MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2019 BMW X1

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 BMW X1

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

3Recalls
11Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE BMW X1

The BMW X1 is a compact luxury SUV that competes in one of the most contested segments in the American market. Aimed at buyers who want premium brand prestige and a driver-focused feel in a smaller, more urban-friendly package, the X1 has been a gateway model into the BMW lineup since its introduction. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years, giving us a broad view of how its safety profile has evolved.

VERDICT

The 2019 BMW X1 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the BMW X1 for its engaging driving dynamics and upscale interior relative to its compact footprint, calling it one of the more driver-oriented choices in the entry-level luxury SUV segment. Most acknowledge that cargo space and rear-seat room trail some rivals, but the overall refinement and brand experience tend to satisfy buyers seeking a premium daily driver.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 14.3%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13350

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record15.75/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY19V601000

Risk: A broken steering tie rod would lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the tie rods and ball joints as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

Reported 2019-08-14

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS19V349000

Risk: In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vertical trim pieces on the upper portion of the interior B-Pillars, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 1, 2019. Second notices will be sent as parts become available, starting on September 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Reported 2019-05-09

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS19V074000

Risk: If a taillight detaches from the vehicle, it would no longer provide the required lighting to following traffic, or it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will properly secure the taillights, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Reported 2019-01-30

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
3reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 5Engine 2Unknown Or Other 2Structure 2Power Train 1Suspension 1

Other X1 years

Rivals in SUV (2019)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 13350), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for BMW X1 2019. Class rank 17 of 93 in SUV 2019. Methodology · Disclosure