NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 BMW X1 Safety Ratings
The 2021 BMW X1 scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 6 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 BMW X1 achieved a perfect score in NHTSA's avoidance technology assessments, contributing to a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, which places it within the Strong safety band. Its record reflects one recall and a low number of owner complaints, indicating a largely positive safety profile for the year.
The 2021 BMW X1 SUV AWD received an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of five out of five stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 BMW X1 ranks 35 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 | 14.3% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 6 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 35 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 BMW X1?
The 2021 BMW X1 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, identical to the 2020 model year's 88. That flat year-over-year movement tells a specific story: no meaningful deterioration and no breakthrough improvement. The index breakdown reveals where the score is built. Crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points, reflecting the four-star frontal and rollover results pulling slightly below the five-star side score. Avoidance technology delivers a perfect 10 out of 10, driven by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard equipment on this trim. The defect record component scores 17.25 out of 20, a figure consistent with just one recall campaign and only six reported complaints across the entire model year. That single recall targets seat belts in a broader 2021 BMW campaign rather than an X1-specific structural flaw. The complaint volume is low, though the forward collision avoidance system appearing among the top reported components is worth noting given that the avoidance-tech score relies on feature presence, not performance validation. Taken together, the 2021 X1 presents a stable, well-rounded safety profile anchored by strong crash-test outcomes and a clean defect record for this specific year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 BMW X1 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 BMW X1 achieved NHTSA's overall five-star safety rating, the highest possible score. This strong performance was bolstered by a five-star rating in side protection. However, both frontal impact and rollover protection received four out of five stars. The X1's rollover risk was assessed at 14 percent, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15283
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 BMW X1 have any recalls?
The 2021 BMW X1 carries one NHTSA recall campaign, addressing seat belts across a group of 2021 BMW models including 2 Series, 330e, and 4 Series variants. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is present in the data for this campaign, but buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
SEAT BELTS21V554000
Risk: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).
Reported 2021-07-21
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 BMW X1?
Six owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 BMW X1. The top components named in these unverified allegations are Air Bags, Electrical System, and Forward Collision Avoidance, each cited twice. Alleged figures include two crash events and three injuries; no deaths are reported.
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 BMW X1?
A critical safety recall for seat belts affects the 2021 BMW X1. Shoppers considering this model year should verify through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that any outstanding recall has been remedied. Unaddressed safety recalls, particularly those involving fundamental occupant restraint systems, necessitate direct engagement with a BMW dealership to ensure proper resolution prior to purchase.
- The 2021 BMW X1 matches the 2020 model year's Safety Index of 88 out of 100 exactly, indicating no year-over-year change in the calculated safety profile.
- NHTSA's frontal and rollover crash tests each produced four out of five stars for this model year, while the side-impact test reached the maximum five stars.
- The one recall on record for this model year involves seat belts and covers multiple 2021 BMW nameplates, making VIN-specific remedy verification essential for used-market buyers.
- Forward Collision Avoidance appears among the top components in unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, a detail worth monitoring even though avoidance-tech equipment scored a perfect 10 out of 10 for feature availability.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 BMW X1 places
The 2021 BMW X1 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 BMW X1 safety questions
Was the 2021 BMW X1 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 BMW X1 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 BMW X1 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 BMW X1. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 BMW X1?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 6 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15283), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW X1 2021.
- 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 35 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.