MYRModel Year Report

2009 BMW 1 Series

○ Not enough data
2009 BMW 1 Series
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:54:53.097Z

Only 18 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 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
18

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2009

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

2000: 1 complaint 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2002: 1 complaint 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2004: 3 complaints 2004 2005: 3 complaints 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 6 complaints 2008: 18 complaints 2009: 18 complaints 2009 18 2010: 8 complaints 2011: 33 complaints 2012: 0 complaints 2012
2000: 1 complaint 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 1 complaint 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 3 complaints 2004 2005: 3 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 6 complaints 2007 2008: 18 complaints 2008 2009: 18 complaints 2009 18 2010: 8 complaints 2010 2011: 33 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2012
2000: 1 complaint 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 1 complaint 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 3 complaints 2004 2005: 3 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 6 complaints 2007 2008: 18 complaints 2008 2009: 18 complaints 2009 18 2010: 8 complaints 2010 2011: 33 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2012

2009: 18 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20001
20011
20021
20031
20043
20053
20065
20076
200818
200918
20108
201133
20120

Known problem areas

Only 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Air bags

7 of 18 total reports mention: air bags.

Exterior lighting

6 of 18 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing tail lights.

Show complaint excerpts

Rear right tail light went out. Vehicle is still under manufacture warranty. They declined to fix the part under warranty. Classic BMW in plano,tx.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-12

Unsafe equipment: driver's side parking/running light stopped working. There were no indications on the dash regarding it's failure. This vehicle indicator light is integrated into the tail light lens assembly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-08-11

2009 BMW series 1 - tail lights don't work - replaced once and failed again. BMW knows there's a problem and stated that it might take several weeks to several months to get replacement lights.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-10-12

Electrical system

4 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW 1 Series. While driving 25 MPH, the contact activated the air conditioner, but no air flowed into the vehicle. The contact smelled an electronic burning odor and turned off the air conditioner.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-05-22

I was driving 40MPH and then suddenly all light controls lit up on my dashboard after I noticed I was not able to accelerate, then my windshield wipers came on slowly without myself operating them , as my car came to a complete stop/engine off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-10

Wheels

1 of 18 total reports mentions: wheels.

Show complaint excerpts

While driving at freeway speed I passed over the transitioned between a milled road surface to existing pavement. On day one I notice a small piece of rubber hanging from the drivers side (Left) rim but the tire was holding air.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-28

Also filed under Tires

Tires

1 of 18 total reports mentions: tires.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2010-08-23Seat belts10V254000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 1-series vehicles. In a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the front pre-tensioner and load-limiter occurs.

    Remedy: Vehicles produced up through December 2009 will receive new front safety belt retractor units and a modification to the sound insulation near the units, while vehicles produced between January 2010…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2012-08-22Engine and engine cooling12E029000 This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year…

    Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 BMW 1 Series — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 10V254000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 12E029000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2009 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 2009 BMW 1 Series?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW 1 Series have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.