NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 BMW X1 Safety Ratings
The 2019 BMW X1 scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 BMW X1 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong category. This strong overall score is notable, particularly given the three active recall campaigns associated with this model year. On its published federal safety data, the 2019 X1 offers a credible, though not entirely unblemished, safety profile.
The 2019 BMW X1 received an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, derived entirely from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 BMW X1 ranks 17 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.3% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 17 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 BMW X1?
Three distinct recall campaigns define the safety profile of the 2019 BMW X1, despite its strong crash-test performance. The most critical of these, issued in May of the recall year, addresses the roof and pillars, a component directly linked to occupant protection during a crash. This is especially pertinent given that crash protection accounts for 61 of the 70 possible points in our Safety Index. Another recall targets the tie rods, highlighting a potential issue with steering linkage that could compromise vehicle control. A third recall concerns tail light contamination, impacting visibility. The 2019 X1 achieves a Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. Its avoidance technology score is a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across all models. However, the three recalls contribute to a defect record sub-score of 15.75 out of 20. The 2019 X1 demonstrates robust crash protection, but its recall history warrants careful consideration.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 BMW X1 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 BMW X1 achieved an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, propelled by a 5-star score in side protection. Its frontal and rollover protection categories each registered 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk was 14 percent; dynamic tip-test results indicated no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13350
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 BMW X1 have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2019 BMW X1. The most structurally serious targets roof and pillar integrity in a crash scenario. A second campaign addresses a tie rod assembly defect affecting steering linkage. A third covers tail lights where contaminated hardware may cause failure. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided data, but all three campaigns warrant VIN verification.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 BMW X1?
Eleven owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2019 BMW X1, including one alleged crash and three alleged injuries. These are unverified allegations. The Electrical System leads with five reported concerns, followed by Engine and Structure at two each, with Power Train and Suspension each receiving one allegation.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 BMW X1?
Three recall campaigns have been issued for this vehicle, targeting critical safety components: steering linkage, roof structure, and tail lights. Shoppers of this 7-year-old vehicle must verify that all three have been remedied. Unresolved recalls transfer to the new owner, making VIN verification through NHTSA's database a necessary first step.
- The 2019 X1 carries a roof and pillar recall specifically flagging occupant protection concerns in a crash event, a direct overlap with the vehicle's highest-weighted Index category.
- A tie rod assembly recall affecting 2018-2019 X1 models raises a steering-linkage concern that is unique to this production window and not a carryover issue from earlier X1 generations covered by the Index.
- The defect record sub-score of 15.75 out of a possible 20 points is the single largest drag on the 2019 X1's 87-point Index, driven by all three recall campaigns active for this year.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by the Index, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on the 2019 X1, earning a full 10 out of 10 in that sub-category.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 BMW X1 places
The 2019 BMW X1 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 BMW X1 safety questions
Was the 2019 BMW X1 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 BMW X1, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 BMW X1 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 BMW X1 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 BMW X1 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 BMW X1. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 BMW X1?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 BMW X1. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other X1 years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13350), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW X1 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 17 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.