2018 BMW X1 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 10%of 60 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2018 BMW X1, 10% of the 60 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11747527, filed 2026-06“The contact owns a 2018 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle shuddered significantly upon depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the evaporative emission control circuit had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11540519, filed 2023-08, 63,000 miles“Car does not idle when first starts. Shifting into reverse causes car to nearly stall. To avoid this, I have to touch the accelerator with extra pressure which causes the car to jerk uncontrollably backwards. This is a known fault on X1 BMW’s. BMW requires $300-500 to complete a software update with no guarantee this will correct the problem. The software update was completed once before in 2019 and the problem persists. They are asking for another payment for another update with no guarantee.”
NHTSA complaint #11575026, filed 2024-03“Car began to make a loud humming noise from the engine compartment and the car went stiff. The check engine light came on and when taken to have the light looked at, it showed a faulty thermostat.”
NHTSA complaint #11572818, filed 2024-02“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11604840, filed 2024-07Related service bulletins
- 11035496Jun 26, 2026The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original…
- 11032730May 5, 2026The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original…
- 11000578May 2, 2024Evap system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
- 10174019Apr 1, 2020CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B61 05 20 dated February 2020. Electrostatic discharge at…
- 10145283Jul 1, 2018BUZZING NOISE FROM VALVETRONIC MOTOR BEFORE OR AFTER ENGINE OPERATION: Buzzing noise may be heard from the Valvetronic motor when the vehicle is unlocked, before the engine is…
- 10138396Apr 1, 2018HUMMING NOISE DURING SMOOTH ACCELERATION: A humming, vibration noise is heard during smooth acceleration to 2000 rpm.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 18% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 20% |
| 2020 | 3 | 23% |
| 2019 | 2 | 15% |
| 2018 | 6 | 10% |
| 2017 | 12 | 8% |
| 2016 | 8 | 5% |
| 2015 | 16 | 31% |
| 2014 | 17 | 31% |
| 2013 | 16 | 42% |
Other parts of the 2018 BMW X1
22 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 BMW X1
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology