2018 BMW X1 recalls and problems

4 recalls and 60 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 BMW X1.

4
recalls
60
owner complaints
6
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 BMW X1 recalls

Steering: linkages, tie rod assembly

NHTSA campaign 19V601000 · reported August 14, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC · 32 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A broken steering tie rod would lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Structure: body, roof and pillars

NHTSA campaign 19V349000 · reported May 9, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC · 106,182 vehicles potentially affected

The 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."
The risk
In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.

Exterior lighting: tail lights

NHTSA campaign 19V074000 · reported January 30, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC · 5,920 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
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 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.

Engine and engine cooling: engine

NHTSA campaign 18V465000 · reported July 11, 2018 · BMW of North America, LLC · 5,309 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 19, 2026 · Engine

On … we finalized the sale through a online purchase. … The car was shipped & received to our residential address from […] to […] …. The front drivers side tire exploded on the highway in normal road conditions at about 50-55MPH… we had it towed to Mar Mac tire. Our insurance(Geico) covered the damage(comprehensive)…

Jun 30, 2026 · Engine

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…

Jun 17, 2026 · Visibility/wiper

• 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…

Mar 3, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling · 80,000 miles

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…

Jan 17, 2026 · Steering

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…

X1 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2015 25204
2016 315911
2017 215630
2018 46062
2019 31310
2020 11311
2021 11040

Across all years, the 2016 X1 has the most complaints (159). All BMW X1 years →

Questions

Does the 2018 BMW X1 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 BMW X1, the most recent reported on August 14, 2019 (Steering: linkages, tie rod assembly). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 BMW X1?
Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (22 complaints), followed by unknown or other (15).
How many 2018 BMW X1 complaints mention a crash or fire?
6 of 60 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 19, 2026.