Problems · NHTSA complaints
2015 BMW X1 XDRIVE35I problems
Owners filed 94 complaints about the 2015 BMW X1 XDRIVE35I with NHTSA between Jun 2015 and Mar 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (32).
Complaints
94
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system32
- Air bags30
- Engine and engine cooling22
- Engine21
- Power train3
- Steering3
- Service brakes3
- Structure2
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Visibility1
- Latches/locks/linkages1
- Seat belts1
- Exterior lighting1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
11
20
1
7
2
3
5
3
14
21
4
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
32 reports1 fire
“Complete electrical failure while driving on the Highway. I barely was able to get over without causing an accident. The car without notice went dead and no power. I couldn't turn the steering wheel. Lots of warning lights started flashing then completely dead.”
Air bags
30 reports3 crashes
“Passenger restraint system malfunction is the error code. I am reporting this because it seems to be a common problem with a very important safety system in the vehicle.”
Engine and engine cooling
22 reports
“The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated while starting. Additionally, while stopped in traffic, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the camshaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.”
Engine
21 reports4 fires
“I had to replace the Oil Fliter housing with oil cooler because it was made out of plastic and caused an oil and antifreeze. The repair man told me that engine part were made out of plastic and tend to fail over time.”
Power train
3 reports
“The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the engine overheated. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The thermostat symbol was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that an unknown hose was cracked. The mechanic performed a compression test, and the top of the radiator was cracked. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact was adding coolant to the reservoir occasionally. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
Steering
3 reports
“While driving , power steering became stiff and unable to move steering wheel and went into a lock position . I have to turn off engine completely to be safe .”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.