repaired · 2020 Q3
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. A broken steering tie rod would lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 BMW X1Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 60 owner complaints about the 2018 BMW X1, most often about the structure. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-349 the manufacturer reports only 92% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 19, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 BMW X1 has problems
60 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
22Structure2 crash/fire/injury
8Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
6Air bags6 crash/fire/injury
6Engine
4Visibility/wiper
3Steering
3Seat belts
2Latches/locks/linkages
2Engine and engine cooling
119 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 22 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 1 |
| Air bags | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 1 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 2 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 11 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2018 BMW X1 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Body: roof and pillars
Risk. In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Exterior lighting: tail lights
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…
repaired · 2019 Q4
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other X1 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the X1 median. How we score
'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 BMW X1 safety ratings
2018 BMW X1 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (14.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 BMW X1, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What X1 owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Airbag. No open recalls. Spinal injury in head-on collision. Unknown Crash Champions at Windsor Mills in Baltimore, MD (auto body shop for Progressive) No warnings
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW X1. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION IN THE MAIL FOR A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V349000 (STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH COMPETITION BMW OF SMITHTOWN LOCATED AT 599 MIDDLE COUNTRY RD, ST JAMES, NY 11780 WHERE SHE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN TO BE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW X1. THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V349000 (STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT…
Own a 2018 X1?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.