The Lemon Index2018 BMW X1.
The 2018 BMW X1 is worse than average by owner complaints: 35 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 117, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 25 to 26 mpg combined. The best BMW X1 year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 59 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X1 year. 2018 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 3K to 49K miles on the car (15 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- steering 2019
The steering gear tie rod may have been assembled incorrectly, which may result in excessive wear of the tie rod end, eventually causing it to break.
- body structure 2019
In the event of a crash where the occupants head contacts the B-pillar, the pillar may not absorb an adequate amount of the impact.
- lights 2019
Contaminated hardware may cause the attachment brackets of the taillight housings to crack, causing the lights to loosen or possibly detach from the vehicle.
Show all 4 recalls
- engine 2018
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.
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 98 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Power-assisted Steering Intermittently Not Available at Engine Start-up: This Service…
- Water Ingress In Footwell Area From A/C Condensate Drain: This Service Information Bulletin…
- Ccm displayed "increased battery drain" caused by controller
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
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 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| BMW X1 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Vehicle has a safety recall but no remedy is available. I do not feel safe driving this car
2018 BMW X1 owner · NHTSA complaint 11254648
More owner reports
The car has been in recall mode since april with no remedy! This is crazy.
NHTSA complaint 11233132
There is an unresolved recall on my car and I do not think the automaker has remedied the problem in a timely manner.
NHTSA complaint 11257641
Quick answers
Is the 2018 BMW X1 reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 117; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X1 year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2018 BMW X1 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (60%), wipers & visibility (9%) and electrical (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 BMW X1 have?
4 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 BMW X1 get?
25 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 BMW X1 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2018 BMW X1 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 BMW X1 cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 BMW X1 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What BMW X1 year is better than the 2018?
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