NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 BMW X1 Safety Ratings
The 2020 BMW X1 scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 12 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 BMW X1 carries one active recall for an airbag issue, a critical consideration for prospective buyers. When this recall is addressed, the vehicle's crash-test performance is nearly perfect, contributing to its strong NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100.
The 2020 BMW X1 received an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA federal data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 BMW X1 ranks 26 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 | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 12 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 26 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 BMW X1?
The 2020 BMW X1 carries a single recall, concerning the airbag and restraint control module, making this the primary safety consideration for potential owners. This model year achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band and marking a one-point increase from the 2019 model's 87. Its defect record sub-score is strong at 16.75 out of 20, reflecting that sole recall. NHTSA awarded the 2020 X1 an overall 5-star rating. This is underpinned by a 5-star side impact rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4-star ratings. The rollover risk is assessed at 16 percent, with a No Tip dynamic result. The vehicle's crash protection sub-score is 61 out of 70. Its crash-avoidance technology earned a perfect 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all included as standard features.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 BMW X1 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 BMW X1 achieved a 5 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This strong performance included a perfect 5-star rating for side-impact protection. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. NHTSA testing determined a rollover risk of 16 percent, with dynamic tip testing concluding in a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14476
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 BMW X1 have any recalls?
The 2020 BMW X1 carries one recall campaign, targeting the airbag and restraint control module. The campaign covers 2020 X1 xDrive28i and sDrive28i variants alongside related BMW and MINI models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the DATA block for this campaign, but the airbag system involvement warrants prompt VIN verification.
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE20V283000
Risk: If the safety systems do not deploy as intended in a roll over crash, it may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Reported 2020-05-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 BMW X1?
Twelve unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2020 X1, including alleged reports of 1 crash, 1 fire, and 3 injuries. The most frequently cited components in these unverified allegations are Power Train, Engine, and Fuel/Propulsion System, each appearing multiple times.
12 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 BMW X1?
The 2020 BMW X1 carries a notable recall concerning its airbag and restraint control module. Prospective buyers should confirm this recall has been completed before purchase, as an unresolved airbag issue constitutes a significant safety concern.
- The 2020 BMW X1 has one open recall campaign covering the airbag and restraint control module, affecting both xDrive28i and sDrive28i variants. VIN-level confirmation of remedy completion is essential for used-market buyers.
- NHTSA's NCAP program rated this model year 5 out of 5 stars overall, with the side-impact result matching that ceiling and both frontal and rollover results landing at 4 out of 5 stars.
- The 2020 model year's Safety Index of 88 out of 100 represents a one-point improvement over the 2019 model year's 87, driven in part by a defect record sub-score of 16.75 out of 20 that reflects the limited single-recall footprint for this year.
- Twelve unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Power Train, Engine, and Fuel/Propulsion System each appearing among the top reported components. These are unverified consumer allegations and not established findings.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 BMW X1 places
The 2020 BMW X1 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 BMW X1 safety questions
Was the 2020 BMW X1 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 BMW X1, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 2020 BMW X1 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 15.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 BMW X1 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 BMW X1. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 BMW X1?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 12 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 BMW X1. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other X1 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14476), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW X1 2020.
- 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 26 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.