Recall 19V601 covers 32 2018-2019 BMW X1, X2, and Cooper vehicles with incorrectly assembled steering tie rods. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 32 2018-2019 X1, X2, and Cooper vehicles under recall 19V601 because an incorrectly assembled steering gear tie rod can wear excessively and break. A broken tie rod leads to loss of vehicle control and raises crash risk; BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering tie rod on affected 2018-2019 BMW X1, X2, and Cooper vehicles is part of the linkage between the steering gear and the front wheels. When you turn the steering wheel, the steering gear moves the tie rod, and the tie rod pushes or pulls the wheel assembly so the vehicle follows your input. The joint at the outer end has to stay tight and aligned while the suspension moves.
On these vehicles, the tie rod end was assembled without a required spherical washer. That washer helps the joint clamp and move as designed. Without it, the joint is not held to specification, so normal steering and suspension loads wear the tie rod end faster than intended. Over the service life of the vehicle, that wear can build until the tie rod end breaks.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the tie rod end breaks, the affected wheel is no longer steered correctly, so the vehicle no longer responds normally to steering input.
Who's affected?
Three model lines share the same tie rod steering linkage recall across the 2018 and 2019 model years.
| 2019 BMW X1 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2019 BMW X2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2018 BMW X1 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2019 MINI Cooper | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 32 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A steering tie rod connects steering input to the wheels. If it breaks, the driver loses vehicle control and crash risk increases. Until the vehicle is inspected, drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 BMW X1, X2, or Cooper is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free steering tie-rod inspection and any needed tie-rod or ball-joint replacement for the incorrectly assembled steering linkage.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V601 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop driving and contact the dealer if the steering feels loose or abnormal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the steering components and replaces the tie rods and ball joints if the inspection shows they need replacement. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you already paid out of pocket for a related tie rod, ball joint, or steering repair before the recall notice, BMW's general reimbursement plan on file covers documented expenses. Bring your repair paperwork to the service desk when you arrive.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 14, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 14, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| August 14, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 7, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 7, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 11, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V601?
Recall 19V601 covers 32 2018-2019 BMW X1, X2, and Cooper vehicles with steering tie rods that were assembled incorrectly. Excessive wear can cause a tie rod end to break, leading to loss of vehicle control and crash risk. BMW dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace tie rods and ball joints as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 BMW X1, X2, or Cooper is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V601. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the steering inspection. Reference recall number 19V601 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. BMW dealers will inspect affected vehicles and replace the tie rods and ball joints as necessary, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control. The steering gear tie rod was assembled incorrectly on affected vehicles, which can cause excessive tie rod end wear and eventual breakage. A broken steering tie rod increases crash risk.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 19V601.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V601000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V601 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V601000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →