph. This didn't feel safe! The dealer has reloaded software many times. Once they said I could pick it up and when I started it to drive home, the fault light appeared. They said other cars have come in for similar issues, but the software update has solved the problem. They said they have never seen anything like this before. As far as I know, other than the local dealer, all other BMW inspections have been done remotely. Documentation of what as happened every day is attached. I also have the back-and-forth correspondence with the dealer and with BMW North America if needed.
NHTSA complaint #11712606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On multiple occasions, maybe up to 10, the software controlling the dashboard LCD screens reset while driving and completely goes black. Almost everything in the car is controlled through the head unit. I use the vehicle for highway commuting and it happens at 70+ miles per hour. I have no gauges at all while it is occurring. I don’t have a speedometer. I do not have HVAC controls. I don’t have a gas gauge. I’ve taken the car in multiple times. They replaced the head unit. But it keeps occurring. Now the dome On multiple occasions, maybe up to 10, the software controlling the dashboard LCD screens resets while driving and completely goes black. Almost everything in the car is controlled through the head unit. I use the vehicle for highway commuting, and it happens at 70+ miles per hour. I have no gauges at all while it is occurring. I don’t have a speedometer. I do not have HVAC controls. I don’t have a gas gauge. I’ve taken the car in multiple times. They replaced the head unit. But it keeps occurring. Now the dome lights do not work. I’ll be taking the car back for the fourth time. And they’ve had it collectively in the shop maybe 30 days. I purchased the vehicle new at the end of July 2025. This is a safety issue.lights do not work. I’ll be taking the car back for the fourth time. And they’ve had it collectively in the shop maybe 30 days. I purchased the vehicle new at the end of July 2025. This is a safety issue. I have pictures and a video of it while it is happening.
NHTSA complaint #11707705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coolant Pump Electrical Connector Recall #24V-608 Program Control Units (DME) Recall #20E-A01 I am following up because my dealer was unable to complete the DME recall, and the coolant pump recall still shows as incomplete in NHTSA. My vehicle was moved off-site without my consent. I received no updates or documentation, and the dealer was dismissive. My car’s condition has declined due to unresolved recalls. I have already spent over $2,000 replacing the coolant pump and now face a $5,000 repair quote and potential off-site garage fees. Description of the issue: Dealer failed to complete DME recall Coolant pump recall shows as incomplete Vehicle moved off-site without your consent Customer Relations unhelpful and rude Financial impacts ($2k coolant pump repair in December, $5k quote, off-site fees) Requests: 1. Confirm in writing which recalls are open and applicable to my VIN. 2. Properly complete the DME recall (#20E-A01) at no cost, including any module replacement. 3. Ensure NHTSA reporting for #24V-608 is accurate. 4. BMW must restore my vehicle to proper operational standards. 5. Reimburse reasonable costs caused by the dealer’s mishandling, including garage fees and prior repair costs. 6. Provide a case number and timeline for all actions.
NHTSA complaint #11689892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed and left at the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11686617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I’ve had entertainment issues. This morning I was driving on a 65 MPH highway when the LED screens on the dashboard went completely black, including the driver side with the speedometer. After approximately 10 seconds the driver’s side came back on, but all of them are warning lights were illuminated. At the same time the LED screen with the entertainment system performed a restart which took approximately 20 to 30 seconds. The car is only two months old and I’ve had numerous problems. I was able to take a photo. In the photo, the driver side is back on but you can see all of the warning lights are lit up and not all information is provided on the screen. The speedometer in the picture says I’m going 39 miles an hour, but that is not true. I was going at least 50.
NHTSA complaint #11686512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the vehicle with the engine light illuminated. There was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, and the contact was informed that parts were not available. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the brake pads. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11684977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact stated that there was a whistling sound coming from the vehicle while driving. Additionally, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The “Service Soon” message was displayed. The service and oil messages were displayed on the information screen. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11682458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.