BMW X1 years to avoid
The BMW X1 years to avoid are 2017, 2016, 2023, 2014, 2015, 2018 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2012 is the cleanest year on record.
954
Total complaints
20
Recall campaigns
2012–2026
Years covered
6
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
X1 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | High complaints + open investigation | 210 | |
| 2016 | High complaints + open investigation | 186 | |
| 2023 | High complaint rate | 116 | |
| 2014 | High complaint rate | 89 | |
| 2015 | High complaint rate | 87 | |
| 2018 | High complaints + open investigation | 79 |
Every X1 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2025 | 25 | 3 | |
| 2024 | 49 | 3 | |
| 2023avoid | 116 | 6 | |
| 2022 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2021 | 12 | 1 | |
| 2020 | 21 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 17 | 3 | |
| 2018avoid | 79 | 4 | |
| 2017avoid | 210 | 2 | |
| 2016avoid | 186 | 3 | |
| 2015avoid | 87 | 2 | |
| 2014avoid | 89 | 2 | |
| 2013 | 61 | 2 | |
| 2012 | 0 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst BMW X1 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the X1 years to avoid are 2017, 2016, 2023, 2014, 2015, 2018. The cleanest year on record is 2012.
What is the best year for the BMW X1?
By complaint volume, 2012 has the cleanest NHTSA record among X1 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the BMW X1 have?
Across all model years, the X1 has 20 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 954 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.