The Lemon Index2014 BMW X1.
The 2014 BMW X1 is worse than average by owner complaints: 49 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 162, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 21 to 26 mpg combined. The best BMW X1 year is 2013.
Worse than average. 1.6× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2013
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 114 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X1 year. 2014 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 30K to 103K miles on the car (50 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 68K–127K miles
Recalls 6
- engine 2024
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
- airbags 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- electrical 2017
The affected vehicles may have battery positive (B+) cables that develop high resistance in the connections to the fuse box.
Show all 6 recalls
- airbags 2016
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- brakes 2014
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
- brakes 2013
Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 127 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Water Leak in the Right Rear Luggage Compartment Area
- Door Mirror Wind/Whistle Noise
- February 2016 Engine Technical Service This Service Information Bulletin supersedes SI B11 16…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedLoss of power assist braking2013
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X1 Sdrive28I SUV RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW X1 Xdrive28I SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Takata recall" my BMW dealer does not know when to expect the replacement parts. I don't feel saf driving my car now. What should (can) I do?
2014 BMW X1 owner · NHTSA complaint 10851688
More owner reports
Takata recall - delaer says there are no parts, BMW customer service says there are. Someone is lying.
NHTSA complaint 11015769
Takata recall I have called BMW monthly for 14 months and they have not replaced it
NHTSA complaint 10970766
Quick answers
Is the 2014 BMW X1 reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 162; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X1 year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2014 BMW X1 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (73%), electrical (8%) and body structure (8%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2014 BMW X1 have?
6 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2014 BMW X1 get?
21 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2014 BMW X1 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 30,000 and 103,000 miles. The middle report was at 69,400 miles, from 50 complaints.
Does the 2014 BMW X1 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2014 BMW X1 cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2014 BMW X1 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW X1 year is better than the 2014?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2017 and 2016.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works