Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Today is 1/21/26. My car has had problems since 12/4/25 when I started getting drivetrain warning lights. After "call roadside assistance" prompts, it will start, but a drivetrain fault appears on the dash. Many faults have appeared at the dealer and I have it in writing that there is nothing more they can do. They escalated the issue to BMW with no resolution, to date. I have requested a buy-back and they no longer return my calls. In terms of safety, I'm not sure what could happen if the drivetrain fault light is on. On three separate occasions, it told me that the car was in danger of rolling over when I was on a flat surface. Another time, the car wouldn't go over 30 mph. This didn't feel safe! The dealer has reloaded software many times. Once they said I could pick it up and when I started it to drive home, the fault light appeared. …
AFTER BEING PARKED OUT I THE SUN, AT ABOUT NOON, STARTED CAR AND DROVE FROM PARING LOT CAR RESPNSE TO TROTLE INPUTS ERATTIC AND HARD TO JUDGE FOUND A PLACE TO SAFELY PARK, REBOOTED CAR COMPUTER, AND THEN WAS ALE TO DRIVE HOME (145 MILES) CRUISE CONTROLL DID NOT WORK. WHEN HOME, CALLED BMW, REQUESTED THEY REPAIR car so that it is safe to drive,. Thry have had car since then. Don't feel it safe to drive til BMW declairs it repaired.
On Sept 8, 2021, on I-5, North of Marysville, WA, a truck threw a rock through the lower radiator of our X1. We were very lucky that we stopped and found the coolant running out. Otherwise the engine might have seized at highway speed , causing an accident. We lost all coolant and car was hauled to BMW, Seattle on 9/9/21. On 9/10 service rep Josh Logan advised: "We confirmed that it does not come with a guard, but when you order a new part, that does come in conjunction." and that: "no warranty coverage, as it does not cover damages, so you would have to go through your insurance for that one." We did so and USAA covered the amount above the $1000 deductible. It is unacceptable that the need for the rock shield was clearly a known condition, yet when damage occurred due to it not being installed from new, that the replacement was not covered under warranty.
Wastegate actuator turbo failure. Causes sudden loss of power to engine. Turbo function impacted. Drivetrain malfunction warning on dashboard. No prior warning sent. Problem with wastegate has been confirmed by Independent Service Center. Found similar issue with BMW E-Series Model 530e xdrive sedan Production dates 2/22/17-6/18/20 which extended warranty to 15 yr/150000 miles for same part. [redacted]
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X1. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change and was informed that the vehicle was leaking coolant. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the contact became aware that there was coolant on the ground underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer determined that the water pump had failed. The dealer confirmed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The water pump was replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 39,673.
A recall was issued for similar vehicles (X1) but ended with the 2018 model year (Recall 24V-608). This issue continues to be present in the 2019 model year. The thermostats in subsequent year models continue to leak, presenting a hazard. An engine warning lamp triggered an inspection at BMW Honolulu which identified the thermostat leak issue requiring "immediate attention." In addition, BMW engine mounts in the same model year vehicle have failed in less than 6 years of operation which could present a significant operational hazard. This issue was identified at the same time as the thermostat issue referenced previously. A similar dealer recommendation of "immediate attention," suggests the severity of the issue. This vehicle has been properly serviced at BMW Honolulu since it was purchased as a certified pre-owned vehicle from BMW Honolulu on October 22, 2022.
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X1. The contact stated that while approaching an intersection at 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled and came to a complete stop in the middle of the intersection, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and was able to continue driving. However, shortly afterward, the vehicle stalled again. The contact allowed the vehicle to sit idle for a while before attempting to restart the vehicle for a third time and was successful in driving the vehicle safely to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and 18V465000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); as the possible cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine and engine overheating warning lights became illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The contact had an older BMW that had experienced the same failure, and the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The local dealer was contact and the contact was informed that the current vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW X1 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (43), 2013 (37), 2014 (34), 2017 (14) and 2016 (9) model years. Engine complaints make up 46% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for BMW X1 engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 18V-465 (engine, Jul 11, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do BMW X1 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › oil/lubrication › pump (1 mentions), followed by the engine › crank/camshaft position sensor (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.