Every 2018 BMW X1 recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Structure · NHTSA 19V349000
Sep 5, 2019Structure:Body:Roof and Pillars
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 19V349000 →Steering · NHTSA 19V601000
Aug 14, 2019Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A broken steering tie rod would lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 19V601000 →Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 19V074000
Jan 30, 2019Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 19V074000 →Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 18V465000
Dec 7, 2018Engine and Engine Cooling:Engine
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall.
On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full recall details for 18V465000 →
2018 BMW X1 complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 BMW X1, reporting 6 crashes, 2 fires, 6 injuries. BMW has issued at least 98 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Structure22
- Unknown Or Other14
- Electrical System8
- Air Bags6
- Engine5
- Visibility/Wiper4
Service bulletins by component
- Electrical System (36)
- Equipment (36)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (13)
- Structure (10)
- Engine (6)
- Seats (5)
Read BMW X1 owner complaints and bulletins, every year
NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2018 BMW X1
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in one investigation. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.
What people reported
Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 BMW X1. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
Fire
“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.”
2018 BMW X1Jul 11, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11672642
Injury reportedCrash
“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”
2018 BMW X1Aug 7, 2024
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11606959
Injury reportedCrash
“Serious highway accident in Chicago suburbs whereby car was totaled. Engine came away from chassis after ramming into and taking out 50 feet of guardrail and coming to a screeching halt. Left front wheel came away from vehicle in its entirety. No front, side or overhead airbags deployed whatsoever.”
2018 BMW X1Dec 1, 2022
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11495584
Injury reportedCrash
“I was in a 3-car accident through the fault of another driver. This was on a highway in northwest suburbs of Chicago. Very serious crash ending in a totaled vehicle. Severe (left) front end damage with engine disengaging from the chassis and left front wheel coming off vehicle.”
2018 BMW X1Feb 1, 2022
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11449738
Fire
“THE CAR HAD 14,500 MILES ON IT WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURED. MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR TO CHICAGO AND BACK , UPON RETURNING SHE PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE REMOVED SOME GROCERIES THE CAME BACK TO GET THE REST AND THE CAR WAS SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD.”
2018 BMW X1Jul 12, 2020
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11338903
Check your X1 by VIN
Not every 2018 BMW X1 is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any BMW dealer.
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