Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 BMW X1 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Takata recall. I got into an accident with my 2014 BMW X1 in the winter of 2015, just a year after leasing this vehicle. A car hit me so hard from behind, that I hit the car in front of me, totaling my car completely. I was sent to the hospital because my airbags failed to deploy. This has caused me thousands of dollars in medical bill that my health insurance did not cover. If the airbags went off, I May not have hit my head and would have saved me from going to the hospital. This recall could have caused others with a more severe accident possible death. Therefore BMW should not only replace the defected airbags but also compensate everyone who risked their lives driving this machine that could have killed them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle started to experience failures with the electronic panels and gauges. The contact was unable to control the window and door buttons however, the contact was able to open the door manually. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 17V087000 (electrical system) and 20V017000 (air bags), however the VIN was not included. The contact tried multiple times to contact BMW of san francisco located at 1675 howard st, san francisco, ca 94103 [phone] but unable to speak to a representative. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1 sav. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated while driving. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V071000 (air bags); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact emailed BMW of manhattan (555 w 57th st, new york, ny 10019, phone number: [phone]) and was informed that the part was not available for the repair. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Takata recall- I realize that there are millions of cars impacted by the recall of the Takata airbags, however, I also am stunned that it has been over a year and the same very dangerous airbags have not yet been replaced in my car by BMW as of this date. Not a comforting feeling!! When I called about it, BMW said that my car is not on a "high priority" list- please have them tell that to my family if I- my husband, or my children- should die in an accident because of the uncorrected airbag situation! Is there a way that your agency can help require faster replacements? Just wondering.......
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 BMW X1 sav. While driving 55 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V286000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 18,000.....updated 07/05/16 updated 07/14/16.
Takata recall-I was notified over a year ago feb 2016 of the Takata airbag recall on my vehicle. I called monthly for a while and was told at one point they are changing the airbags in new dealer vehicles to be sold. I feel current vehicles already sold should be repaired first, not new ones to continue making a profit while we are at risk.
Tamara recall - according to the recall lookup tool, the status is incomplete which indicates that parts are available. However, the dealership in mt. Laurel nj continues to say that they do not have the parts
WARNING LIGHTS AND ALARMS KEEP GOING OFF IN MY CAR! The car was sold to mf like this by Carvana and these problems are not listed in the car fax's!
Related recalls
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.
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.
NHTSA investigations
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.
Airbag complaints in other X1 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2014 BMW X1?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the air bags of the 2014 BMW X1, 36% of the model year's 114 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2014 BMW X1 airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-017 (inflator module, Jan 15, 2020); NHTSA recall 16V-071 (inflator module, Feb 5, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2014 BMW X1 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 23,000 miles, and 56% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.