Reliability
BMW

X1 (E84)

2013-2015 · Subcompact SUV · 3 engines
308 NHTSA Complaints
7 Recalls
11 Fire Reports
14 Crash Reports
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
X1 SDRIVE28IX1 XDRIVE28IX1 XDRIVE35I
View all 3 generations of the BMW X1 → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

6.2 / 10

Reliability score

More owner complaints than similar subcompact SUVs

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 127 powertrain complaints. A typical subcompact SUV fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 94.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 1.5 points better in the typical case.

Complaints have risen since 2023.

Breakdown
Complaints overall127 complaints against about 94 for similar vehicles
6.2
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced
n/aNot enough data
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20135.6
  • 20146.8
  • 20156.2

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

By engine

2.0L 4-cyl turbo 6.2/10
No clear difference from the 3.0L 6-cyl turbo. (117 complaints, about 64,000 built)
3.0L 6-cyl turbo 6.9/10
No clear difference from the 2.0L 4-cyl turbo. (9 complaints, about 5,000 built)

A complaint counts toward an engine only when its VIN names the engine. Each score is that engine on its own against similar vehicles, worked out the same way as the score above.

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl / 241 hp
274 complaints 91.3 per year Gasoline
10 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
106
safety systems
89
electrical
85
cooling
47
other
20

Same engine used in

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BMW X1 Unidentified Engine

14 complaints 4.7 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
7
other
4
electrical
2
brakes
2
engine
1

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the BMW X1, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Engine: 114 owner complaints
Safety Systems: 103 owner complaints
Electrical System: 92 owner complaints
Cooling System: 50 owner complaints
Brakes: 20 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2013-2015 BMW X1

On a used 2013-2015 BMW X1, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (114), the airbags and driver-assist systems (103) and the electrical system (92). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 114 owner complaints on the 2013-2015 BMW X1 about the engine, all engines combined.
  2. Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 103 owner complaints on the 2013-2015 BMW X1 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
  3. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 92 owner complaints on the 2013-2015 BMW X1 about the electrical system.
  4. With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 50 owner complaints on the 2013-2015 BMW X1 about the cooling system, all engines combined.
  5. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 20 owner complaints on the 2013-2015 BMW X1 about the brakes.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2013-2015 BMW X1

Recalls (7)

24V608000Aug 13, 2024serious
Electrical System

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

20V017000Jan 15, 2020critical
Air Bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

19V016000Jan 14, 2019critical
Air Bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, and X1 xDrive35i vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the driver frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

17V087000Feb 9, 2017serious
Electrical System

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i vehicles. The affected vehicles may have battery positive (B+) cables that develop high resistance in the connections to the fuse box.

16V071000Feb 5, 2016critical
Air Bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Show 2 older recalls
14V627000Oct 7, 2014serious
Service Brakes

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

13V454000Sep 26, 2013serious
Service Brakes

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2013-2015 BMW X1 complaints?

Owners have filed 308 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013-2015 BMW X1. The systems they name most often are the engine, the safety systems and the electrical system.

Is the 2013-2015 BMW X1 a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 308 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013-2015 BMW X1. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013-2015 BMW X1 have?

NHTSA has 308 owner complaints on file for the 2013-2015 BMW X1 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2013-2015 BMW X1?

NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2013-2015 BMW X1 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used BMW X1?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the safety systems and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

Does the X1 have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2013-2015 BMW X1. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 308 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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