2019 BMW X1 recalls and problems

The 2019 BMW X1 has 3 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
13
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2019 BMW X1 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2019 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.

2019 BMW X1 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System5
Structure3
Engine2
Unknown or Other2
Forward Collision Avoidance2
Visibility/Wiper1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Suspension1
Power Train1
Steering1
Air Bags1

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 39,673 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 2019 BMW X1 complaints

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

Steering · reported 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…
Structure · reported 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…
Power Train · reported 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…
Engine · reported 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…
Electrical System · at 44,770 miles · reported 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…

Other BMW X1 years

Compare all BMW X1 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 BMW X1 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 BMW X1: 19V-601 (steering), 19V-349 (structure), 19V-074 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 BMW X1?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (5 reports), followed by structure (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 39,673 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.