Most common 2014 BMW X1 problems
Share of the 114 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW X1 complaints by model year
Best X1 years: 2022, 2021, 2019. Years to avoid: 2023, 2024, 2016, 2017, 2025. Compare all years →
2014 BMW X1 recalls (6)
Electrical system › Wiring › Connectors/plugs/receptacles
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi,…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i vehicles. The affected vehicles may have battery positive (B+) cables that develop high resistance in the connections to the fuse box.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the B+ cable connector with one that is silver coated and better secure it to the fuse box, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2017.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2014 BMW X1:
Loss of power assist braking
In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (NHTSA Recall 13V-454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft…
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2014 BMW X1 owners say
Air bags all 41 →
Vehicle: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i Incident Date: 11/21/2025 Location: Interstate highway in Wisconsin Description of the Issue: My husband was driving our 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i when he was involved in a front-end collision at approximately 40 mph. He struck the rear of another vehicle with the front passenger-side portion of the BMW. Despite the force and angle of the crash, neither the driver airbag nor the passenger airbag deployed. Immediately after impact, heavy smoke began coming through the dashboard vents within seconds, and the vehicle caught fire within approximately one minute. The entire front of the vehicle was destroyed by the fire. The airbags never deployed at any point, including during the fire. We believe this represents a serious failure of the airbag system or the crash sensors. …
The brakes have been replaced also rotors now I am removing pads again in the front less the 6 month noise. The whole radiator system was replaced and I had to remove the new expansion tank again along with 2 holes air bag light came on but went out so did the brakes light I do not there's no ground to this vehicle what so ever there also electric issues.
Engine & cooling all 34 →
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light illuminated; however, the seat belt was securely fastened. Additionally, the contact stated that the front headlight bulbs were replaced; however, the following day the bulbs were blown. The contact stated that the alternator was replaced in September 2024. The contact stated that she was afraid to drive the vehicle because of fear that the vehicle would overheat and blow up. In addition, the contact stated that unknown warning lights were previously illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times due to the failures. The contact stated that a dealer performed a multi-inspection of the vehicle, however the failure was not duplicated. …
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated with the radiator fan running at high speeds. The contact pulled over and allowed the engine to cool down before restarting the vehicle and continuing to drive. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and DTC: 348A, 387F were retrieved. The contact stated that the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed a second time and the contact was informed that the water pump and thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …
Electrical system all 31 →
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light illuminated; however, the seat belt was securely fastened. Additionally, the contact stated that the front headlight bulbs were replaced; however, the following day the bulbs were blown. The contact stated that the alternator was replaced in September 2024. The contact stated that she was afraid to drive the vehicle because of fear that the vehicle would overheat and blow up. In addition, the contact stated that unknown warning lights were previously illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times due to the failures. The contact stated that a dealer performed a multi-inspection of the vehicle, however the failure was not duplicated. …
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated with the radiator fan running at high speeds. The contact pulled over and allowed the engine to cool down before restarting the vehicle and continuing to drive. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and DTC: 348A, 387F were retrieved. The contact stated that the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed a second time and the contact was informed that the water pump and thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …
2014 BMW X1 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 22 / 32 / 26 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 23 / 33 / 26 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2014 BMW X1 a good car?
Based on 114 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 X1 rates average: 33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the X1 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2014 BMW X1?
The air bags — 41 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (34) and electrical system (31).
How many recalls does the 2014 BMW X1 have?
There are 6 recalls for the 2014 BMW X1, the most recent from August 13, 2024 (connectors/plugs/receptacles). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW X1?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2021 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2024, 2016, 2017 and 2025. See the full BMW X1 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2014 BMW X1 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 71,000 miles; 42% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.