VehicleVerdict

2023 BMW X1 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 116 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median X1 year — the 2023 model ranks #3 of 15 X1 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 46% of all reports (53 of 116), far ahead of electrical system at 35. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

116

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other X1 years?

X1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 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, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all X1 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 BMW X1 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes5346%
Electrical System3530%
Driver Assistance1210%
Transmission65%
Airbags43%
Engine22%
Fuel System11%
Other11%
Steering11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2023 BMW X1 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V739000BrakesOctober 2, 2024 · 11,579 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, X5, X6, X7, XM, 530i, i5, 740i, 760i, i7, and 750e vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.

Consequence

A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the integrated brake module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 22, 2024. Second letters will be mailed once the parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously repaired under recall number 24V-104 and will need to have the new remedy completed.

24V697000Electrical SystemSeptember 18, 2024 · 309 units

Defect

BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, 2024-2025 X5, 2025 X6, 2023-2025 X7, 740i, 760i, 2024 XM, 530i, 540i, i7, 750e, X2, 2024-2025 i5, 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre, 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4, JCW Countryman ALL4, and 2025 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S) vehicles. Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models. The welds in the servomotor of the integrated brake control module may break, causing a loss of power brake assist and rear brake function. In addition, the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system may not function.

Consequence

A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 13, 2024. Owners can contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.

24V104000BrakesFebruary 12, 2024 · 266,716 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.

Consequence

A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls Royce customer service at 1-877-877-3735.

23V260000Seat BeltsApril 12, 2023 · 1,465 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X1 xDrive28i, X1 M35i vehicles. On the second-row outboard seats, the seat belts may have been pinched by an interior trim panel during vehicle assembly.

Consequence

A pinched seat belt may not function properly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and adjust the interior trim panel, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

23V079000AirbagsFebruary 14, 2023 · 15,803 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive40, iX xDrive50, iX M60 and 2022-2023 X1 xDrive28i vehicles. The front driver's air bag may have been manufactured incorrectly and may not deploy as intended during a crash.

Consequence

A driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 14, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“A deer was standing ahead in the road and I began to brake! I was only going 25-30mph. The brakes were hard to push and it felt like something was malfunctioning eventually hitting the deer straight on!!! The Automatic Braking System did NOT work, the forward collision warning did NOT work and the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 6, 2024 · crash

“The vehicle is equipped with a dual clutch transmission and has the EPA mandated auto-start feature. When you stop the vehicle and the engine shuts off and then remove your foot from the brake to go forward, the engine hesitates to restart and then starts, revs, dumps the clutch and propels you…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 11, 2024 · crash

“A deer was standing ahead in the road and I began to brake! I was only going 25-30mph. The brakes were hard to push and it felt like something was malfunctioning eventually hitting the deer straight on!!! The Automatic Braking System did NOT work, the forward collision warning did NOT work and the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 6, 2024 · crash

“The vehicle is equipped with a dual clutch transmission and has the EPA mandated auto-start feature. When you stop the vehicle and the engine shuts off and then remove your foot from the brake to go forward, the engine hesitates to restart and then starts, revs, dumps the clutch and propels you…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 11, 2024 · crash

“The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V079000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 14, 2023

2023 BMW X1 — common questions

Is the 2023 BMW X1 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 116 complaints put the 2023 model at #3 of 15 X1 years. It is one of the X1 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2023 X1 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (53 complaints), electrical system (35 complaints), driver assistance (12 complaints).

Does the 2023 BMW X1 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 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 2023 BMW X1?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 BMW X1 earned an overall rating of 4 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.