NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
38 reportsMileage unknown · Aug 24, 2024
Back Over PreventionUnknown Or Other
There needs to be a recall for water intrusion to the parking distance control system in at minimum the 2013 BMW X1. Our whole camera system and parking sensors went out, as soon as I searched the problem, there were numerous forums advising of the issue. When I opened up the area in the trunk, the entire area was filled with wa…
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There needs to be a recall for water intrusion to the parking distance control system in at minimum the 2013 BMW X1. Our whole camera system and parking sensors went out, as soon as I searched the problem, there were numerous forums advising of the issue. When I opened up the area in the trunk, the entire area was filled with water. The parts within all need to be replaced. This should be covered by BMW since this is such a huge issue.
NHTSA ODI #11610644
Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2024
Engine
While driving, oil light came on, engine light came on, car started shaking, smelled a rubbery smell, engine turned off. Would not restart, took vehicle in, timing chain. So now because this happened after class action suit we are not able to participate in said class action suit!! Just because ours ran longer, should not mean y…
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While driving, oil light came on, engine light came on, car started shaking, smelled a rubbery smell, engine turned off. Would not restart, took vehicle in, timing chain. So now because this happened after class action suit we are not able to participate in said class action suit!! Just because ours ran longer, should not mean you were not responsible for this, knowing there was a problem!! So disappointed in BMW right now!!!!
NHTSA ODI #11563522
Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2023
Unknown Or Other
Cam shaft broke during driving, lost acceleration on interstate causing issues merging to get to shoulder of road. Caused damage to motor resulting in oil loss, significant smoking from engine hindering visibility. Verified by BMW certified mechanic that this is the problem. Stated most likely caused by a known timing chain issu…
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Cam shaft broke during driving, lost acceleration on interstate causing issues merging to get to shoulder of road. Caused damage to motor resulting in oil loss, significant smoking from engine hindering visibility. Verified by BMW certified mechanic that this is the problem. Stated most likely caused by a known timing chain issue with Bmws using that motor. The only indication that appeared was when it happened, screen inside car stated "engine malfunction"
NHTSA ODI #11557571
Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2023
EngineUnknown Or OtherCrash
While pulling up to a red light and after coming to a complete stop, I sensed the engine was revving. While pressing down on the brake, I checked the RPM gauge to see the engine was revving at around 7k rpm. I tried to immediately put the car in park and turn off the ignition, but in the time it took me to move my hand from the …
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While pulling up to a red light and after coming to a complete stop, I sensed the engine was revving. While pressing down on the brake, I checked the RPM gauge to see the engine was revving at around 7k rpm. I tried to immediately put the car in park and turn off the ignition, but in the time it took me to move my hand from the steering wheel to the shifter, the car violently lurched forward and crashed into a pickup truck in front of me. I shut off the car momentarily. Realizing I was blocking traffic on a heavily traveled highway, I risked turning the car back on. I did so and was able to move it to the median to await the arrival of the state police. Later, I had the vehicle towed to an auto repair shop out of fear of driving it again. It is currently in the shop.
NHTSA ODI #11548465
Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2023
Fuel/propulsion System
We noticed a gasoline smell when our BMW X1 sDrive28i was parked our the garage. We parked the car outside until the vehicle was taken to be diagnosed and repaired the next day. The diagnosis was that the driver's side fuel sending unit assembly was leaking. The mechanic who replaced the fuel sending unit assembly stated that th…
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We noticed a gasoline smell when our BMW X1 sDrive28i was parked our the garage. We parked the car outside until the vehicle was taken to be diagnosed and repaired the next day. The diagnosis was that the driver's side fuel sending unit assembly was leaking. The mechanic who replaced the fuel sending unit assembly stated that the leak was bad enough the leaking gasoline could have caught fire.
NHTSA ODI #11542489
Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2023
Structure
Driver's side door on my 2013 BMW X1 sDrive28i will not open using either the outside door handle or the inside door handle. The door locks open and close using either the remote key fob or the key inserted into the driver's side door, but the driver's side door will not physically open. The other doors, as well as the rear hatc…
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Driver's side door on my 2013 BMW X1 sDrive28i will not open using either the outside door handle or the inside door handle. The door locks open and close using either the remote key fob or the key inserted into the driver's side door, but the driver's side door will not physically open. The other doors, as well as the rear hatch, do open. The mechanical part of the door lock actuator that holds the door latch to the striker plate on the frame on the driver's side door is stuck in the closed position. When you pull on the either the outside or inside door handle, the door moves ever so slightly but the door will not open. In order to lock the car after trying to open the driver's side door, one needs to then push the driver's side door in slightly so that is clicks shut. This will due to the slight movement when trying to open the door. Otherwise, the car locking mechanism will not work (i.e. none of the doors will lock) using either the remote key fob or the key in the door. This failure happened suddenly without warning. This is a safety issue because it makes it difficult to exit the vehicle in an emergency. Not being able to open the driver's side door is also a MAJOR inconvenience. The right front door actuator failed at 23,844 miles and was replaced under warranty. BMW door actuators used on the 2013 BMW X1 are not reliable. I have driven several other brands of cars over 200,000 miles and for more than 10 years and never once had a problem with the door lock mechanism and I certainly have never had a problem which left me unable to open the driver's side door.
NHTSA ODI #11542486
120,000 miles · Dec 8, 2022
Engine
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was knocking in the engine and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the temperature gauge was faulty and needed to …
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The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was knocking in the engine and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the temperature gauge was faulty and needed to be replaced. No repairs were performed. The contact stated that after the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the dealer, the engine seized while driving, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and declined the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #11496607
Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2022
Electrical System
POWER CABLE FROM BATTERY TO FUSE BOX IS LOOSE ON FUSE BOX, I LOST THE POWER 3 TIMES. THEY RECALL THE VEHICLES E84 BMW BECAUSE OF THE SAME ISSUE BUT THE DIDNT INCLUED X1 2013, IT IS SERIOS PROBLEM, I FIXED THAT PROBLEM AND SPEND OVER 500$ TO FIX, IT HAS TO BE FREE https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCMN-19V472-7907.pdf …
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POWER CABLE FROM BATTERY TO FUSE BOX IS LOOSE ON FUSE BOX, I LOST THE POWER 3 TIMES. THEY RECALL THE VEHICLES E84 BMW BECAUSE OF THE SAME ISSUE BUT THE DIDNT INCLUED X1 2013, IT IS SERIOS PROBLEM, I FIXED THAT PROBLEM AND SPEND OVER 500$ TO FIX, IT HAS TO BE FREE https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCMN-19V472-7907.pdf SAFETY RECALL NOTICE To: All Center Operators, Sales Managers, Service Manager, Parts Manager and Warranty Processor RE: Recall 19V-xxx: Repair Positive Battery Cable (B61 11 19) BMW of North America, LLC is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall (effective June 19, 2019) on certain Model Year 2008-2012 BMW vehicles that were produced from March 2, 2007 through September 16, 2011. Owners will be notified by First Class mail about the Recall and will be instructed to bring their vehicles in for a free repair when parts are available. Please be reminded that it is a violation of federal law (The Safety Act) for you to sell, lease or deliver any new motor vehicle covered by this notification until the recall repair has been performed. This means that centers may not legally deliver new motor vehicles to consumers until they are fixed or use/sell replacement equipment/parts subject to this recall. Note also that substantial civil penalties apply to violations of the Safety Act. Also, you should not sell, lease or deliver any Certified Pre-Owned or used vehicles subject to a safety recall until the repair is completed. Please follow any special instructions that we provide to you for the return or disposition of recall parts. We appreciate all your assistance with this Recall.
NHTSA ODI #11473425
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2022
Unknown Or Other
My Moonroof shade gets stuck when I try to open and close it. This has been a huge problem among other BMW X1s and it is over $2,000 to fix! This has caused a lot of issues in my car. Thousands of other drivers have also reported this issue. It is not safe having my shade stuck since people can see into my car, and the sun shine…
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My Moonroof shade gets stuck when I try to open and close it. This has been a huge problem among other BMW X1s and it is over $2,000 to fix! This has caused a lot of issues in my car. Thousands of other drivers have also reported this issue. It is not safe having my shade stuck since people can see into my car, and the sun shines which will eventually ruin my leather.
NHTSA ODI #11465999
Mileage unknown · Nov 24, 2021
Engine
1- The component failed (timing chain and and oil pump chain broke inside the engine compartment. The car is located in the BMW yard and is available for inspection at BMW Shrewsbury MA. 2. The safety was extremely dangerous. The engine suddenly and stop in the high speed Route 20 State highway. The timing chain and the oil p…
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1- The component failed (timing chain and and oil pump chain broke inside the engine compartment. The car is located in the BMW yard and is available for inspection at BMW Shrewsbury MA. 2. The safety was extremely dangerous. The engine suddenly and stop in the high speed Route 20 State highway. The timing chain and the oil pump have been complete damage and could not be fix. The only solution is replacing the engine and cost about 18000.00. If I get hit from the back I be killed immediately. 3- the vehicle or component has been inspect by the BMW technician. 4-There was a brief moment there was a very loud ai the engine and red flashing lit up the low oil.
NHTSA ODI #11441643
Official recalls
2Aug 13, 2024
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:pump
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Jan 15, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗