Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact filed the complaint regarding a rental 2025 BMW X1. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact went outside and noticed a fire exiting the engine hood on the front passenger side. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact stated that within a couple of minutes, the entire front of the vehicle was on fire, and a couple of minutes later the entire vehicle was on fire. The local fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact was informed by the fire official, who informed the contact that the fire was assumed to have been started from the front passenger's brake system. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000. The VIN was unavailable.
My Vehicle started having grinding front brakes at about 12,000 miles. Front brake rotors have already grooves developing. I took it to Manhasset BMW service, my brakes were not checked properly, wheels not even removed to see if any calipers issue causing the grinding sounder pads wearing out prematurely. This is not normal wearing issue, it's a serious problem with brakes. Recently, BMW recalled for integrated brakes problem but BMW rep. told me that my vehicle has no recall on record. It's a 2025 BMW X1 AWD with 14,600 miles as of today. Brakes don't show grooves and hot spots from nothing, something is going on with my brakes and BMW refusing to check and service.
The contact leased a 2024 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the sun obstructed her driving view, she lost control and crashed into an electrical pole. There were no warning lights. The automatic braking system did not engage. The air bags deployed. The contact was taken by ambulance to the hospital due to head, neck, back, and chest injuries. The police informed her the vehicle may be totaled. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
While reversing into a parking space, the parking sensor system repeatedly indicated an obstacle on the left side of the vehicle even though no object was present. The system displayed a red warning on the left side and automatically applied the brakes very suddenly, causing the vehicle to jerk to a stop. I exited the vehicle to check the area and confirmed there was nothing on the ground or near the vehicle that would explain the warning. The surface was flat and clear. Because the system continued to detect a phantom obstacle on the left side, it repeatedly interfered with maneuvering the vehicle while reversing. During this situation the vehicle ultimately made contact with a pole behind the car, which I did not initially realize because the braking intervention was so abrupt. The parking sensor was damaged in the impact. …
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond, swerved, and came to a complete stop in the middle of the highway. The traction control, ABS, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the messages "Warning" and "Computer Error Fault" were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear while attempting to drive. A Police officer blocked the vehicle until the vehicle was towed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact had not yet received the recall notification. …
A deer was standing ahead in the road and I began to brake! I was only going 25-30mph. The brakes were hard to push and it felt like something was malfunctioning eventually hitting the deer straight on!!! The Automatic Braking System did NOT work, the forward collision warning did NOT work and the BRAKES did not work after pressing hard to brake to avoid a collision!!! I have had this BMW for over a year and have had several recalls that the dealership fixed EXCEPT for the IB recall issued on 2/12/24 that they still have NO REMEDY!!!!!!! Not only is this a MAJOR safety issue that I've expressed to them many times- the worst has happened now and my braking system FAILED causing a collision!!! The Phil Hughes service dept. has lied about filling my washer fluid and that the faulty battery issue was due to it sitting too long! I drive this car EVERY DAY!! …
I am reporting a recurring safety warning on my 2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i. The vehicle repeatedly displays the message "Secure vehicle against rolling" on the dashboard even though the gear selector indicates that the vehicle is in Park. A diagnostic scan with BlueDriver also recorded BMW fault code 420106 - "Shift Lock Solenoid: Unlock stuck." The warning has returned multiple times and appears to indicate a problem with the vehicle's Park/shift-lock or parking-lock recognition system. Because this warning concerns the possibility of the vehicle rolling while parked, I consider it a potential safety issue. Until the problem is diagnosed and repaired, I have been using the electronic parking brake every time I park as an additional precaution. The vehicle otherwise recognizes the Park position and has remained drivable, but the warning continues to reappear. …
I am writing to formally file a report regarding the severe mechanical damage to the vehicle I purchased on June 14th, 2024, identified as A 2017 BMW- X1 sDrive28i, with VIN NUMBER [redacted] . It has come to my attention that this damage was not disclosed at the time of purchase, which constitutes a violation of consumer protection laws. As a consumer, I have the right to receive truthful and accurate information about the products I purchase. The failure to disclose significant mechanical issues is a violation of the Federal Trade Commission's regulations and applicable state consumer protection laws, including the prohibition against deceptive acts and practices. This vehicle poses as a safety risk to myself, and other's. Specifically, I have experienced the following issues with the vehicle: 1. Leaking oil 2. Loud engine. 3. Overheating. 4. Suspension issues. 5. …
Related recalls (3)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Electric › Control module
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024.
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 investigations
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…
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW X1 years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2023 (53), 2017 (27), 2024 (19), 2014 (10) and 2016 (8) model years. Brake complaints make up 76% of all complaints for the 2023.
Is there a recall for BMW X1 brake problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 24V-104 (control module, Feb 12, 2024); 14V-627 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Oct 7, 2014); 13V-454 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Sep 26, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do BMW X1 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 25,000 miles; 84% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the power assist (1 mentions), followed by the power assist › vacuum › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (1).
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.