2009 BMW 1 Series Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 BMW 1 Series ranks 2nd worst out of 8 model years with a complaint index of 86 and 18 complaints, most tied to electrical failures. It carries 1 recall for seat belt pre-tensioners and is rated Avoid relative to other 1 Series years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 86/100
- #2 of 8 1 Series years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 18
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2009 BMW 1 Series problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System10 (56%)
- Airbags7 (39%)
- Brakes1 (6%)
- Engine1 (6%)
- Seat Belts1 (6%)
- Structure & Body1 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Tail lights and parking/running lights repeatedly fail, sometimes leaving only one working light.
- Tail light assemblies are hard to repair because failure indicators are built into the lens unit.
- Dealers report long waits or unavailable parts to replace failed tail light components.
- Airbag warning lights illuminate, and owners report delays getting Takata-related airbag recall parts.
- A tire blew out unexpectedly after crossing a milled road surface, despite no visible damage beforehand.
- Oil leaks tied to oil pan, filter housing, and valve cover gaskets were flagged during a routine dealer check.
2009 BMW 1 Series recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V254000Jun 10, 2010Seat Belts31,935 vehicles
Seat belts:front:retractor
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 1-series vehicles. In a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the front pre-tensioner and load-limiter occurs.
Risk: The insulation around the pre-tensioner could ignite.
Remedy: Vehicles produced up through december 2009 will receive new front safety belt retractor units and a modification to the sound insulation near the units, while vehicles produced between january 2010 and may 2010 will receive a modification to the sound insulation near the units. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on august 23, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
2009 compared with other 1 Series years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 BMW 1 Series reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 model ranks 2nd worst of 8 model years for the 1 Series, with a complaint index of 86 out of 18 total complaints, mostly electrical.
- What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW 1 Series?
- Electrical system issues make up 56% of complaints, largely tail light and running light failures, followed by airbag-related complaints at 39%.
- Does the 2009 BMW 1 Series have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 10V254000, covering front seat belt pre-tensioner and load-limiter deployment issues in a crash.
- What year BMW 1 Series should I avoid?
- The 2011 model has the worst complaint index at 100, followed by 2009 at 86; the 2006 and 2007 model years are rated Good with much lower complaint indexes of 29 and 43.
- At what mileage do 2009 BMW 1 Series problems appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 35,817.5 miles across all reported complaints for the 2009 model year.