2006 BMW 1 Series
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2008 | 18 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2011 | 33 |
| 2012 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 5 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
THE RED FAILURE SYMBOL HAS LIT UP ON MY CAR WITH A STEERING WHEEL AND A LOCK. APPARENTLY THIS SYMBOL MEANS THERE'S AN ELECTRONIC ISSUE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL, THAT IT SHOULD BE LOCKED UP AND THE ENGINE SHOULD NOT START. BUT MY CAR STARTS ANYWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120213
A RELATIVE OF MINE OWNS A 2006, BMW, X5, 3.0I. I WAS THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD ABOUT, WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE, A CATASTROPHIC MECHANICAL FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110904
1 of 5 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 1 SERIES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FLASHED AND THE DOOR CHIME ACTIVATED ON ITS OWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160727
1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
A RELATIVE OF MINE OWNS A 2006, BMW, X5, 3.0I. I WAS THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD ABOUT, WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE, A CATASTROPHIC MECHANICAL FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110904
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 1 SERIES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FLASHED AND THE DOOR CHIME ACTIVATED ON ITS OWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160727
1 of 5 total reports mentions: air bags.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 BMW 1 Series — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2006 BMW 1 Series reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 1 Series?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 1 Series have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.