2009 BMW 1 Series
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.
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 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 18 total reports mention: air bags.
5 of 18 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120712
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, 20110811
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20101012
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, 20190522
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, 20180210
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, 20140828
1 of 18 total reports mentions: tires.
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, 20140828
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 AN
Campaign 10V254000 — check if this car was fixed
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 2008-20
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 co
Campaign 12E029000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 BMW 1 Series — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V254000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12E029000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.