VehicleVerdict

2020 BMW X1 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2020 BMW X1 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

18

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other X1 years?

X1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted209 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 60 complaints2014: 89 complaints2015: 87 complaints2016: 186 complaints2017: 209 complaints2018: 79 complaints2019: 17 complaints2020: 18 complaints2021: 10 complaints2022: 1 complaints2023: 116 complaints2024: 49 complaints2025: 23 complaints2026: 1 complaints
X1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all X1 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 BMW X1 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission317%
Engine317%
Fuel System211%
Electrical System211%
Seat Belts211%
Brakes211%
Other211%
Airbags16%
Driver Assistance16%

Does the 2020 BMW X1 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V283000AirbagsMay 20, 2020 · 76 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X1 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i and X2 sDrive28i, 2020 MINI Clubman Cooper S All4, 2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Cooper S E) and MINI Hardtop 4 Door (Cooper and Cooper S) vehicles. Due to a problem with the rollover sensor within the air bag control unit, in the event of a rollover crash, the head air bag, seat belt pretensioners and other safety systems, may not activate.

Consequence

If the safety systems do not deploy as intended in a roll over crash, it may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Wastegate actuator turbo failure. Causes sudden loss of power to engine. Turbo function impacted. Drivetrain malfunction warning on dashboard. No prior warning sent. Problem with wastegate has been confirmed by Independent Service Center. Found similar issue with BMW E-Series Model 530e xdrive…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 3, 2025

“I had a series of concerning incidents with my car. The trunk door was getting stuck halfway, but I was able to close it after turning on the engine. I also encountered a malfunction error on the backup camera, a Drive Train warning sign, and the car alarm going off by itself. The most alarming…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 10, 2024 · fire

“I was in a front end crash at approximately 30 to 35 miles per hour and airbags did not deploy nor did the seatbelt lock. My chest hit the steering wheel and I was transported by EMS to hospital. Nothing was broken. I had a bruise upper right chest but my pain is in my sternum which is not visibly…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 6, 2021 · crash

“Check Engine light checked at dealership revealed Fuel in the NVLD System! They had to replace the NVLD, Charcoal canister, and the Tank vent valve. They accused me of overfilling my fuel tank! I am 100% certain that I NEVER overfill fuel whatsoever. I am afraid this may cause other drivers to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 12, 2024

“The vehicle’s sunroof exploded spontaneously. This occured on an elevated expressway with no access above the vehicle. There was no physical impact to the vehicle. There were no visible warning signs. The sunroof shattered into small shards.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 23, 2023

2020 BMW X1 — common questions

Is the 2020 BMW X1 reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2020 X1 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (3 complaints), engine (3 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints).

Does the 2020 BMW X1 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 BMW X1. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 BMW X1 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW X1 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the X1 years to avoid are 2017, 2016, 2023, 2014, 2015, 2018. The cleanest record among X1 years belongs to 2012.

How safe is the 2020 BMW X1?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 BMW X1 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.