2019 BMW X1 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: October 12, 2026 · Filed: October 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 deploying the airbag. This is a manufacturing and design defect that directly compromises the vehicle's primary safety systems and risks the airbag deploying dangerously close to the occupant.

Incident: October 7, 2026 · Filed: October 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 substantial damage. I did not witness a collision and am unaware of any third-party injury or property damage. I reported the incident to BMW North America, which advised that the matter was being escalated. The cause of the malfunction has not yet been determined. I am concerned that the powered liftgate was able to open while the vehicle was traveling at highway speed, creating a serious roadway hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: April 24, 2026 · Filed: June 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 initiate a recall. My car has 58k miles which in my opinion should not put it at risk for major powertrain failures.

Incident: September 5, 2025 · Filed: September 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 thermostat issue referenced previously. A similar dealer recommendation of “immediate attention,” suggests the severity of the issue. This vehicle has been properly serviced at BMW Honolulu since it was purchased as a certified pre-owned vehicle from BMW Honolulu on October 22, 2022.

Incident: November 12, 2024 · Filed: March 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 the failure. The manufacturer opened a case and decided to cover 50% of the cost for the repair. The failure mileage was 44,770.

Incident: June 15, 2023 · Filed: January 22, 2025

SOS Malfunction For the past two years, I have received a notice on my dashboard that there is a problem with the Emergency Call System. However, the message appears intermittently for weeks or months at a time.211/400

Incident: November 4, 2024 · Filed: November 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 BMW X1. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change and was informed that the vehicle was leaking coolant. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the contact became aware that there was coolant on the ground underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer determined that the water pump had failed. The dealer confirmed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The water pump was replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 39,673.

Incident: September 1, 2023 · Filed: January 14, 2024

Emergency call (SOS) system is malfunctioning. This prevents the vehicle from communicating if an accident happens. BMW service stated the problem could be caused by water leaking on to the telematics control unit from the shark fin antenna, which would require replacing the unit. The TCU is located under the head liner beneath the shark fin. The head liner has to be removed to diagnosis and replace the TCU. This is poor engineering placement makes the fix difficult and very costly. The life saving feature is compromised!

Incident: March 4, 2023 · Filed: March 11, 2023

The moonroof spontaneously exploded while traveling on interstate highway at 65 mph. I was in the open and no vehicles were near me. I was showered in glass but uninjured because I was wearing a brimmed hat. I could have but did not lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning or other indicator of the problem. The dealership inspected and replaced at no cost to us. No police or insurance involvement.

Incident: May 28, 2021 · Filed: November 29, 2021

The car is equipped with Driving Assistant. BMW Active Driving Assistant is a collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies. Active Driving Assistant includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. BMW Active Driving Assistant systems help a driver to avoid a collision. The package includes advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that are increasingly common as standard equipment for mainstream and luxury brands alike. Forward-collision warning monitors for obstacles ahead, and with Active Driving Assistant the technology can also identify pedestrians in the vehicle’s path. If the driver fails to brake, the automatic emergency braking system engages to stop or slow the BMW before impact. Be sure to understand that with Active Driving Assistant, the automatic braking works only at lower city speeds. On faster-flowing highways and freeways, the driver must respond to potential collision situations. ( https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/what-is-bmw-active-driving-assistant ). The car was involved in a rear end collision striking the vehicle in front of it on May 28, 2021 at approx. 11:36 AM (picture attached). The car was on York Road near [XXX] being driven in heavy lunch-hour traffic when the accident occurred. My wife, [XXX], was driving the vehicle. She is named on my auto insurance policy. She was taken to the hospital via ambulance to Belvedere/Sanai Hospital at 2401 West Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215. She sustained a broken sternum, major bruising and lacerations on her arms and legs. The vehicle was towed to a holding yard (Linhard's Towing, 11013 York Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030) by the police due to the air bags deploying. The steering wheel, drivers lower leg and passenger side curtain air bags deployed. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).