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Model reliability

BMW X1 reliability

The BMW X1 fails its MOT less often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 17.6% of 46,569 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.

Up to 5 years old
10.7% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 36,451 MOT tests of BMW X1s this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Advised 39% more oftenTyre condition11.7% vs 8.4%Fix about £90
6 to 10 years old
17.6% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 46,569 MOT tests of BMW X1s this age.
Over 10 years old
28.7% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 17,184 MOT tests of BMW X1s this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 34% more oftenTyre condition5.5% vs 4.1%Fix about £90
Safety recalls

40 DVSA recalls for the BMW X1

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2025/32712 Jan 2026Built 2009–2015Replace the Driver’s Airbag – Takata PSDI-5

Affected vehicles may be fitted with a drivers airbag which may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released into the cabin. It has the potential to fatally or seriously injure vehicle occupants.

Fix: Affected vehicles will have the airbag replaced.

Recalled models: X1 · 38,466 vehicles

R/2025/34918 Dec 2025Built 2009–2017Takata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)

Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.

Fix: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.

Recalled models: X1 · 1,233 vehicles

R/2025/44323 Oct 2025Built 2025Seat Belt Rear Outer Seats

On affected vehicles either one or both of the outer most rear seats may not have been manufactured correctly and the sensitivity sensor may be deformed. If the sensor is not functioning correctly there is a risk the seat belt may not operate as intended.

Fix: On affected vehicles the affected seatbelts will be checked and replaced.

Recalled models: X1 · 127 vehicles

R/2025/39823 Sept 2025Built 2025Front Seat Belt Retractor

On affected vehicles the front seat belts may have damage to the torsion bar caused during manufacture. The retention function of the seat belt may not perform as expected in the event of an accident.

Fix: Affected vehicles will have the affected seatbelts replaced.

Recalled models: X1 · 352 vehicles

R/2025/01520 Jan 2025Built 2024Checking the B-Pillar U11

Affected vehicles may have a B-Pillar which may have been produced using incorrect materials.

Fix: Affected vehicles will have an inspection conducted and if an affected B-Pillar is found it will be replaced with a component of the correct specification.

Recalled models: X1 · 1,322 vehicles

R/2024/41424 Oct 2024Built 2023–2024Hydraulic Brake System Unit Replacement

On affected vehicles the brake servomotor was improperly welded. The weld seam might not withstand the stresses caused under high brake pressure leading to a requirement for a higher brake effort increasing the braking distance.

Fix: Affected vehicles will have the hydraulic unit of the brake system replaced.

Recalled models: X1 · 33 vehicles

R/2024/40321 Oct 2024Built 2009–2015Check Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5

Affected vehicles may have had a retrofit or conversion of the airbag using a previously recalled airbag variant which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury possibly fatal to people in the vicinity. The original factory fitment airbag for the vehicle is not affected.

Fix: Vehicles will have the airbag checked and if necessary replaced.

Recalled models: X1 · 100 vehicles

R/2024/38313 Sept 2024Built 2022–2024Integrated Braking System

On certain vehicles the Integrated Brake (IB) system may be impaired due to contamination between electrical contacts.

Fix: Vehicles that may be affected by contamination are required to have the vehicle’s software updated which can detect signal interference before it occurs. If symptoms are detected you should refrain from use of the vehicle and the affected Integrated Brake (IB) system component will be replaced.

Recalled models: X1 · 21,244 vehicles

R/2024/3001 Aug 2024Built 2024Checking the Seat Mechanism of the Left Front Seat U11

On affected vehicles the seat mechanism of the front left seat may not have been manufactured within accordance to specifications It is possible that an incorrectly sized rivet was used during production. As a result the mechanism may fail in the event of an accident.

Fix: On affected vehicles the front left seat mechanism will be checked and if necessary replaced.

Recalled models: X1 · 1 vehicles

R/2024/2778 Jul 2024Built 2024Replacing the Backrest Frame of the Front Left Seat

On affected vehicles the welding of the recliner adjustment on the backrest of the left front seat may not have been performed to specification potentially resulting in insufficient locking of the backrest.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the Left front seat backrest will be replaced.

Recalled models: X1 · 6 vehicles

R/2024/1911 May 2024Built 2010Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55

On affected vehicles overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated.

Fix: On affected vehicles the eight aluminium screws will be replaced if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.

Recalled models: X1 · 1 vehicles

R/2024/1197 Mar 2024Built 2022–2023Integrated Braking System

On affected vehicles an unexpected loss of hydraulic brake assistance may occur and may result in a different pedal behaviour under specific conditions an extended braking distance may be experienced and ABS/Stability control may be impaired

Fix: On the affected vehicles the Integrated Brake System will be replaced

Recalled models: X1 · 8,202 vehicles

R/2023/17219 Jun 2023Built 2018On some diesel vehicles glycol leakage from the EGR-Cooler may occur. In very rare cases this could lead to the melting of the Intake manifold and in very rare cases result in a possible fire.

On some diesel vehicles glycol leakage from the EGR-Cooler may occur. In very rare cases this could lead to the melting of the Intake manifold and in very rare cases result in a possible fire.

Fix: Initial warning letter with advice to be sent with follow up Letter to call in vehicles for rectification work to be carried out on the affected vehicles once parts are available. The EGR cooler will be replaced with an optimised component.

Recalled models: X1 · 4,923 vehicles

R/2023/1271 May 2023Built 2021–2022In rare cases the lower section of the outer seat belts may have been trapped behind the lower part of the C-pillar interior trim panels.

In rare cases the lower section of the outer seat belts may have been trapped behind the lower part of the C-pillar interior trim panels.

Fix: Check the fitment of the rear seat belts and if applicable release any trapped components.

Recalled models: X1 · 1,963 vehicles

R/2023/01624 Jan 2023Built 2016–2017A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.

A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.

Fix: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.

Recalled models: X1 · 4 vehicles

R/2022/34028 Nov 2022Built 2022One or both of the front panoramic sunroof drain tubes may be cracked this could result in water entering the interior of the vehicle. The wiring harness and body control unit (BCP) can be exposed to water and damaged.

One or both of the front panoramic sunroof drain tubes may be cracked this could result in water entering the interior of the vehicle. The wiring harness and body control unit (BCP) can be exposed to water and damaged. If water enters the BCP control unit the electrical function could be impaired.

Fix: On the affected vehicles both front drain tubes will be checked and if required the tubes repaired.

Recalled models: X1 · 77 vehicles

R/2022/2803 Oct 2022Built 2022The high-pressure fuel rail may not have been produced according to specifications

The high-pressure fuel rail may not have been produced according to specifications.

Fix: Replace the high-pressure fuel rail.

Recalled models: X1 · 1 vehicles

R/2022/25522 Aug 2022Built 2014–2018Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold

Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.

Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.

Recalled models: X1 · 322,745 vehicles

R/2022/2061 Aug 2022Built 2011–2015The exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.

Recalled models: X1 · 319,399 vehicles

R/2022/08930 Mar 2022Built 2022The micro gas generator within the front seatbelt's retractor may have been damaged

The micro gas generator within the front seatbelt�s retractor may have been damaged and may not act according to the specification in the event of an accident.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the front seatbelts will be checked and replaced if they are found to have been damaged

Recalled models: X1 · 2,018 vehicles

R/2021/44229 Dec 2021Built 2021The material quality of the screws used for seat belts and rear seats may not be to specifications.

The material quality of seat and seatbelt screws may not be according to specification.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the screws will be replaced in specific locations on the seat belts or rear seats.

Recalled models: X1 · 38 vehicles

R/2020/28314 Dec 2020Built 2020Remaining particles in the cells of the high voltage battery can cause a short circuit

A possibility of impurities contained in the HV batteries may cause short circuit.

Fix: Testing of battery charge cycles and replacement of the HV cells where necessary.

Recalled models: X1 · 2,665 vehicles

R/2020/29822 Oct 2020Built 2020Remaining particles in the cells of the high voltage battery can cause a short circuit

In very rare cases welding beads were not always completely removed in the cleaning process during battery production.

Fix: Test and replace the High Voltage batteries if affected.

Recalled models: X1 · 871 vehicles

R/2020/17917 Aug 2020Built 2015–2017The exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak over time

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module cooler could leak over time

Fix: The EGR cooler will be inspected on the affected vehicles and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.

Recalled models: X1 · 71,128 vehicles

R/2020/1628 Jun 2020Built 2020The air bag control unit may have been equipped with a defective sensor for the rollover detection

The air bag control unit may have been equipped with a defective sensor for the rollover detection.

Fix: The Airbag control unit (ACSM4i) will be replaced on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: X1 · 189 vehicles

R/2019/2881 Apr 2020Built 2019The steering gear tie rod may not have been assembled with the required spherical washer

The steering gear tie rod may not have been assembled with a required spherical washer

Fix: Both steering gear tie rods will be checked and if affected tie rod/s and accompanying swivel bearing/s will be replaced

Recalled models: X1 · 19 vehicles

R/2019/0714 Mar 2019Built 2018–2019Rear lights may be fixed with incorrect securing nuts

The rear lights of affected vehicles might be fixed with securing nuts which may not have been produced to supplier specifications.

Fix: The rear lights will be checked and if necessary replaced.

Recalled models: X1 · 3,722 vehicles

R/2018/3417 Dec 2018Built 2011–2015Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak

The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk

Fix: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles

Recalled models: X1 · 225,449 vehicles

R/2018/21120 Aug 2018Built 2018Software fault with crankshaft sensor

The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. The crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the crankshaft transmitter due to an improper firmware level. The firmware does not compensate sufficiently the temperature gradients and the magnetic field strength of the sensor electronic. If the crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the transmitter the Digital Diesel Electronic (DDE) will notice that and change to the emergency operation mode. The emergency mode will be displayed by the check control message �engine malfunction�. The driver may notice a rough running engine and a reduced driving power (70%). However an engine stalling during driving conditions cannot be excluded.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.

Recalled models: X1 · 4,025 vehicles

R/2018/1719 Jul 2018Built 2018Front axle swivel bearings may not have been produced to specification

Due to a fault in the supplier production process the swivel bearings on the front axle of the affected vehicles may not have been produced to specification. Due to an insufficient heat treatment the fracture strain has been reduced. The affected swivel bearings could break causing loss of wheel guidance during driving.

Fix: On the affected vehicles both swivel bearings will be checked and if necessary replaced with a part produced to specification.

Recalled models: X1 · 100 vehicles

R/2018/1327 Jun 2018Built 2009–2011Plug in contact cable may malfunction

The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. This may cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box. Symptoms include being unable to gain entry or start the car but the most common are a flickering instrument panel or uneven engine performance. However if the electrical connection is completely lost this will also affect the operation of the vehicles lighting systems; e.g. sidelights or hazard warning lamps.

Fix: On affected vehicles carry out a suitable repair to the battery cable positive cable.

Recalled models: X1 · 311,848 vehicles

R/2017/1715 Jun 2017Built 2016–2017Front passenger airbag maynot deploy correctly

It is possible a recess on the inside of the instrument panel was not machined correctly. The recess is the predetermined break point of the instrument panel when the front passenger airbag is activated. If the milling has not been carried out correctly the proper deployment of the front passenger airbag cannot be ensured.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the milling of the predetermined break point. Where necessary the instrument panel will be replaced.

Recalled models: X1 · 7,948 vehicles

R/2017/13211 Apr 2017Built 2010–2011Driveshaft universal joint may break

Due to insufficient strength the front universal joint in the rear front universal joint of the rear prop shaft may fail.

Fix: On affected vehicle replace the universal joint with a modified version

Recalled models: X1 · 10,849 vehicles

R/2017/11410 Apr 2017Built 2009–2011Plug in contact cable may malfunction

It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.

Recalled models: X1 · 36,410 vehicles

R/2017/0527 Feb 2017Built 2016Airbag may not deploy

A recess on the inside of the fascia panel may not have been correctly machined . This recess affects the deployment of the front passenger's air bag and it may not deploy as intended.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace fascia panel.

Recalled models: X1 · 2 vehicles

R/2017/01110 Jan 2017Built 2016Airbags may not deploy

The igniter for the certain airbag modules may not have been correctly manufactured which may affect air bag deployment in the event of a collision.

Fix: Where necessary replace affected airbag modules.

Recalled models: X1 · 668 vehicles

R/2014/06828 Jul 2014Built 2009–2011Engine emergency mode may be activated during driving

The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.

Fix: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit

Recalled models: X1 · 2,967 vehicles

R/2013/0805 Jul 2013Built 2013Loss of drive

It is possible that over a period of time the bolt securing the clutch cover/pressure plate may become loose. The drive should be warned of this by the behaviour of the clutch noise from it or inability to select gears. Under certain conditions complete loss of drive could occur which could place the driver and occupant of the vehicle in a prone position.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the clutch bolts.

Recalled models: X1 · 4 vehicles

R/2013/0244 Apr 2013Engine may cut out

It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be make aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.

Recalled models: X1 · 36 vehicles

R/2012/08130 Jul 2012Built 2011–2012Eps may not perform as specified

Due to a component in the integrated control module not being to specification it is possible power steering assistance may fail. If this happens the EPS warning lamp will illuminate and a check control message will appear on the dashboard display. Directional control will be maintained albeit with additional driver input.

Fix: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the steering box.

Recalled models: X1 · 701 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a BMW X1 before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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