Check control message (790) “Emergency gearbox release activated” is displayed immediately after starting the engine. This applies only to U11 equipped with the 7-speed M-DCT transmission.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 BMW X1 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2023 BMW X1 have filed 5 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 X1 | 3 |
| 2023 X1 (this page) | 5 |
| 2025 X1 | 3 |
1crash
What stands out
Among the 5 model years of BMW X1 in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
Micro-movements combined with frictional corrosion can increase wear on the longitudinal splined connection between the double clutch transmission (DCT) and the transfer box.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Micro-movements combined with frictional corrosion can increase wear on the longitudinal splined connection between the double clutch transmission (DCT) and the transfer box.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The buttons on the GWS do not work, or the function indicator lighting has failed. One or more of the following faults are saved in the fault memory for the GWS : 80268E - Park button sticking and/or 80268F - Parking button defective and/or 802680 - Functional display defective and/or 802681 - Locator lighting defective and/or 802691 - Release button fault
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Check control message (790) "Emergency gearbox release activated" is displayed immediately after starting the engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact stated that when the vehicle is on any slight incline, when parked, when the vehicle was placed in reverse (R) or in drive (D) the vehicle will roll backward or forward for about one or two feet before the vehicle responds to the accelerator pedal and the transmission gear selected. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated…
This vehicle has on numerous times has had delayed acceleration from a stop or rolling stop. The hesitation is random and unpredictable. The vehicle will be unresponsive for a second or two and then a surge of acceleration will jolt the vehicle forward. This causes an unsafe situation in which defensive maneuvering can be delayed. Accelerating from a stop sign or traffic light can become…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2023 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 powertrain problem on the 2023 BMW X1?
It's a meaningful issue. 5 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
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/2023/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.