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2018 BMW X1 steering problems
moderate
Owners of the 2018 BMW X1 have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.See steering across all vehicles →
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2019 X2 xDrive28i, MINI Cooper S Convertible, Countryman, and John Cooper Works Countryman vehicles
A broken steering tie rod would lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented
repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall
(it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service BulletinB612123Nov 2023
The steering wheel heating takes a long time to achieve the desired temperature.
The following complaints may be noticed while slow maneuvering with a steering input of 80-100% (at or near full lock, e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or accelerating with a medium to large steering angle: Humming or creaking noises from the rear area, slight vibrations also noticeable from the driver's seat. The vehicle may also jerk slightly.
CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES FOR BRAKE SUSPENSION AND AIR BAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION: Multiple check control messages (CCM) can display for brake suspension and air bag system malfunction. The customer may also complain about any of the following: Engine can no longer be switched off Drive position (D) cannot be engaged on the gear selector switch (GWS) Reduction of steering assist After an engine emergency shut-off (either a prolonged long press; or 3 consecutive short presses of the Start/Stop button) and the vehicle going to sleep (identifiable by the lighting of the "Start/Stop button") everything resumes normal functionality and the CCM messages no longer appear.
Power-assisted Steering Intermittently Not Available at Engine Start-up: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B32 02 14 dated November 2016. The power-assisted steering is unavailable at start up/drive readiness. No communication with the Electric Power Steering (EPS). Possible fault codes: Fault code Text D356A5 message fault (display of the check control driving dynamics 02 D: Disp_CC_DRDY_02) Timeout D359BF message fault (actual steering torque of the driver actuator ID: AVL_STMOM_DV_ACT) Timeout D356B6 message fault (display of the check control driving dynamics 02 ID: DISP_CC_DRDY_02) - Alive 480AB8 internal status management of the complete monitoring range CDA451
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting
1 most recent
steering
· filed 12/15/2025
In November I noticed a noise when steering. I took my suv to the mechanic shop and they located the following recall from your website: recall 19V601000 the tie rod assembly. I contacted BMW of North America and they cannot locate this recall with my VIN.
Had steering trouble with your 2018 BMW X1?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2018 BMW X1?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/BMW/X1.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.