BMW X1 years to avoid and best years
Newer BMW X1 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2023 has the most complaints per year, at 22 (70 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2022 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2019 at 1 (from 11 complaints), and 2021 at 2 (from 9 complaints). The BMW X1 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2023 BMW X1, 18 of 70 complaints name Hydraulic brakes, Electronic stability control (ESC).
Data as of .
2022
2019
2021
2025–26
BMW X1 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market BMW X1. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 27.5 |
| 2025 → Too early | 8 | 15 | 3 | Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine | 27 |
| 2024 → | 10 | 30 | 3 | Hydraulic brakes, Electronic stability control (ESC) | 27 |
| 2023 → Most | 22 | 70 | 6 | Hydraulic brakes, Electronic stability control (ESC) | 28 |
| 2022 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 2 | Engine | 26.5 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 2 | 9 | 1 | Air bags | 26.5 |
| 2020 → | 2 | 13 | 1 | Engine | 26.5 |
| 2019 → Fewest | 1 | 11 | 3 | Electrical system | 25.5 |
| 2018 → | 11 | 59 | 4 | Structure | 25.5 |
| 2017 → | 4 | 156 | 2 | Powertrain | 25.5 |
| 2016 → | 3 | 159 | 3 | Powertrain | 25 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 24.3 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 24.3 |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 24.7 |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (28i N20); 0W-30 (35i N55)
- Tire size
- 225/50R17 (OE); 225/45R18 or 225/40ZR19 optional front / 225/50R17 (OE); 255/40R18 or 255/35ZR19 optional (staggered packages) rear
Known issues for this generation
N20/N26-powered 2012-2015 X1 SAV models were included in the Gelis timing chain and oil-pump drive chain class-action settlement (final approval February 2021; BMW SI B11 02 21 documents the repair benefit). The lawsuit alleged brittle polycarbonate timing-chain guides and premature oil-pump chain wear that could damage the engine; settlement relief depended on production range, mileage, and claim deadlines that have since closed. Separately, recall 24V608000 covers certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i and xDrive28i vehicles (among ~720,796 multi-model units) for a water-pump connector that may short and raise fire risk; dealers inspect/replace the pump and connector and install a shield. Recall 20V017000 also names certain 2013-2015 X1 models for a Takata driver air bag inflator.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (B46/B48) · 5.6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 205/60R17, 225/55R17, 225/50R18 or 225/45ZR19 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 19V349000 covers certain 2016-2019 X1 sDrive28i and xDrive28i vehicles (~106,182 units) that may not absorb enough B-pillar impact energy in a crash to meet FMVSS 201; dealers replace the upper interior B-pillar trim pieces. This generation moved to the front-wheel-drive UKL2 platform and B48 four-cylinder engines, leaving behind the N20 timing-chain settlement class that applied to the prior E84.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (B46) · 5.6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/55R18 (common US OE; trim packages vary)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 24V739000 covers certain 2023-2024 X1 models (with X5, X6, X7, XM, 530i, i5, 7 Series hybrids, and other BMW/MINI/Rolls-Royce vehicles in the same ~11,579-unit campaign) where the integrated brake system may lose power assist or impair ABS and DSC; dealers replace the module, and vehicles previously repaired under 24V104 need the new remedy. Related multi-brand integrated-brake campaigns 24V104 and 24V697 also list X1 model years in this generation.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW X1 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2022 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2019 at 1 (from 11 complaints), and 2021 at 2 (from 9 complaints).
Which BMW X1 year has the most owner complaints?
2023 has the most complaints per year, at 22 (70 complaints). On the 2023 BMW X1, 18 of 70 complaints name Hydraulic brakes, Electronic stability control (ESC).
How do BMW X1 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer BMW X1 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which BMW X1 years are too early to compare?
The BMW X1 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a BMW X1 use?
E84 models commonly use 0W-20 (28i N20) or 0W-30 (35i N55); F48/U11 gasoline models commonly use 0W-20 (~5.6 qt with filter on B46/B48).
What tire sizes does a BMW X1 use?
OEM sizes span about 205/60R17 through 225/45ZR19 (and staggered rear packages on some E84 options); confirm the door placard.
What timing-chain settlement covers certain early X1 models?
N20/N26-powered 2012-2015 X1 SAV models were included in the Gelis timing chain and oil-pump drive chain class-action settlement (BMW SI B11 02 21).