2015 BMW X1
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 37 |
| 2014 | 53 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 159 |
| 2017 | 154 |
| 2018 | 59 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 70 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
60% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
My vehicle blew up in my driveway last after being parked for over 6 hours. Been researching this has been a ongoing thing with BMW. Electrical issue
NHTSA ODI report, 20231025
40% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 21 distinct reports on file.
31% of complaints: engine — 16 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251219
The engine caught on fire - While driving the car, the engine suddenly started running poorly. Check engine lights went on and the car went into limp mode. Smoke came out of the engine compartment. We were able to pull over to the side of the road.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230815
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW X1. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN SHE SAW SMOKE EXITING THE HOOD THEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE AND UNDER HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210125
4% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file.
2% of complaints: visibility — 1 distinct report on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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,...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 20V017000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 24V608000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2015 BMW X1 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V017000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V608000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2015 BMW X1 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 BMW X1 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2015 BMW X1?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 BMW X1 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.