2014 BMW X1 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 BMW X1, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine3138.8%
- Electrical2430.0%
- Fuel system67.5%
- Brakes67.5%
- Airbags45.0%
- Powertrain (other)45.0%
- Steering22.5%
- Exterior lighting11.3%
- Visibility11.3%
- Body & structure11.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Car was taken in for service for a water pump recall. When I receive the car back there is a radiator photo on the dashboard as if there is low coolant. After returning the car to BMW they are stating that the water pump part that was fixed has nothing to do with why there is now a coolant leak from the back of the radiator. The fuel leak is coming from the fuel pump.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Car was taken in for service for a water pump recall. When I receive the car back there is a radiator photo on the dashboard as if there is low coolant. After returning the car to BMW they are stating that the water pump part that was fixed has nothing to do with why there is now a coolant leak from the back of the radiator. The fuel leak is coming from the fuel pump.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I believe there is a class action lawsuit for timing chains and oil pumps on BMW years 2012-2015 with N20/N26 engines. My vehicle is an exact match for this recall but it dos not show for BMW or even on your website. How do I proceed with this matter since it is something that I should not have to pay for. Can you please advise further.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact that while at a stop light and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle stalled. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to continue driving. The contact also stated that the vehicle needed to be restarted with the brake pedal depressed to determine if the vehicle was in drive. The contact stated that the vehicle only reversed after restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine and the bright yellow gear with an exclamation mark which meant that the power train was going into LIMP Mode warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The dealer retrieved an unstated fault code related to the battery and replaced the stick shift harness; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving down I-89 in Vermont, just South of Montpelier, we were driving at highway speeds toward a construction zone, suddenly, all of the power to the car cut out. There was no warning, no lights, no “bing bong” of the car to let us know there was an issue, it just stopped. We had less than 10 seconds to make a decision. When the car lost power, We had no power brakes or steering. We were in the section with concrete barriers on both sides and no shoulder. This is the most dangerous situation I can think of. We noticed an on ramp merge lane just ahead and managed to coast into it just in time to loose all momentum before the steep hill. The car had been in for service less than a month prior. When I had it towed to the Automaster, they told me that it could be the timing chain. We found out later that the timing chain is known to be faulty in these engines (though we were not informed of this earlier). We learned (by searching on line) there was a class action law suit and that these engines are known to have this problem around 100K miles. I was told that I have to spend $1500 to determine if it is the timing chain and if so, It will only be covered "maybe up to 50%" by the warranty. The cost of a new engine is $15,000 and I just paid off my loan on the car the day before we left for vacation. If this problem is known to BMW Of North America, why is this not a recall item? We were put in a very dangerous situation and if our kids or my clients were in the car at the time, it could have turned out very differently. We were very lucky, but this is a really dangerous situation to be in, for a car that is less than 7 years old and under 100K miles that has been maintained diligently. We feel this should be a safety recall item that BMW should be responsible for. Timing chains should not brake like that. I have never been so terrified and felt so out of control in a vehicle before. No one should have to go through that.
TWICE THE SHIFT GEARS SUCH AS PLACING CAR IN PARK OR DRIVE, IT FROOZE UP TWICE ONCE IN THE CARE OF THE SERVICE CENTER AT CARMAX AND 2ND TIME BACKING UP FROM MY HOUSE AND THE CAR SHIFT WOULDNT GO INTO TO DRIVE MODE , MY HUSBAND HAD TO PUSH CAR INTO DRIVE WAY. IT WAS IN MOTION IN REVERSE AND BACK UP ONTO THE CITY STREET AND IT WOULDNT MOVE TO DRIVE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
component: headlight covers, fogged risk: significantly reduced headlight illumination confirmed: Fields BMW service Winter Park Florida inspected by Fields BMW service Winter Park Florida No warning lamps/messages/other symptoms Message sent to email: [email protected] -- "2014 BMV X1 headlight covers are fogged. "This safety concern has no solution besides buying $2,000 new headlight covers. This according to local dealer, Fields BMW Winter Park, Florida. "I believe this is a safety concern that should be remedied by BMW at a reasonable cost."
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormally loud sound and then the sunroof glass fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I believe manufacturers are suppossed to provide replacement parts for 10 years. It appears BMW is circumventing this law by makinig it harder and more expensive to get replacement parts before ten years has passed by making owners purchase unnecessary parts as an assembly. First case with my BWM X1- The inside door handle has a snap-in plastic cover coated with a rubber/plastic compound that deteriorates over time into a gooey substance that comes off onto your hand when entering or exiting the car. The dealer requires owner to purchase the whole door panel costing well over $1,000 not including the labor. The part itself can be purchased on eBay from China for approximately $16. Snaps on. Second case is for my BMW 2011 335i convertible. The dealer ran the car through their car wash and one piece of the convertible hardtop trim (plastic) broke. The dealer told me I had to pay over $680 (after discount) for a set of 6 trim pieces even though I needed just one. BMW used to sell the individual parts, but now they don't. IN addition to the parts, I'd have to pay to have the body shop paint the parts and then the labor to install them. Almost $1,000 to replace one plastic part not worth $25. Kit PN 54-37-5-A19-AA4, part I need was PN 54377184037. Second incident just happened this week. Although my 335i is now 10 years old, they were selling the kit several years ago, long before the ten years were up. They are deliberately forcing people to not repair their vehicles by pricing the parts so high that the owners can't afford it.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .