High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
Vehicle: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i Incident Date: 11/21/2025 Location: Interstate highway in Wisconsin Description of the Issue: My husband was driving our 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i when he was involved in a front-end collision at approximately 40 mph. He struck the rear of another vehicle with the front passenger-side portion of the BMW. Despite the force and angle of the crash, neither the driver airbag nor the passenger airbag deployed. Immediately after impact, heavy smoke began coming through the dashboard vents within seconds, and the vehicle caught fire within approximately one minute. The entire front of the vehicle was destroyed by the fire. The airbags never deployed at any point, including during the fire. We believe this represents a serious failure of the airbag system or the crash sensors. A collision at this speed and angle, followed by catastrophic fire, should have triggered airbag deployment. This creates a significant safety risk for the driver and any passengers. What Happened to the Occupant: The driver experienced impact to the chest and upper body that likely would have been mitigated by airbag deployment. He required medical evaluation. Why We Are Reporting: We want to notify NHTSA of this potential airbag system failure, as it may indicate a defect affecting additional BMW X1 vehicles. We are requesting that the incident be reviewed to determine whether: The frontal crash sensors malfunctioned The airbag control module failed Wiring or electrical issues prevented deployment A previously unknown defect exists in this model This was a dangerous failure of a critical safety system. There was no prior airbag warning light or malfunction indicator before the crash. The vehicle is a total loss and is currently with our insurance company. We will request the airbag control module (ACM) and crash data from the insurance inspection. The vehicle has not previously been involved in an airbag deployment. The vehicle had up-to-date maintenance.
Vehicle: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i Incident Date: 11/21/2025 Location: Interstate highway in Wisconsin Description of the Issue: My husband was driving our 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i when he was involved in a front-end collision at approximately 40 mph. He struck the rear of another vehicle with the front passenger-side portion of the BMW. Despite the force and angle of the crash, neither the driver airbag nor the passenger airbag deployed. Immediately after impact, heavy smoke began coming through the dashboard vents within seconds, and the vehicle caught fire within approximately one minute. The entire front of the vehicle was destroyed by the fire. The airbags never deployed at any point, including during the fire. We believe this represents a serious failure of the airbag system or the crash sensors. A collision at this speed and angle, followed by catastrophic fire, should have triggered airbag deployment. This creates a significant safety risk for the driver and any passengers. What Happened to the Occupant: The driver experienced impact to the chest and upper body that likely would have been mitigated by airbag deployment. He required medical evaluation. Why We Are Reporting: We want to notify NHTSA of this potential airbag system failure, as it may indicate a defect affecting additional BMW X1 vehicles. We are requesting that the incident be reviewed to determine whether: The frontal crash sensors malfunctioned The airbag control module failed Wiring or electrical issues prevented deployment A previously unknown defect exists in this model This was a dangerous failure of a critical safety system. There was no prior airbag warning light or malfunction indicator before the crash. The vehicle is a total loss and is currently with our insurance company. We will request the airbag control module (ACM) and crash data from the insurance inspection. The vehicle has not previously been involved in an airbag deployment. The vehicle had up-to-date maintenance.
Car was taken in for service for a water pump recall. When I receive the car back there is a radiator photo on the dashboard as if there is low coolant. After returning the car to BMW they are stating that the water pump part that was fixed has nothing to do with why there is now a coolant leak from the back of the radiator. The fuel leak is coming from the fuel pump.
Car was taken in for service for a water pump recall. When I receive the car back there is a radiator photo on the dashboard as if there is low coolant. After returning the car to BMW they are stating that the water pump part that was fixed has nothing to do with why there is now a coolant leak from the back of the radiator. The fuel leak is coming from the fuel pump.
While driving home, I noticed smoke coming from under the hood. When I turned the car off the smoke was billowing and coming into the car through the ventilation system. I came back to the car a while later and saw that the hood had a large round burn mark and all non-metal parts connected to the engine were melted. The car is currently inoperable. I called the BMW dealership that provides maintenance for my car and they told me of recall but said they didnt have a remedy at this time.
While driving home, I noticed smoke coming from under the hood. When I turned the car off the smoke was billowing and coming into the car through the ventilation system. I came back to the car a while later and saw that the hood had a large round burn mark and all non-metal parts connected to the engine were melted. The car is currently inoperable. I called the BMW dealership that provides maintenance for my car and they told me of recall but said they didnt have a remedy at this time.
We had a bad coolant leak starting at 96,670 miles. We took our vehicle into our local repair shop, they fixed the coolant reservoir but the leak still persisted. We were told we would need a whole new water pump and housing unit however they couldn’t fix it due to not having sufficient resources. After the leak started our vehicle has started acting up electronically (examples: seatbelt warning going off without anyone in the seat, overhead lights turning on while driving, ect)
We had a bad coolant leak starting at 96,670 miles. We took our vehicle into our local repair shop, they fixed the coolant reservoir but the leak still persisted. We were told we would need a whole new water pump and housing unit however they couldn’t fix it due to not having sufficient resources. After the leak started our vehicle has started acting up electronically (examples: seatbelt warning going off without anyone in the seat, overhead lights turning on while driving, ect)
Whiles driving on the highway, the car shifted to neutral. I pulled over to the shoulder and tried to start the car, but it won't start. I had to have it towed.
Whiles driving on the highway, the car shifted to neutral. I pulled over to the shoulder and tried to start the car, but it won't start. I had to have it towed.
Back panel of sunroof shade comes off track and may get stuck inside the headliner, generally due to adhesive failure or broken clips. Seems to be a common issue for this year/model. Can cause car to reach unsafe temperatures in warm climates with shade stuck open. Can also cause shade to fall down and obstruct driver’s view. Warranties generally won’t cover repair since it is not a motor failure.
Back panel of sunroof shade comes off track and may get stuck inside the headliner, generally due to adhesive failure or broken clips. Seems to be a common issue for this year/model. Can cause car to reach unsafe temperatures in warm climates with shade stuck open. Can also cause shade to fall down and obstruct driver’s view. Warranties generally won’t cover repair since it is not a motor failure.
TOXIC MOLD IN VENTILATION PLUMBING. MAKES ALL OF US SICK IF WE TURN ON AC, HEAT, OR DEFROST. AS A RESULT CAN'T SEE OUT OF WINDSHIELD WHEN IT GETS FOGGED UNLESS WE ALL WANT TO GET SICK. MECHANIC IS STATING THERE IS NO SOLUTION FOR THIS. HE HAS CONSULTED BMW DEALERSHIP MECHANICS AND THEY ARE STATING THE SAME INFORMATION. THE ONLY SOLUTION GIVEN WAS TO REMOVE THE ENTIRE DASH, ALL VENTILATION PLUMBING AND HAND CLEAN IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM WILL COME BACK.
TOXIC MOLD IN VENTILATION PLUMBING. MAKES ALL OF US SICK IF WE TURN ON AC, HEAT, OR DEFROST. AS A RESULT CAN'T SEE OUT OF WINDSHIELD WHEN IT GETS FOGGED UNLESS WE ALL WANT TO GET SICK. MECHANIC IS STATING THERE IS NO SOLUTION FOR THIS. HE HAS CONSULTED BMW DEALERSHIP MECHANICS AND THEY ARE STATING THE SAME INFORMATION. THE ONLY SOLUTION GIVEN WAS TO REMOVE THE ENTIRE DASH, ALL VENTILATION PLUMBING AND HAND CLEAN IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM WILL COME BACK.
MY CAR SMELLS LIKE MOLD AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO ISOLATE THE ISSUE TO REMOVE THE SMELL. I AM CONCERNED IT POSES A SERIOUS HEALTH RISK IF MOLD IS GROWING. THERE IS NOT WATER IN THE VEHICLE AS I HAVE CHECKED THE FLOOR BOARDS AND CUSHIONS. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE A/C FILTER AND CHECKED THE WATER DRAINS FOR THE SUN ROOF. ALL SEEM TO BE WORKING CORRECTLY.
MY CAR SMELLS LIKE MOLD AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO ISOLATE THE ISSUE TO REMOVE THE SMELL. I AM CONCERNED IT POSES A SERIOUS HEALTH RISK IF MOLD IS GROWING. THERE IS NOT WATER IN THE VEHICLE AS I HAVE CHECKED THE FLOOR BOARDS AND CUSHIONS. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE A/C FILTER AND CHECKED THE WATER DRAINS FOR THE SUN ROOF. ALL SEEM TO BE WORKING CORRECTLY.