VehicleVerdict

2021 BMW X1 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2021 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.

10

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other X1 years?

X1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all X1 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 BMW X1 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance330%
Airbags220%
Electrical System220%
Brakes110%
Other110%
Suspension110%

Does the 2021 BMW X1 have recalls?

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

21V554000Seat BeltsJuly 21, 2021 · 21,537 units

Defect

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), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.

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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The car was displaying these messages: Frontal Collision Warning System: Malfunction, Brake intervention not available. Visual and acoustic ⚠️ warnings active. Consult service center. Daytime Pedestrian Warning reduced:Brake intervention not possible, but visual and acoustic warnings are still…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 30, 2023

“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 ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 20, 2023 · crash

“The car was displaying these messages: Frontal Collision Warning System: Malfunction, Brake intervention not available. Visual and acoustic ⚠️ warnings active. Consult service center. Daytime Pedestrian Warning reduced:Brake intervention not possible, but visual and acoustic warnings are still…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 30, 2023

“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. The dealer confirmed abnormal noise from the front struts when the wheels were turned while the vehicle was on a lift and diagnosed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 20, 2026

“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. The dealer confirmed abnormal noise from the front struts when the wheels were turned while the vehicle was on a lift and diagnosed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 20, 2026

2021 BMW X1 — common questions

Is the 2021 BMW X1 reliable?

The record is thin — 10 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 2021 X1 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), airbags (2 complaints).

Does the 2021 BMW X1 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 BMW X1. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2021 BMW X1?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.