2017
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013

BMW X1

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In redesigning the X1 for 2016, BMW made its premium crossover SUV wider, roomier, and more fuel efficient than the outgoing car, while packing in more technology. It's even more practical, as adults can actually fit in the rear seat. So what's wrong with all of that? In a category where entry-level models approach $50,000, people expect more from their vehicles.
Alerts
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2017
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013

BMW X1

Reliability

We expect the 2022 X1 to have about average reliability when compared to other new cars. This prediction is based on BMW's brand history and data from previous models.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2017 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2017 BMW X1 has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electric System
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Integrity
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
Power Equipment
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2021 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 BMW X1 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

"Car has never had correct alignment from the date of purchase which resulted in significant tire wear on the front - we will have gone through 3 sets of front tires once the lease is up. Problem has not been rectified and/or fixed long term."

Anonymous, CA (2017 BMW X1 sDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Ball joints

"started to hear noise in the suspension."

Anonymous, NJ (2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"noticed creaking noise when turning. no cost as under full warranty as CPO"

Anonymous, (2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Tire wear is uneven

"Will be on 3rd set of front tires when lease is up. Less than 20,000 miles. Suspension/alignment problems have not been fixed and caused the car to rapidly wear out tires."

Anonymous, CA (2017 BMW X1 sDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Display screen freezes up

"Receive error 255 code."

Anonymous, TN (2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Entire unit malfunctioned, including the related BMW Connect. Dealer replaced the entire head unit under warranty"

Steven R., FL (2017 BMW X1 sDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Difficult to use. Traffic does not work well because receive error on network connection."

Anonymous, TN (2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"The rear hatch had a rattle that happened three times. The third time someone evidently really looked at it because it was solved. It has been perfect since then."

Anonymous, MA (2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Cheaply built. :-("

Jeffrey S., KY (2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Wind noise

"We previously owned a 2010 BMW 528i. It was really nice, but wearing out due to years of reliable service. It was well built and had a comfortable quiet ride. However, the 2017 BMW X1 sounds like a you are riding inside a tin can. Wind noise is terrible and passenger comfort appears to be a low priority. Spacing is very cramped. Soon after leasing, we realized we had made a mistake in choosing this model."

Jeffrey S., KY (2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Gauges

"Entire instrument cluster wouldn't light up and settings wouldn't keep. Needed to replace whole panel - took 3 weeks for one to be made and shipped from Germany"

Anonymous, NJ (2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Keyless entry

"does not remember my settings for seat position etc Must add here: Problems with rear hatch opening and closing on me without warning"

Elaine R., NY (2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Premature brake wear

"The brake sensor alerted. After inspecting the brake pads, they still had nearly half of the pad material still on them. But I had to replace the pads and the wear sensor to turn of the annoying nag light."

Anonymous, FL (2017 BMW X1 sDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The front brake pads wore out at 26000km and damaged the disks, including excessive rust on the disk"

Anonymous, AB (2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Following distance often drops out and disconnects, but you can still use regular cruise. Apparently this car uses cameras for this instead of radar, and it isn't reliable. But it does work most of the time."

Philip B., IA (2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The rear hatch would start closing by itself and hit me if I wasn't quick to get out of the way. BMW installed a new sensor, and it works fine now./"

Philip B., IA (2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

Turbo or supercharger

"the supercharger blew out."

Anonymous, NJ (2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Blower (fan) motor

"no heat from bottom blower"

Elaine R., NY (2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

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No Data Available
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
STRUCTURE
May 09, 2019
In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2019 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles. In the event of a crash where the occupants head contacts the B-pillar, the pillar may not absorb an adequate amount of the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vertical trim pieces on the upper portion of the interior B-Pillars, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 1, 2019. Second notices will be sent as parts become available, starting on September 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V349000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 106182
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS
Jan 26, 2017
In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 X1 xDrive28i and X1 sDrive28i vehicles. The affected vehicles have an instrument panel that may not allow the front passenger air bag to deploy properly in the event of a crash.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V062000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 16771
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS
Dec 20, 2016
If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V914000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3506
Hide Recall Details
SEAT BELTS
Oct 17, 2016
In the event of a crash where heavy braking is applied, the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) may activate when the occupant is more forward in the seat, possibly increasing the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, MINI Hardtop 4 Door Cooper, Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper S, MINI Cooper Clubman, and Cooper S Clubman, 2017 Rolls-Royce Ghost, and 2016 528i vehicles. The vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism of the seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for the driver's seat may not lock as designed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V747000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 15455
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