2021 BMW X1: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 BMW X1: 1 recall, 9 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #21V554000 · 2021 · 21,537 vehicles
What's wrong: The passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor (alr) May deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (4): the most common themes are fails to deploy (3).
- Electrical (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Forward collision avoidance (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 BMW X1 has 9 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 15 X1 model years for complaints (well below the 45 average). Complaints peaked in 2026 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 35,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (13 complaints, 1 recalls), 2022 (1 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 27 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 BMW X1.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2021 BMW X1 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2021 BMW X1. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 BMW X1 problems?
Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (4), electrical (3), forward collision avoidance (2).
What gas mileage does the 2021 BMW X1 get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 BMW X1 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.