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2018 BMW X1
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 59 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 BMW X1, most frequently naming the body & structure, electrical and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 98 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 1 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 2 |
| Oct 2018 | 2 | 4 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 5 |
| Jul 2019 | 11 | 16 |
| Aug 2019 | 4 | 20 |
| Sep 2019 | 5 | 25 |
| Oct 2019 | 2 | 27 |
| Nov 2019 | 2 | 29 |
| Jan 2020 | 3 | 32 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 33 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 34 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 35 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 36 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 37 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 38 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 39 |
| Dec 2022 | 3 | 42 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 43 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 44 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 45 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 46 |
| Apr 2024 | 2 | 48 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 49 |
| Jul 2024 | 1 | 50 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 51 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 52 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | 53 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 54 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | 55 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 56 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 57 |
| Jun 2026 | 2 | 59 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Body & structure2233.8%
- Electrical812.3%
- Engine710.8%
- Airbags69.2%
- Visibility46.2%
- Seat belts34.6%
- Steering34.6%
- Interior & seats23.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
4 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSTRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
On May 20, 2026 We were in Mt Dora, FL We were approaching a red light. Cars were stopped in front of us and cars were beside me and behind me. As I slowed down the car just stalled out. It completely turned off while I was in drive. I immediately tried to start it. Then I put my foot on the brake and put it in park and turned on my hazard lights. I waited about 3 minutes and started it up. It was so scary because we could have been hit from behind.
- NHTSA ID
- 11747527
- Incident
- May 20, 2026
• What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I have a 2018 BMW X1 that has about 60,000 miles on it. So far, I have had to have the windshield replaced four times due to pebbles hitting and cracking the windshield when on the highway. This never used to be the case in older BMWs that I have had in the past. Pebbles would never crack windshields. I know many other friends and family members that have had the same issue. Although insurance pays for the windshield/sensor replacements that cost around $1,500 to $2,700 (depending on which dealership I go to and which state I have lived in), this results in higher premiums for us all, because insurance companies are not going to just take a loss on the windshield claims. So really, we are all paying for each other's windshields with our insurance premium increases. Please enforce a recall to replace all the weak windshields with the strong windshields they used to produce. They are not only wasting our money but profiting off the insurance payments for all these broken windshields. My car is available for inspection upon request. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Cracked windshields compromise the vehicle's structural integrity, distorts your vision, and can shatter if subjected to sudden temperature changes, road vibrations, or a collision. • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, every time I go into a BMW dealership to have the windshield replaced and by my insurance company, which pays for the replacements. • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, by BMW dealerships when they have replaced the windshield each time. • Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
- NHTSA ID
- 11744674
- Incident
- Mar 27, 2026
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 ID
- 11721707
- Incident
- Feb 14, 2026
- Mileage
- 80,000 mi
While driving my vehicle at normal highway and city speeds, I noticed a serious steering issue where the steering wheel feels excessively loose and unresponsive. The vehicle does not track straight and constantly drifts left and right, requiring continuous steering corrections to keep it within the lane. The steering feels vague and unstable, as if there is excessive play in the steering system. At times, small steering inputs result in delayed or inconsistent vehicle response, making it difficult to maintain a straight path. This issue occurs on smooth, dry roads and is not related to road conditions, wind, or tire pressure. This condition creates a significant safety concern, especially at higher speeds, as it feels like I could lose control of the vehicle or unintentionally drift into another lane or off the road. The problem has been persistent and appears to be worsening over time.
- NHTSA ID
- 11711587
- Incident
- Jan 15, 2026
In November I noticed a noise when steering. I took my suv to the mechanic shop and they located the following recall from your website: recall 19V601000 the tie rod assembly. I contacted BMW of North America and they cannot locate this recall with my VIN.
- NHTSA ID
- 11705146
- Incident
- Nov 22, 2025
On the evening of July 10, 2025, while driving a 2018 BMW X1, I experienced a sudden cascade of dashboard alerts, including warnings for the airbag, chassis system, and right signal headlight. The system advised moderate driving and service. Moments later, all dashboard lights activated simultaneously. I pulled over and placed the vehicle in park. Within seconds, smoke began rising from the front-right corner of the engine compartment, followed by visible flames. My daughter was in the car with me. We had to evacuate immediately, and contacted emergency services from the roadside. The fire was extinguished by first responders, and the vehicle was later towed. This event put both of us in immediate danger. It occurred just five days after service on the right front headlight was performed by an authorized dealership. While the issue has not yet been confirmed by the manufacturer or service center, the timing and location raise serious concerns. The vehicle was inspected by the fire department, and an insurance claim is currently under investigation.
- NHTSA ID
- 11672642
- Incident
- Jul 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose while turning to the left or the right. The contact stated that the failure was a reoccurring failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V601000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11664325
- Incident
- Nov 2, 2019
- Mileage
- 5,000 mi
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X1. The contact stated that while approaching an intersection at 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled and came to a complete stop in the middle of the intersection, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and was able to continue driving. However, shortly afterward, the vehicle stalled again. The contact allowed the vehicle to sit idle for a while before attempting to restart the vehicle for a third time and was successful in driving the vehicle safely to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and 18V465000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); as the possible cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11646359
- Incident
- Mar 3, 2025
- Mileage
- 54,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ENGINE
The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
ENGINE
The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Telematics Control Units (TCU) Internal Emergency (Backup) Battery for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 6 years without mileage limitation, as determined from the vehicles original first in-service / delivery date. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusions that apply to the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Telematics Control Units (TCU) Internal Emergency (Backup) Battery for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 6 years without mileage limitation, as determined from the vehicles original first in-service / delivery date.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The “End of life” or “Emergency call system error” Check Control message appears in the vehicle. The following fault memory entry is stored: B7F341 – Emergency battery: Hardware faulty
ENGINE
EVAP SYSTEM PURGE (VENT) VALVE EXT LTD WTY (ELW) 15/150
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.