Last updated: 2026-10-10
BMW X1 Years to Avoid
9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 71/100
Avoid the 2023 model year. Its owners filed the most brake complaints, including pedals that turn stiff or sink to the floor, and many say dealers cannot get parts for a recall repair. The 2021 model year is the better buy, with far fewer complaints.
Verdict
- Avoid
- 2023 64/100
- Buy
- 2021 75/100
- Model average
- 71/100
BMW X1 Years to Avoid
These model years score significantly below the BMW X1 average of 71/100.
| # | Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints | Top Issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023 | 64/100 | Good | 5 | 68 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic (21) |
Why These Years Should Be Avoided
2023 BMW X1
Brakes are the problem. Owners describe a pedal that suddenly goes stiff or sinks to the floor with warning lights on, and one complaint involves a crash. Many others say a recall repair is stalled because dealers lack parts, sometimes for over a year. Some also report a delay, then a surge, when pulling away from a stop.
Top issues: Service Brakes, Hydraulic (21), Service Brakes (17), Electronic Stability Control (esc) (13), Power Train (5), Air Bags (4), Back Over Prevention (3)
View full 2023reliability report →What Are Common BMW X1 Problems?
SERVICE BRAKES
51 complaintsMost reported in 2023, 2024
2023: The brake pedal can suddenly turn stiff and need hard pressure, or sink to the floor after a thud, with warning lights on.
STRUCTURE
22 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019
2018: Recall repairs that dealers cannot finish because parts are unavailable make up almost all of these filings.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
15 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2024, 2020
2018: Smoke pours from under the hood after the car is parked, and in one case the fire destroyed the car and the garage at 14,500 miles.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
15 complaintsMost reported in 2023, 2024
2023: Brakes lose power assist or stop responding.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
14 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2025
2018: Fire can break out while driving.
POWER TRAIN
14 complaintsMost reported in 2023, 2020, 2025
2023: Pulling away from a stop is delayed.
Best BMW X1 Year to Buy Instead
2021 BMW X1
Among years with enough time on the road, 2021 drew only 6 owner complaints and one recall, against 68 complaints and 5 recalls for 2023. Its complaints are scattered, not clustered around brakes. Two describe airbags that did not deploy in crashes, so check recall status on any car you consider.
Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car
Even the 2021 BMW X1 has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
All BMW X1 Years by Generation
BMW X1 Reliability Scores by Year
Second generation (F48) (2016–2022)
2021 BMW X1
1 recalls · 6 complaints
2020 BMW X1
1 recalls · 12 complaints
2019 BMW X1
3 recalls · 10 complaints
2022 BMW X1
2 recalls · 1 complaints
2018 BMW X1
4 recalls · 56 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
Which BMW X1 year is the worst?
Which BMW X1 years have brake problems?
Does the BMW X1 have transmission problems?
Is the 2024 BMW X1 a good buy?
Is the newer generation of the BMW X1 better than the older one?
How we score every BMW X1 model year
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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