2019 BMW X1 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 12, 2026 · 13 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other X1 years
Far fewer complaints than other years 10th of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 BMW X1. That ranks 10th out of 15 X1 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (5 complaints, 38%), typically at around 39,673 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 3 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

BMW X1
BMW U11 X1 M35i in Stuttgart-Vaihingen. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2019 BMW X1 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System5 · ~39,673 mi
Structure3
Engine2 · ~17,000 mi
Unknown or Other2 · ~17,000 mi
Air Bags1
Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~39,673 mi
Forward Collision Avoidance1
Power Train1
Steering1
Suspension1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System538%39,673——
Structure323%———
Engine215%17,000——
Unknown or Other215%17,000——
Air Bags18%———
Engine and Engine Cooling18%39,673——
Forward Collision Avoidance18%———
Power Train18%———
Steering18%———
Suspension18%———
Visibility/wiper18%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2025, with 3 complaints
2019: 1201912020: 2202022021: 1202112023: 1202312024: 2202422025: 3202532026: 320263

n = 13 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2019 BMW X1 recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Steering:linkages:tie rod assemblyAug 14, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V601000 · 32 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2019 X2 xDrive28i, MINI Cooper S Convertible, Countryman, and John Cooper Works Countryman vehicles. The steering gear tie rod may have been assembled incorrectly, which may result in excessive wear of the tie rod end, eventually causing it to break.

Risk: A broken steering tie rod would lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the tie rods and ball joints as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

Structure:body:roof and pillarsMay 9, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V349000 · 106,182 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2019 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles. In the event of a crash where the occupants head contacts the B-pillar, the pillar may not absorb an adequate amount of the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."

Risk: In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vertical trim pieces on the upper portion of the interior B-Pillars, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 1, 2019. Second notices will be sent as parts become available, starting on September 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Exterior lighting:tail lightsJan 30, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V074000 · 5,920 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles. Contaminated hardware may cause the attachment brackets of the taillight housings to crack, causing the lights to loosen or possibly detach from the vehicle.

Risk: If a taillight detaches from the vehicle, it would no longer provide the required lighting to following traffic, or it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will properly secure the taillights, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. 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.

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…

Steering · received Oct 12, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770695

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…

Structure · received Oct 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769763

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…

Power Train · received Jun 6, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11742471

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…

Engine · received Sep 9, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11685845

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…

Electrical System · received Mar 12, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11647914

Other BMW X1 years

← 2018 X1 · 2020 X1 →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2026 X112
2025 X1173
2024 X1303
2023 X1706
2022 X112
2021 X191
2020 X1131
2019133
2018 X1594
2017 X11562
2016 X11593
2015 X1522
2014 X1552
2013 X1382
2012 X101

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 2019 BMW X1?

Owners most often report electrical system, structure, engine problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 5 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2019 BMW X1?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2019 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 2019 has far fewer complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.