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BMW X1: which year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Of 17 model years of the BMW X1 on record, 2023 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about service brakes). It also has the most recall campaigns (6). 2018 has the most complaints mentioning a crash, a fire or an injury (8).

How to read this

Each row counts what official sources have on record for that model year: recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many of those complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability. Fewer complaints can also mean fewer cars sold or a newer car, so open the year before you decide. 🇺🇸 Local data

Year Recalls Complaints Crash, fire or injury Most reported Combined
2027 0 0 0 — 28 MPG
2026 0 0 0 — 28 MPG
2025 3 17 4 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 28 MPG
2024 3 30 3 SERVICE BRAKES 26 MPG
2023 6 40 1 SERVICE BRAKES 28 MPG
2022 2 1 0 ENGINE 26 MPG
2021 1 9 4 AIR BAGS 26 MPG
2020 1 13 3 POWER TRAIN 26 MPG
2019 3 12 1 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 25 MPG
2018 4 40 8 STRUCTURE 25 MPG
2017 2 40 1 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 25 MPG
2016 3 40 0 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 25 MPG
2015 0 0 0 — 26 MPG
2014 0 0 0 — 26 MPG
2013 0 0 0 — 26 MPG
2011 0 0 0 — —
2010 0 0 0 — —

Recalls: NHTSA campaigns only, so a defect also recalled in Canada is not counted twice. Stars: NHTSA overall rating. Fuel economy: EPA.

All years of the BMW X1

Questions

Which BMW X1 year has the most complaints?
Of 17 model years of the BMW X1 on record, 2023 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about service brakes).
Which BMW X1 year has the most recalls?
2023 has the most recall campaigns (6).
Which BMW X1 years have no complaints or recalls on record?
2027, 2026, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010. That can also mean fewer cars sold or a newer car, not only a better one.
How is this comparison made?
We count, for each model year, the recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability: raw counts also depend on how many cars were sold and how old they are.