RoadVitals

2019 BMW X1

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
13
Latest Oct 12, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Aug 14, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 13 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 BMW X1, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and body & structure categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 68 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical529.4%
  • Engine317.6%
  • Body & structure317.6%
  • Steering15.9%
  • Suspension15.9%
  • Airbags15.9%
  • Visibility15.9%
  • Driver assistance15.9%

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

3 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.gov
19V601000

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Aug 14, 2019
32 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2019 X2 xDrive28i, MINI Cooper S Convertible, Countryman, and John Cooper Works Countryman vehicles. The steering gear tie rod may have been assembled incorrectly, which may result in excessive wear of the tie rod end, eventually causing it to break.
The risk: A broken steering tie rod would lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the tie rods and ball joints as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
19V349000

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

May 9, 2019
106,182 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: 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.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
19V074000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Jan 30, 2019
5,920 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles. Contaminated hardware may cause the attachment brackets of the taillight housings to crack, causing the lights to loosen or possibly detach from the vehicle.
The risk: If a taillight detaches from the vehicle, it would no longer provide the required lighting to following traffic, or it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will properly secure the taillights, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 13
AirbagsSteering
Filed Oct 12, 2026

While releasing the manual telescope lever on my 2019 BMW X1 (under 75k miles) to adjust the steering wheel, the steering column completely bypassed its factory structural travel stop and jammed rock-solid in the farthest extended position and will not budge. The steering wheel is now physically wedged against my torso, making it impossible to maintain the federally recommended 10-to-12-inch safety clearance from the driver's airbag. Independent mechanics have refused to touch the vehicle due to the liability and safety risks of breaking the collapsible column or for fear of accidentally deploying the airbag. This is a manufacturing and design defect that directly compromises the vehicle's primary safety systems and risks the airbag deploying dangerously close to the occupant.

NHTSA ID
11770695
Incident
Oct 12, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Oct 7, 2026

On [XXX] at approximately [XXX], I was driving my 2019 BMW X1 northbound on the [XXX] in Manhattan at a steady highway speed when the powered rear liftgate unexpectedly opened approximately halfway without any intentional activation. The key fob was stationary in the center cupholder. I did not activate any liftgate controls. I became aware of the opening after hearing wind noise and another motorist honking. A folding cart and a child’s travel car seat fell from the cargo area onto the highway. I subsequently returned and recovered both items near the concrete median. The cart sustained substantial damage. I did not witness a collision and am unaware of any third-party injury or property damage. I reported the incident to BMW North America, which advised that the matter was being escalated. The cause of the malfunction has not yet been determined. I am concerned that the powered liftgate was able to open while the vehicle was traveling at highway speed, creating a serious roadway hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11769763
Incident
Oct 7, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 6, 2026

My car began shaking at low speeds when turning. Brought it to a mechanic to investigate and they performed a recommended manufacturer alteration on the car related to rear differential vent. That did not fix the issue and mechanic said a full rear differential replacement was required and it was a safety issue. If the rear differential failed while driving it could cause a serious accident. He suggested that the manufacturer knew there was an issue because they had this upgrade in their service literature. My concern is that the manufacture knew of a potential safety defect and did not initiate a recall. My car has 58k miles which in my opinion should not put it at risk for major powertrain failures.

NHTSA ID
11742471
Incident
Apr 24, 2026
EngineSuspension
Filed Sep 9, 2025

A recall was issued for similar vehicles (X1) but ended with the 2018 model year (Recall 24V-608). This issue continues to be present in the 2019 model year. The thermostats in subsequent year models continue to leak, presenting a hazard. An engine warning lamp triggered an inspection at BMW Honolulu which identified the thermostat leak issue requiring “immediate attention.” In addition, BMW engine mounts in the same model year vehicle have failed in less than 6 years of operation which could present a significant operational hazard. This issue was identified at the same time as the thermostat issue referenced previously. A similar dealer recommendation of “immediate attention,” suggests the severity of the issue. This vehicle has been properly serviced at BMW Honolulu since it was purchased as a certified pre-owned vehicle from BMW Honolulu on October 22, 2022.

NHTSA ID
11685845
Incident
Sep 5, 2025
Electrical
Filed Mar 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 BMW X1. The contact stated that the emergency call error light illuminated the instrument panel. In December of 2024, the contact received notification regarding an extended warranty coverage for the battery to be replaced. The contact was unable to immediately take the vehicle to the dealer due to other reasons. Once the contact was able to take the vehicle to the dealer, the contact was informed that the time frame for the Battery Extended Warranty coverage for the replacement of the battery had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer opened a case and decided to cover 50% of the cost for the repair. The failure mileage was 44,770.

NHTSA ID
11647914
Incident
Nov 12, 2024
Mileage
44,770 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 22, 2025

SOS Malfunction For the past two years, I have received a notice on my dashboard that there is a problem with the Emergency Call System. However, the message appears intermittently for weeks or months at a time.211/400

NHTSA ID
11637819
Incident
Jun 15, 2023
ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 BMW X1. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change and was informed that the vehicle was leaking coolant. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the contact became aware that there was coolant on the ground underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer determined that the water pump had failed. The dealer confirmed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The water pump was replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 39,673.

NHTSA ID
11624170
Incident
Nov 4, 2024
Mileage
39,673 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 14, 2024

Emergency call (SOS) system is malfunctioning. This prevents the vehicle from communicating if an accident happens. BMW service stated the problem could be caused by water leaking on to the telematics control unit from the shark fin antenna, which would require replacing the unit. The TCU is located under the head liner beneath the shark fin. The head liner has to be removed to diagnosis and replace the TCU. This is poor engineering placement makes the fix difficult and very costly. The life saving feature is compromised!

NHTSA ID
11565427
Incident
Sep 1, 2023

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B010224

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.

B010224

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.

B011924

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.

B01192024

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.

B840324

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

B010224

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

BMW X1 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026120—
2025173063.1
2024303055.1
2023716050.6
2022120—
2021111065.0
2020131153.3
2019Viewing133056.2
2018604164.4
20171562151.7
20161593149.5
2015523057.4
2014553053.1
2013393059.0
2012020—

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.