2021 BMW X1

○ Not enough data
2021 BMW X1
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:48:43.546Z

Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW X1 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2021 highlighted. 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 37 complaints 2014: 53 complaints 2014 2015: 52 complaints 2016: 159 complaints 2016 2017: 154 complaints 2018: 59 complaints 2018 2019: 11 complaints 2020: 12 complaints 2020 2021: 6 complaints 2021 2022: 1 complaints 2022 2023: 70 complaints 2024: 30 complaints 2024 2025: 12 complaints 2026: 1 complaints 2026
2021: 6 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20120
201337
201453
201552
2016159
2017154
201859
201911
202012
20216
20221
202370
202430
202512
20261

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 of 6 total reports mention: forward collision avoidance.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 6 total reports mention: electrical system.

AIR BAGS

2 of 6 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I was involved in an accident today and the front steering wheel airbags didn’t deploy The blue car in the pictures turned in front of me and I hit them

NHTSA ODI report, 20230520

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 mph, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 20211222

SUSPENSION

1 of 6 total reports mentions: suspension.

Show complaint excerpts

At approximately 20,000 miles, the vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer due to abnormal noises from the front suspension when turning the steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260124

SERVICE BRAKES

1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes.

Show complaint excerpts

At approximately 20,000 miles, the vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer due to abnormal noises from the front suspension when turning the steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260124

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20210903 — seat belts

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i),...

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021.

Campaign 21V554000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2021 BMW X1 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 21V554000 (seat belts) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 2013 ● 2015

WORST YEARS

■ 2016 ■ 2017 ◆ 2023

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2021 BMW X1 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 2021 BMW X1?

The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance: warnings, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 BMW X1 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.