2021 BMW X1

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2021 BMW X1
RENDERED 2026-09-16T16:54:26.303Z

Only 8 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 8 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. 2013: 38 complaints 2013 2014: 53 complaints 2015: 52 complaints 2015 2016: 159 complaints 2017: 156 complaints 2017 2018: 59 complaints 2019: 11 complaints 2019 2020: 13 complaints 2021: 8 complaints 2021 2022: 1 complaints 2023: 70 complaints 2023 2024: 30 complaints 2025: 14 complaints 2025 2026: 1 complaints 2026
2021: 8 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20120
201338
201453
201552
2016159
2017156
201859
201911
202013
20218
20221
202370
202430
202514
20261

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the navigation screen was glitching and became inoperable. The service message was displayed.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260811

Also filed under ENGINE

AIR BAGS

3 of 8 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I got into an accident, i was hit on the driver side and the car was pushed to hit a tree, the air bag did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260912

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

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 of 8 total reports mention: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.

SUSPENSION

1 of 8 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

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES

SERVICE BRAKES

1 of 8 total reports mentions: service brakes.

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 electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (3 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 electrical system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 BMW X1 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.