The Lemon Index2023 BMW X1.
The 2023 BMW X1 is so far one of the worst years by owner complaints: 70 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 280, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 28 mpg combined. The best BMW X1 year is 2013.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 70 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X1 year. 2023 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 4K to 14K miles on the car (13 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 6
- brakes 2026
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 Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
- stability control 2024
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
- stability control 2024
Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models.
Show all 6 recalls
- stability control 2024
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
- seat belts 2023
On the second-row outboard seats, the seat belts may have been pinched by an interior trim panel during vehicle assembly.
- airbags 2023
The front driver's air bag may have been manufactured incorrectly and may not deploy as intended during a crash.
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 78 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- While opening any of the doors, a groaning sound is heard from the door brake
- The seat module control unit controls the seat functions
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X1 SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2850 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
This recall (24V104) is more than 14 months old, and my BMW dealership (BMW Cleveland) has not contacted me about fixing the recall.
2023 BMW X1 owner · NHTSA complaint 11656444
More owner reports
Still no fix for this recall. Been 7 months. I am unable to use this vehicle for employment due to its recall status
NHTSA complaint 11617370
Dealer says the needed parts are on back order. It has been over 1 year, and I have been unable to get the needed repairs.
NHTSA complaint 11702174
Quick answers
Is the 2023 BMW X1 reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2.8× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 280; 100 is average). The best BMW X1 year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2023 BMW X1 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (44%), stability control (44%) and brakes (31%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 BMW X1 have?
6 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 BMW X1 get?
28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 BMW X1 safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 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 2023 BMW X1 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 9% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 BMW X1 cost in fuel a year?
About $2850 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 BMW X1 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What BMW X1 year is better than the 2023?
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