Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 75/100 (GOOD)

2021 BMW X1 Reliability Report

Name: 2021 BMW X1
Brand: BMW

The 2021 BMW X1 scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 6 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

3.3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$915

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,550–$2,650

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity73/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity75/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
AIR BAGS (2)
SUSPENSION (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 6)

2021 is year 6 of the Second generation (F48).

Redesigned for the 2016 model year.
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
2nd generation X1 (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2016: Second generation (F48) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is year 6 of the Second generation (F48).

Should You Buy the 2021 BMW X1?

At 75/100, the 2021 BMW X1 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is year 6 of the Second generation (F48).

Owners log 6 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to air bags (2). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2022 BMW X1, which scored 3 points lower. See also the 2020 BMW X1 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Low major repair risk (8%)
+Low recall count
+Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Frontal collision warning and pedestrian alert systems (2 complaints)
−AIR BAGS: Issues with the airbag system in the 2021 BMW X1, specifically concerning... (2 complaints)

Compare 2021 BMW X1 With

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Reliability: 65/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
AIR BAGS (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recall on record

The 2021 BMW X1 carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

3.3

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 17.5

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 BMW X1 Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2021 BMW X1. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21V5540002021-07-21

SEAT BELTS

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).

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 BMW X1? Check its history first

Every 2021 BMW X1 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2021 BMW X1 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 15.7%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (-)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

BMW X1Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$915

vs $859 avg for luxury compact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.7

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

$915

Category Avg

$859

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

26–27 MPG

Running cost: $3,450–$3,550/yr

Fuel + repair

23–24 city / 31–33 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
X1 sDrive28i 2.0L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	24	33	27	$2,550
X1 xDrive28i 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	23	31	26	$2,650

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 BMW X1.

Inspect front suspension for abnormal noises when turning
Verify brake system warning lights are not illuminated
Test frontal collision warning and pedestrian alert systems for malfunctions
Check for any visible damage or misalignment on the front bumper
Ensure airbags deploy correctly in a diagnostic test

2021 BMW X1 Common Problems by Component

6 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)AIR BAGS (2)SUSPENSION (1)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 BMW X1 report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the frontal collision warning and pedestrian alert systems. Complaints frequently mention warnings such as "Frontal Collision Warning System: Malfunction" and "Brake intervention not available," with some owners noting these issues arise after minor bumper damage. Both reports indicate dealership assessments suggest costly repairs, estimated at $5,000, despite owners disputing the need due to the absence of a significant collision. Safety implications include potential distraction from persistent warnings and the reduced functionality of collision intervention systems. These issues are noted without specific mileage details, though one complaint references the problems occurring 1 to 3 weeks prior to the report.

2 complaints total

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report issues with the airbag system in the 2021 BMW X1, specifically concerning non-deployment during crashes. Complaints frequently mention that front airbags fail to deploy upon impact, even in significant collisions. In both documented incidents, crashes occurred at varying speeds and resulted in injuries, with one incident involving two injuries and another involving a broken right hand. The reported mileage at the time of failure is approximately 6,000 miles. These issues highlight potential safety implications for buyers considering this model.

2 complaints total2 crashes3 injuries

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

2026-01-20

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 premature front strut failure. The affected components are available for inspection upon request. Repair was quoted but not performed. This condition involves a safety-critical suspension component and may affect vehicle handling, stability, and braking performance, particularly during turning or emergency maneuvers. This issue follows a prior safety-related brake failure at approximately 17,000 miles. At that time, a brake system warning light illuminated, and the condition was confirmed and repaired by the dealer. Both incidents involve safety-critical systems occurring at unusually low mileage. No warning lights or messages were observed prior to the suspension issue. The vehicle has not been involved in a collision and has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2022-11-18

On November 18, 2022, around 9:45 a.m. on Rt. 462 in South Carolina. I was driving my 2021 BMW X1 when “boom.” I thought I’d been shot at with a shotgun. I nearly lost control of the car. As it turns out, by sunroof exploded. (See attached photo). My BMW dealer is covering it under warranty, but I thought I should let NHTSA know. It has been replaced, so inspection is not an option. There were no symptoms prior to the failure.

When Do 2021 BMW X1 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

6,000 milesAirbag non-deployment

17,000–20,000 milesSuspension and brake issues

Best & Worst BMW X1 Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best BMW X1 Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best BMW X1 year is 2021 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2020 (74/100) and 2025 (73/100).

Top Pick

Good

2021

(Current Model)

1Recalls

6Complaints

Good

2020

1Recalls

12Complaints

Good

2025

3Recalls

9Complaints

BMW X1 Years to Avoid

The worst BMW X1 year is 2023 with a score of 64/100, primarily due to service brakes, hydraulic (21) issues.

Good

2023

5Recalls

68Complaints

See full BMW X1 years-to-avoid analysis

BMW X1 Reliability Score Trend

BMW X1 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 71/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

BMW X1 reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	69/100	Good
2019	72/100	Good
2020	74/100	Good
2021	75/100	Good
2022	72/100	Good
2023	64/100	Good
2024	68/100	Good
2025	73/100	Good

BMW X1 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	68/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	2	0
2025	73/100	+5	Good	3	9
2024	68/100	+4	Good	2	26
2023	64/100	-8	Good	5	68
2022	72/100	-3	Good	2	1
2021(selected)	75/100	+1	Good	1	6
2020	74/100	+2	Good	1	12
2019	72/100	+3	Good	3	10
2018	69/100	—	Good	4	56

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 BMW X1 reliable?

The 2021 BMW X1 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 75/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 6 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW X1?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 BMW X1 include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), AIR BAGS (2 complaints), SUSPENSION (1 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2021 BMW X1 have?

The 2021 BMW X1 has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2021 BMW X1 expensive to maintain?

The 2021 BMW X1 has estimated annual repair costs of $915/year, which is $56 more than the luxury compact SUVs average of $859. With a reliability score of 75/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2021 BMW X1 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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