2018 BMW X1 recalls and problems

The 2018 BMW X1 has 4 safety recalls and 60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
60
Crashes / fires
6 / 2
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 BMW X1 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 BMW X1 recalls

Recall 19V-601: Steering

Reported Aug 14, 2019 · 32 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

Recall 19V-349: Structure

Reported May 9, 2019 · 106,182 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

Recall 19V-074: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jan 30, 2019 · 5,920 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

Recall 18V-465: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jul 11, 2018 · 5,309 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

2018 BMW X1 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure22
Unknown or Other15
Electrical System8
Air Bags6
Engine6
Visibility/Wiper4
Seat Belts3
Steering3
Latches/Locks/Linkages2
Power Train2
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Suspension2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 20
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Hoses/Valves/Sensors — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 13,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 BMW X1 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Oct 19, 2026
On XXX we finalized the sale through a online purchase. XXX The car was shipped & received to our residential address from [XXX] to [XXX] XXX. 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) but would not cover the tires b/c they were pre existing conditions. Mar Mac tire confirmed all 4 tires were dry rotted and bald. This was the cause of the “catastrophic tire failure” XXX, we got the vehicle back from a custom body shop. XXX, my wife took the…
Engine · reported Jun 30, 2026
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.
Visibility/Wiper · reported Jun 17, 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…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 80,000 miles · reported Mar 3, 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…
Steering · reported Jan 17, 2026
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…

Other BMW X1 years

Compare all BMW X1 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 BMW X1 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 BMW X1: 19V-601 (steering), 19V-349 (structure), 19V-074 (exterior lighting), 18V-465 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 BMW X1?

Owners report structure problems most often (22 reports), followed by unknown or other (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 13,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.