Best and worst BMW X1 years — which to avoid

The BMW X1 was welcomed into the Bimmer lineup pretty warmly and it’s one of the most desirable used compact SUVs on the market, but only if go for a decent model year. The car recently got renewed for the third generation, and we simply had to warn you about the BMW X1 years to avoid concerning the first two.

The reliability of this car may surprise you, but it’s still essential to have the bigger picture in case you plan on buying a used X1. That’s why our team will help you with our in-depth guide as we’ll discuss NHTSA complaints and BMW X1 recalls, mention the worst model years and their issues, and finally recommend a few of the best ones to buy.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst BMW X1 years

While in the making of this guide, our team explored all the sites of interest where we could find trustworthy information on the X1’s reliability. So, we headed straight to NHTSA to explore their complaint records, official recalls, and safety ratings to see which X1 years were deemed the worst by those parameters.

We also wanted to hear a bit more about the car itself and its reliability from fellow X1 drivers, so we used Bimmer forums and sites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book for a more thorough investigation of the common complaints. All these sources helped us finally assemble a list of the best and worst BMW X1 years:

Most common BMW X1 problems

The BMW is known to have made a few unreliable models and it’s nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to premium automotive brands. However, the X1 isn’t one of those and it’s a rather reliable BMW that offers plenty of space and comfort for the compact SUV class.

However, it had some common issues over the years that we’ll discuss in this guide, and the best way to start is by giving you a few thoughts on the common engine problem. It was caused by the faulty motor mounts and it led to vibrations and shaking. On top of that, the X1 also had a few issues with the A/C system and the A/C heater primarily.

1. Problem with the engine mounts

One of the worst things that could happen while driving on the open road is to experience the symptoms of bad motor mounts. Sadly, this frequently happened to BMW X1 drivers and the problem was initiated by the cracked right-side motor mounts.

Motor mounts serve to support the engine and to keep it fixed in place to prevent too much shaking and vibrations caused by the engine operation. In case the engine mounts go wrong, not only will you experience a bumpy ride in your car’s cabin, but it also reflects through engine damage.

It can be a bad thing and replacing the motor mounts usually isn’t nearly as expensive as doing engine repairs, but that’s sadly not the case with this BMW. Replacement X1 motor mounts can go up to $2000, so you must have this fault in mind in case you are considering the X1 for your next car.

2. Problems with the A/C heater

The A/C is among the crucial systems in a car and that’s where our next BMW X1 problem lies. Specifically, it’s the heater that’s not properly working for some later first-gen models. Not only have drivers complained about being unable to control the cabin temperature, but they have also complained about the faulty defogger.

Because of this, owners reported having visibility issues during wintertime and we can’t blame them. Having a functional defogger and heater is essential in cold weather, so make sure to check the 2014 and later X1 models for these faults.

3. Bad tie rod assembly

Now we make the transition to the problems of the BMW X1 that could lead to safety concerns, and the first one on the list is a cracked tie rod assembly. It was common for the 2018-2019 models, and the problem originated in the faulty tie rod assembly which led to cracks afterward.

Some of the main bad tie rod symptoms include the vehicle pulling to the side, steering noises, and lower steering wheel responsiveness. Because of this, it’s a threat to driving safety and could even lead to a complete loss of control over the vehicle.

4. Airbag-related problems

The tie rod issue sadly isn’t the only safety-related problem for BMW X1 drivers. Along with it, there also comes the matter of faulty airbags mostly caused by the faulty airbag module. Other airbag issues include the airbags not inflating in certain situations while driving at a lower speed, and the problem with inflator bag explosions caused by improper remedies of Takata airbag recalls.

Overall, the most airbag-related issues tart with the second generation of the X1, so we advise drivers looking for a such model to pay extra attention.

Worst BMW X1 years to avoid

There weren’t many BMW X1 years to avoid so far due to the impressive reliability ratings and expertise of BMW engineers. However, all these problems mean nothing if you can’t use the information to avoid certain model years that are considered problematic. Now that we’ve set the foundation for an answer, it’s time for the big question – what are the best BMW X1 years?

The worst BMW X1 years are 2013 and 2016, but here’s a full list:

• 2013
• 2014
• 2016
• 2017

Let’s take a look at what it seems like through the BMW X1 generations, so we can tell you exactly which models to avoid.

First-generation BMW X1 (2013-2014 model years)

The first-gen BMW X1 started production in 2009 and the initial model years were quite good. Problems started with the 2013 model year and the main issues that troubled the 2013 and 2014 models were the braking system problems and steering assists issues.

The 2014 model year faced a lot of complaints regarding coolant leaks, bad motor mounts, and the A/C heater and defogger issues followed right up. So, it’s best to simply skip the 2014 model if you are looking for a decent late first-gen X1, and go for the 2015 model instead.

Second-generation BMW X1 (2016-2017 model years)

Right after the debut of the second generation of X1 in 2016, some initial problems showed up and these included the paint peeling off, bad tie rod assembly, and the first airbag issue that came right after the release of a 2016 model.

Because of this, the 2016 model can’t be exactly considered reliable and it’s best to avoid getting one and go for the later production models of the second-gen. Along with all these issues, the early second-gen models also had problems that caused steering cracks and noises, as well as seat fittings that were improperly mounted on the car, causing the rear seats to shake.

What are the best BMW X1 years to buy?

Now you know that some X1 models are created less reliably than others, but there’s no time for despair – we’ll get straight to the best model years. There are some pretty solid editions made by BMW engineers, so let’s take a look at the list of the best models yet:

• 2009
• 2010
• 2011
• 2012
• 2015
• 2018
• 2019
• 2020
• 2021

We can say that the best options to go with are the 2011 and 2018 X1 models since these received the least complaints from the drivers. The problems that plagued the first generation were mostly sorted out for the 2015 model year, so you can rest assured that you won’t have to deal with bad engine mounts or coolant leaks with this model.

2011 BMW X1

The 2011 model of the X1 turned out to be the most reliable one in the first generation, even though it was an initial model year which is not commonly the case. It didn’t have any problems or complaint reports regarding the engine or the automatic transmission, so it makes perfect sense to go with one of these if you are looking for an affordable used model.

2018 BMW X1

Some major second-gen problems were finally eradicated for the 2018 model with just a few minor complaints about the airbags and seat belts. Overall, if you can’t afford the second-gen X1, going with the few initial production years of the first generation can save you the trouble and money spent on repairs.

The 2018 BMW X1 in particular received impressive safety ratings and reliability reports, keeping in mind that the problems of the 2016 and 2017 models like the steering issue have been sorted out.

Is the BMW X1 worth buying?

If you are looking for the most value in a compact used SUV, the BMW X1 does a lot of things right. While it has a lot of decent competitors like the Audi Q3 and the Volvo XC40, the X1 offers quite a bit for the price tag. Especially if you go for the early production models, you’ll get the most value in class and that’s a great bargain for a compact SUV.

Of course, like any other bimmer, the X1 is quite expensive when it comes to dealing with unexpected repairs, so hopefully, our guide can save you some money if you use it to get the most reliable X1 model.

When considering luxury SUVs such as the Audi Q5, Lexus RX, or Volvo XC60, it’s essential to distinguish between the model years to aim for and those to avoid. Our reviews offer a clear overview, ensuring you make an educated choice by spotlighting the years that deliver on reliability, comfort, and driving pleasure versus those known for their shortcomings.