There are 2 owner-reported electrical system complaints for the 2024 BMW X1in NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
While reversing into a parking space, the parking sensor system repeatedly indicated an obstacle on the left side of the vehicle even though no object was present. The system displayed a red warning on the left side and automatically applied the brakes very suddenly, causing the vehicle to jerk to a stop. I exited the vehicle to check the area and confirmed there was nothing on the ground or near the vehicle that would explain the warning. The surface was flat and clear. Because the system continued to detect a phantom obstacle on the left side, it repeatedly interfered with maneuvering the vehicle while reversing. During this situation the vehicle ultimately made contact with a pole behind the car, which I did not initially realize because the braking intervention was so abrupt. The parking sensor was damaged in the impact. The vehicle was inspected by a BMW dealership, and they stated diagnostics showed no malfunction prior to the collision, only that the sensor malfunctioned after the impact. However, this was not the first time the vehicle’s parking system has falsely detected an obstacle and locked the brakes while reversing, which raises concerns about the reliability of the parking-assist automatic braking feature. The sudden braking and false obstacle detection create a potential safety risk, particularly if the system unexpectedly stops the vehicle or interferes with maneuvering in tight spaces. I am reporting this incident so it can be investigated as a possible defect in the parking sensor or automatic braking system.
The BMW 2024 X1 comes with the new iDrive9 that has eliminated most of the physical controls. Now there is a large touch screen that controls the radio, HVAC, Apple Car Play, cruise control, head lights, heated seats, etc. The driver has to keep looking at the screen to find the touch buttons to control all the operation functions of the car. Texting while driving is dangerous; well with the iDrive9, one is texting on steroids!!! This system is nothing short of dangerous. It is so bad, I got rid of the car after owning it for 7 months. I can't believe the NHTSA would allow such a system on a vehicle.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026