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BMW X1Model year report

2020 BMW X1 Problems

Complaints
13filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
35,000miles, 2 complaints with mileage
Recalls
1campaigns on record
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA crash rating
5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
27 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 24 city / 33 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 BMW X1 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

NHTSA recorded 13 consumer complaints for the 2020 BMW X1. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 4 complaints (31% of the total), followed by engine (3) and fuel system (3). 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 35,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 70 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine complaints overlap with 4 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.

This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Example complaints

Transmission and drivetrain: “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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11611674, filed 2024-08

Engine: “On Sept 8, 2021, on I-5, North of Marysville, WA, a truck threw a rock through the lower radiator of our X1. We lost all coolant and car was hauled to BMW, Seattle on 9/9/21. On 9/10 service rep Josh Logan advised: We confirmed that it does not come with a guard, but when you order a new part, that does come in conjunction. and that: no warranty coverage, as it does not cover damages, so you would have to go through your insurance for that one. We did so and USAA covered the amount above the $1000 deductible. …”

NHTSA complaint #11436620, filed 2021-10

Fuel system: “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”

NHTSA complaint #11577034, filed 2024-03

Brakes: “On 7/1/22, my Vehicle Alert came on advising that the front brake pads need replacement and to schedule an appointment within 1,000 miles. I called the same day to schedule an appointment with my local dealer. However, the next available date was on 7/13/22. I specifically requested an earlier date, but that was the only available slot they had. I brought my vehicle in on 7/13/22 (alert now says schedule an appointment within 800 miles so i had driven 200 miles) and was given an estimate to replace the front brake pads. …”

NHTSA complaint #11492346, filed 2022-11

Mileage when problems were reported

50% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 3,000 and 67,000 miles.

50%0–100%10–250%25–5050%50–750%75–1000%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (2 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 35,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

20214202220232024420252026
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 BMW X1. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
X1 · SUV AWD★★★★★4 / 5554 · 14.3% risk
X1 · SUV FWD★★★★★4 / 5554 · 15.7% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking not available.

Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating; 2021: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2020 BMW X1 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
X1 sDrive28i FWD2.0L 4-cyl8-speed automatic243327$3,050
X1 xDrive28i AWD2.0L 4-cyl8-speed automatic233126$3,150

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2020 BMW X1 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 70 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 70 bulletins →

Other model years of the BMW X1

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2025172,6503428—Too new
2024307,0003428Too new to compareToo new
2023708,0006428100 · MoreToo new
20211047,0001527—Not enough data
20201335,0001527—Not enough data
20191339,6733526—Not enough data
20186013,000452685 · MoreStable
201715650,2102—2650 · TypicalRising
201615942,0003—2557 · TypicalStable
20155290,0002—260 · FewerRising
20145590,0002—260 · FewerRising
20133896,0002—270 · FewerRising

All BMW X1 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 BMW X1 have?

NHTSA recorded 13 consumer complaints for the 2020 BMW X1 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2020 BMW X1 is reported most often?

Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 4 complaints (31% of the total), followed by engine with 3.

Has the 2020 BMW X1 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2020 BMW X1 do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 BMW X1 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2020 BMW X1 get?

The EPA rates the 2020 BMW X1 (X1 sDrive28i, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 24 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2020 BMW X1 reported?

Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 35,000 miles and the middle half falls between 3,000 and 67,000 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.