Common BMW X1 Problems, Faults, and Repair Costs
Typical MOT issues to check on the BMW X1, with rough repair costs, and its MOT pass rate for each model year. Based on 200,387 MOT tests across 14 model years (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Segment: premium | Fuel: Petrol, Diesel
88%
BMW X1 pass rate
88%
BMW average
82%
All-model average
The BMW X1 has an average MOT pass rate of 88%, which is equal to the BMW average and 6 points above the average across all models in our data. Newer BMW X1s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Check Your BMW X1's MOT History
Enter your reg plate to see the specific issues found on your car, plus a health score and running cost estimate.
Common MOT Issues to Check on the BMW X1
Typical issues for a car of this age and type, estimated from its age, fuel type and engine size (not counted from its MOT records), with rough repair costs
Brakes
High likelihood£80 - £450
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Brake discs worn, brake pads thin, handbrake adjustment needed
Failure points:
Brake disc excessively worn, brake pipe corroded, brake efficiency below minimum
Suspension
High likelihood£150 - £600
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Suspension arm bush worn, shock absorber misting, spring corroded
Failure points:
Coil spring broken, ball joint excessive play, shock absorber leaking
Lights
High likelihood£15 - £200
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Headlamp aim slightly out, lens deteriorated
Failure points:
Headlamp not working, brake light not functioning, indicator failure
Tyres
High likelihood£50 - £300
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Tyre approaching legal limit, slight damage to sidewall
Failure points:
Tyre below minimum tread depth, tyre has a cut exposing ply
Exhaust & Emissions
High likelihood£80 - £800
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Exhaust mounting corroded, slight exhaust leak
Failure points:
Exhaust emissions exceed limits, catalytic converter efficiency low, DPF warning
Steering
High likelihood£100 - £500
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Track rod end has slight play, steering rack boot deteriorated
Failure points:
Steering rack leaking, track rod ball joint worn beyond limits
Body & Structure
Moderate likelihood£200 - £1200
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Surface corrosion on subframe, slight body panel damage
Failure points:
Structural corrosion, body mounting corroded through, chassis weakness
Windscreen & Wipers
Lower likelihood£10 - £350
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Minor windscreen chip, wiper blade deteriorated
Failure points:
Windscreen crack in swept area, wiper does not clear windscreen
Is your specific car affected?
Enter your reg plate to check your car's individual MOT history, health score, and flag any issues.
Premium check (£4.99) includes stolen, finance, and write-off verification.
BMW X1 Reliability by Year
MOT pass rate for each model year, from DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024 (retests included). Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger. Highest and lowest are marked among years with 100+ tests that were at least three years old when tested. Fuel and engine size are a guide only.
| Year | Fuel | Engine | Pass Rate | Fail Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Petrol | 1.5L | 94% | 5% |
| 2021 | Diesel | 2.0L | 93% | 6% |
| 2020 | Diesel | 2.0L | 93% | 6% |
| 2019 | Petrol | 1.5L | 93% | 7% |
| 2018 | Diesel | 2.0L | 91% | 8% |
| 2017 | Diesel | 1.6L | 91% | 9% |
| 2016 | Diesel | 2.0L | 90% | 9% |
| 2015 | Petrol | 2.0L | 87% | 13% |
| 2014 | Diesel | 2.0L | 83% | 16% |
| 2013 | Diesel | 2.0L | 83% | 16% |
| 2012 | Diesel | 2.0L | 82% | 18% |
| 2011 | Petrol | 3.0L | 81% | 18% |
| 2010 | Petrol | 3.0L | 81% | 19% |
| 2009 | Diesel | 2.0L | 81% | 19% |
Highest Pass Rate
2019
93% pass rate from 25,371 tests
Level with 2020 and 2021
View 2019 BMW X1 detailsBMW X1 Running Costs
Want to know the full annual running costs for the BMW X1? Including fuel, road tax, the MOT and predicted repairs based on MOT pass rates, plus an estimated insurance group.
View BMW X1 Running CostsSave Money on Your BMW X1
Handpicked deals to cut the cost of owning your BMW X1
Compare car insurance quotes
Free, no-obligation quotes
Compare quotes from UK insurers in a few minutes, in one search.
Compare quotes →🔍Car history check for £4.99
Finance, stolen and write-off checks
Outstanding finance with the lender's details, stolen, write-off and keeper changes. One payment, no subscription.
Check a car →✅Used car warranty quotes
Get a quote online
Cover for repair bills after the manufacturer warranty ends. Check what each plan covers.
Get a quote →🔧Book an MOT near you
Compare garage prices
Compare MOT prices at local garages and book online.
Find garages →BMW X1 FAQ
What are the most common BMW X1 problems?
Typical issues to check on a BMW X1 of this age and type are brakes, suspension, lights, tyres, exhaust & emissions and steering. These are estimated from its age, fuel type and engine size, not counted from its MOT records. Across 200,387 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), 88% ended in a pass.
Is the BMW X1 reliable?
The BMW X1 has an average MOT pass rate of 88%, from 200,387 MOT tests. That is 6 points above the average across all models in our data (82%), a better than average result. Pass rates fall as cars age, so compare it with cars of a similar age.
Which year BMW X1 is the most reliable?
Of the years with at least 100 tests that were old enough for a routine MOT, the 2019 BMW X1 has the highest MOT pass rate: 93% of its 25,371 tests ended in a pass. The 2020 and 2021 are level on 93%. The 2011 has the lowest at 81%. The 2009 and 2010 are level on 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so the pass rate is only part of the picture.
How much does it cost to fix common BMW X1 faults?
As a rough guide, brake work on a BMW X1 typically costs £80-£450 and suspension repairs £150-£600, while exhaust and emissions fixes can cost £80-£800. Lighting and wiper fixes are usually under £200.
Check a Specific BMW X1
Enter any reg plate to see the exact MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.
Other BMW Models
Common problems pages for other BMW models