2018 BMW X1 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 BMW X1 has a complaint index of 54 and ranks 7th worst out of 14 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 59 complaints, 4 recalls, 6 crashes, and 2 fires, with Structure & Body issues making up 41% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 54/100
- #7 of 14 X1 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 59
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25.5
- 22.5 city / 31.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2018 BMW X1 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body24 (41%)
- Other15 (25%)
- Electrical System9 (15%)
- Engine7 (12%)
- Airbags6 (10%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (7%)
- Seat Belts3 (5%)
- Steering3 (5%)
- Brakes2 (3%)
- Fuel System2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple serious crashes, including one where the engine separated from the chassis and a front wheel came off.
- Tailgate latch hardware was reportedly installed in reversed positions, allowing the tailgate to strike occupants when opened.
- Sunroof glass reportedly shattered while driving at highway speed with no apparent impact.
- Automatic door latches malfunctioned and required dealer replacement, in one case at 4,600 miles.
- Owners reported long waits for parts to complete the structural B-pillar recall repair, exceeding a year in some cases.
- Some owners described rough-sounding engine noise and hesitation during acceleration.
2018 BMW X1 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V601000Aug 14, 2019Steering32 vehicles
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2019 X2 xDrive28i, MINI Cooper S Convertible, Countryman, and John Cooper Works Countryman vehicles. The steering gear tie rod may have been assembled incorrectly, which may result in excessive wear of the tie rod end, eventually causing it to break.
Risk: A broken steering tie rod would lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the tie rods and ball joints as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
- NHTSA 19V349000May 9, 2019Structure & Body106,182 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2019 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles. In the event of a crash where the occupants head contacts the B-pillar, the pillar may not absorb an adequate amount of the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Risk: In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vertical trim pieces on the upper portion of the interior B-Pillars, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 1, 2019. Second notices will be sent as parts become available, starting on September 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 19V074000Jan 30, 2019Electrical System5,920 vehicles
Exterior lighting:tail lights
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles. Contaminated hardware may cause the attachment brackets of the taillight housings to crack, causing the lights to loosen or possibly detach from the vehicle.
Risk: If a taillight detaches from the vehicle, it would no longer provide the required lighting to following traffic, or it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will properly secure the taillights, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2018 BMW X1 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22.5 MPG
- Highway
- 31.5 MPG
- Combined
- 25.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,125
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other X1 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 BMW X1 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2018 X1 a complaint index of 54, ranking it 7th worst among the 14 model years with data, so it earns a Caution verdict relative to other X1 years.
- What are the main problems with the 2018 BMW X1?
- Structure & Body complaints dominate, making up 41% of all complaints, followed by Electrical System issues at 15% and Engine issues at 12%. Airbags account for 10% of complaints but 6 of the model's 6 reported crashes.
- Does the 2018 BMW X1 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 X1, covering steering tie rods, B-pillar trim for crash protection, taillight housing brackets, and a crankshaft sensor firmware issue. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 X1 compare to other X1 model years?
- The 2018 X1's complaint index of 54 is worse than 2019 (15), 2020 (23), and 2021 (31), all rated Best or Good, but better than 2016 and 2017, which have complaint indexes of 92 and 100 and are rated Avoid.