2015 BMW X1 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other X1 years
- More complaints than other years 6th of 15 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 BMW X1. That ranks 6th out of 15 X1 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (31 complaints, 60%), typically at around 90,000 miles. Complaints mention 4 fires. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.
- 52owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2015 BMW X1 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 31 | 60% | 90,000 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 22 | 42% | 98,500 | — | — |
| Engine | 16 | 31% | 48,000 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 7 | 13% | 32,500 | — | — |
| Structure | 2 | 4% | — | — | — |
| Air Bags | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 2% | 105,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 2% | 110,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 1 | 2% | 118,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Visibility | 1 | 2% | 110,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2015 BMW X1 recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles; engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pump
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated while starting. Additionally, while stopped in traffic, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who…
Complete electrical failure while driving on the Highway. I barely was able to get over without causing an accident. The car without notice went dead and no power. I couldn't turn the steering wheel. Lots of warning lights started flashing then completely dead.
I had to replace the Oil Fliter housing with oil cooler because it was made out of plastic and caused an oil and antifreeze. The repair man told me that engine part were made out of plastic and tend to fail over time.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for maintenance, the contact was informed that the water pump had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the visit, the vehicle was taken to the dealer; however…
The contact owned a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, she noticed there was smoke emerging from underneath the hood, and it caught fire. The contact was able to exit the vehicle safely. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The service warning light was…
Other BMW X1 years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 X1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2025 X1 | 17 | 3 |
| 2024 X1 | 30 | 3 |
| 2023 X1 | 70 | 6 |
| 2022 X1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2021 X1 | 9 | 1 |
| 2020 X1 | 13 | 1 |
| 2019 X1 | 13 | 3 |
| 2018 X1 | 59 | 4 |
| 2017 X1 | 156 | 2 |
| 2016 X1 | 159 | 3 |
| 2015 | 52 | 2 |
| 2014 X1 | 55 | 2 |
| 2013 X1 | 38 | 2 |
| 2012 X1 | 0 | 1 |
See all BMW X1 problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 BMW X1?
Owners most often report electrical system, engine and engine cooling, engine problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 31 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2015 BMW X1?
Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2015 BMW X1 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other X1 model years, the 2015 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.