BMW 1 Series Recalls — All NHTSA Recall Campaigns

Q: How many recalls does the BMW 1 Series have?

The BMW 1 Series has 4 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA, spanning model years 2008 through 2010. Individual vehicles may be subject to fewer recalls depending on their specific model year and production date.

Q: Is my 1 Series under recall?

Whether your specific 1 Series is subject to a recall depends on your vehicle's exact VIN, not just the model year. A recall may apply to a specific production date range or certain build configurations. Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckEngine or NHTSA.gov/recalls to see which, if any, open recalls apply to your exact vehicle.

Q: What is the most recalled 1 Series year?

Based on NHTSA recall data, the 2008 BMW 1 Series has the most recall campaigns associated with it, with 3 campaigns. However, this reflects recall campaigns for that model year — not necessarily the number of defects in vehicles built that year.

4 recall campaigns on record across 2 model years of the BMW 1 Series. Data sourced directly from NHTSA and updated daily.

Check Your Specific VIN — Free All BMW Recalls

Recall Campaigns

Owner Complaints

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

2 affected model years1 crash-involved complaintsMost recalled year: 2008

Affected Model Years

20101R · 6C 20083R · 12C

R = recalls · C = complaints. Click a year to see the full problems report.

Recall Breakdown by Component Category

Engine2 campaigns (50%)

Seat/Restraints1 campaign (25%)

Airbag1 campaign (25%)

Most Common Owner Complaint Areas — BMW 1 Series

AIR BAGS

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

ENGINE

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

STEERING

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Based on 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.

All BMW 1 Series Recall Campaigns

#12E0290002008 BMW 1 SeriesEngine

Issued: Oct 8, 2012

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-20…

Risk: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.

Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may co…

#10V2540002008 BMW 1 SeriesSeat/Restraints

Issued: Oct 6, 2010

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 1-SERIES VEHICLES. IN A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PRE-TENSIONER AND LOAD-LIMITER OCCURS.

Risk: THE INSULATION AROUND THE PRE-TENSIONER COULD IGNITE.

Remedy: VEHICLES PRODUCED UP THROUGH DECEMBER 2009 WILL RECEIVE NEW FRONT SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR UNITS AND A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS, WHILE VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN JANUARY 2010 AN…

#09V2570002008 BMW 1 SeriesAirbag

Issued: Aug 7, 2009

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

BMW IS RECALLING 2,350 MY 2008 1-SERIES AND 3- SERIES PASSENGER CARS. INCORRECT CRIMP CONNECTORS MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SIDE AIR BAG AND BELT TENSIONER WIRING. AS A RESULT SUFFICIENT CONTACT BETWEEN THE CRIMP CONNECTORS AND THE CORRESPONDING PLUG MAY NOT OCCUR WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN…

Risk: IF THAT HAPPENED, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE SIDE AIR BAG AND/OR THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER NOT TO DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-525-7417.

#23V7070002010 BMW 1 SeriesEngine

Issued: Invalid Date

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that s…

Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed Jun…

Recalls by Component

2Engine Recalls

#12E029000MY 2008

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts fo…

#23V707000MY 2010

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series …

1Airbag Recalls

#09V257000MY 2008

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

BMW IS RECALLING 2,350 MY 2008 1-SERIES AND 3- SERIES PASSENGER CARS. INCORRECT CRIMP CONNECTORS MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SIDE AIR BAG AND BELT TENSIONER WIRING. AS A RESULT SUF…

BMW 1 Series Recall — Frequently Asked Questions

How many recalls does the BMW 1 Series have?

The BMW 1 Series has 4 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database, spanning model years 2008 through 2010.

Is my 1 Series under recall?

Recall applicability depends on your specific VIN — not just the model year. Some recalls cover only certain production date ranges or trim levels. Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckEngine or NHTSA.gov for an exact answer.

What is the most recalled 1 Series year?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2008 BMW 1 Series has the highest recall campaign count (3 campaigns). However, the total count of campaigns is not the same as the number of defects — some campaigns are issued as expansions of earlier recalls.

Does a 1 Series recall mean my car is unsafe to drive?

Not necessarily. Recalls range from critical safety hazards — where NHTSA advises against driving — to minor inconveniences like a label error. Check the consequence field of each recall to understand the severity. If your specific VIN is subject to an open recall, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Who pays for recall repairs on a 1 Series?

The manufacturer is legally required to pay for all recall repairs under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer, regardless of whether you are the original owner or whether the vehicle is out of warranty.

Check Your Specific BMW 1 Series for Open Recalls

Model-level recall data tells you what campaigns exist. A VIN-specific check tells you exactly which ones apply to your vehicle — based on production date, serial number, and configuration.

Free VIN Check — Check My 1 Series

BMW 1 Series Problems & Complaints All BMW Recalls All Makes — Recall Center