2020 BMW X1: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seat belts.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall May 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The fuel tank got punctured on the freeway causing the car to lose power. The problem seems that BMW plastic fuel tank is located on the right side at the bottom of the car so any stone or particle on the freeway can puncture the plastic tank from the bottom causing no fuel and the car losing power. Seems like that is problem with design and BMW is aware of it since the new models of the car starting 2023 have an extra underbody protection for the fuel tank which is missing on the previous year models.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2025
“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. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2025
“I had a series of concerning incidents with my car. The trunk door was getting stuck halfway, but I was able to close it after turning on the engine. I also encountered a malfunction error on the backup camera, a Drive Train warning sign, and the car alarm going off by itself. The most alarming issue was when the car started smoking and then caught fire underneath the hood near the driver's side windshield. Thankfully, my father and I were able to put out the flames with a water hose before calling 911 to report the incident to the fire department. The car is considered a total per Geico Insurance.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2024
Show 5 more owner reports
“Check Engine light checked at dealership revealed Fuel in the NVLD System! They had to replace the NVLD, Charcoal canister, and the Tank vent valve. They accused me of overfilling my fuel tank! I am 100% certain that I NEVER overfill fuel whatsoever. I am afraid this may cause other drivers to ignore the problem resulting in vehicle fires! Please investigate further or ask for repair frequency of this problem from BMW. I owned a BMW for almost 20 years and never experienced this problem! Thanks”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2024
“I got my BMW X1 in December of 2020 and currently has 21,000 miles. I've notice unusual wear and tear on the driver side seatbelt so I brought it into the dealer but all they said was that it needs to be replaced. I don't think this is a normal wear and tear because as I've said, I only drove this vehicle for 21,000 miles. The tear is expanding and I believe this can be a serious safety issue during an accident or sudden stops. I was concerned if this was an issue to similar vehicles or if it's just my vehicle.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Nov 2023
“The vehicle's sunroof exploded spontaneously. This occured on an elevated expressway with no access above the vehicle. There was no physical impact to the vehicle. There were no visible warning signs. The sunroof shattered into small shards.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2023
“I was in a front end crash at approximately 30 to 35 miles per hour and airbags did not deploy nor did the seatbelt lock. My chest hit the steering wheel and I was transported by EMS to hospital. Nothing was broken. I had a bruise upper right chest but my pain is in my sternum which is not visibly bruised but is very sore and my activity and mobility is impaired. My radiator was busted and car was towed by local police department to tow yard which is where it is right now. Soon to be moved to a repair center as the police report becomes available. It has not been inspected at this point. Just want to make the issue known.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 2021
“The trunk cover has pieces of either plexi or fiber glass that gets into your skin. I have gotten tiny shards of the glass in my skin and it become unimaginably painful and it is very hard to get out of the skin.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X1 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i and X2 sDrive28i, 2020 MINI Clubman Cooper S All4, 2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Cooper S E) and MINI Hardtop 4 Door (Cooper and Cooper S) vehicles. Due to a problem with the rollover sensor within the air bag control unit, in the event of a rollover crash, the head air bag, seat belt pretensioners and other safety systems, may not activate.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2020 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact X1 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2020 BMW X1 reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2020 BMW X1. The most complained-about area is seat belts.
Does the 2020 BMW X1 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags: air bag/restraint control module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.