2018 BMW X1 Complaints

ENGINE — Filed 05/20/2026

On May 20, 2026 We were in Mt Dora, FL We were approaching a red light. Cars were stopped in front of us and cars were beside me and behind me. As I slowed down the car just stalled out. It completely turned off while I was in drive. I immediately tried to start it. Then I put my foot on the brake and put it in park and turned on my hazard lights. I waited about 3 minutes and started it up. It was so scary because we could have been hit from behind.

VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 03/27/2026

• What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I have a 2018 BMW X1 that has about 60,000 miles on it. So far, I have had to have the windshield replaced four times due to pebbles hitting and cracking the windshield when on the highway. This never used to be the case in older BMWs that I have had in the past. Pebbles would never crack windshields. I know many other friends and family members that have had the same issue. Although insurance pays for the windshield/sensor replacements that cost around $1,500 to $2,700 (depending on which dealership I go to and which state I have lived in), this results in higher premiums for us all, because insurance companies are not going to just take a loss on the windshield claims. So really, we are all paying for each other's windshields with our insurance premium increases. Please enforce a recall to replace all the weak windshields with the strong windshields they used to produce. They are not only wasting our money but profiting off the insurance payments for all these broken windshields. My car is available for inspection upon request. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Cracked windshields compromise the vehicle's structural integrity, distorts your vision, and can shatter if subjected to sudden temperature changes, road vibrations, or a collision. • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, every time I go into a BMW dealership to have the windshield replaced and by my insurance company, which pays for the replacements. • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, by BMW dealerships when they have replaced the windshield each time. • Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 02/14/2026

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.

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS — Filed 01/15/2026

While driving my vehicle at normal highway and city speeds, I noticed a serious steering issue where the steering wheel feels excessively loose and unresponsive. The vehicle does not track straight and constantly drifts left and right, requiring continuous steering corrections to keep it within the lane. The steering feels vague and unstable, as if there is excessive play in the steering system. At times, small steering inputs result in delayed or inconsistent vehicle response, making it difficult to maintain a straight path. This issue occurs on smooth, dry roads and is not related to road conditions, wind, or tire pressure. This condition creates a significant safety concern, especially at higher speeds, as it feels like I could lose control of the vehicle or unintentionally drift into another lane or off the road. The problem has been persistent and appears to be worsening over time.

STEERING — Filed 11/22/2025

In November I noticed a noise when steering. I took my suv to the mechanic shop and they located the following recall from your website: recall 19V601000 the tie rod assembly. I contacted BMW of North America and they cannot locate this recall with my VIN.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/10/2025

On the evening of July 10, 2025, while driving a 2018 BMW X1, I experienced a sudden cascade of dashboard alerts, including warnings for the airbag, chassis system, and right signal headlight. The system advised moderate driving and service. Moments later, all dashboard lights activated simultaneously. I pulled over and placed the vehicle in park. Within seconds, smoke began rising from the front-right corner of the engine compartment, followed by visible flames. My daughter was in the car with me. We had to evacuate immediately, and contacted emergency services from the roadside. The fire was extinguished by first responders, and the vehicle was later towed. This event put both of us in immediate danger. It occurred just five days after service on the right front headlight was performed by an authorized dealership. While the issue has not yet been confirmed by the manufacturer or service center, the timing and location raise serious concerns. The vehicle was inspected by the fire department, and an insurance claim is currently under investigation.

STEERING — Filed 11/02/2019

The contact owns a 2018 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose while turning to the left or the right. The contact stated that the failure was a reoccurring failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V601000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 03/03/2025

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.

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE — Filed 07/31/2024

Airbag. No open recalls. Spinal injury in head-on collision. Unknown Crash Champions at Windsor Mills in Baltimore, MD (auto body shop for Progressive) No warnings

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 06/15/2024

There is an issue with the X1 series of BMWs where the system shuts down after a cold start. This car displays alerts on the dashboard, and BMW service has confirmed that there are two firmware updates available to fix the issues. However, instead of providing the updates at no charge, they are asking for almost $1,000 for the firmware update. Forum discussions indicate that this issue causes the engine to stop after a cold start, which is extremely challenging, especially when leaving a garage into oncoming traffic, as the car just shuts off. There should be a recall and free firmware updates for these vehicles. FC 151001 IGNITION TIMING DURING COLD START