Is the 2016 BMW X1 transmission reliable?

NHTSA shows 34 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 X1, making up 21% of all complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 56,500 miles.

What is the common transmission problem on the 2016 BMW X1?

The most frequently reported issue is a false "Secure Vehicle with Parking Brake" or "Secure vehicle against rolling" warning, which several owners link to a broken spring in the gear shifter linkage.

Is there a recall for the 2016 BMW X1 transmission?

No. NHTSA lists no related recalls for the Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2016 X1, despite owners requesting one.

How does the 2016 X1 compare to other X1 model years for this issue?

The 2016 X1 has 34 Transmission & Powertrain complaints (21% share), while the 2017 X1 has more at 57 complaints (35% share); other years like 2013-2015 and 2018-2025 have far fewer.

2016 BMW X1 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 34 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 BMW X1, 21% of all 163 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 56,500 miles. No related recall exists for this issue.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 34; 21% of 163
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 56,500 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report a "Secure Vehicle with Parking Brake" or "Secure vehicle against rolling" warning appearing even though the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is engaged.
Several complaints trace the warning to a broken spring inside the gear shifter linkage assembly, which some describe as a common part failure on this model.
One owner reported the gear selector itself failed and needed replacement after the same rolling warning appeared.
Multiple owners note the warning recurs every time they enter or exit the vehicle, with no diagnostic error code shown.
Some complaints describe hesitation or a delay of up to a few seconds when accelerating from a stop, though these were logged under Engine rather than Transmission & Powertrain.

When 2016 BMW X1 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 9, 2017, latest Apr 26, 2025.

34 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2017 to Apr 2025; peak Apr 2023 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 BMW X1

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by X1 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20120 (0%)
20136 (6%)
20144 (4%)
20153 (3%)
201634 (21%)
201757 (35%)
20182 (3%)
20191 (9%)
20204 (31%)
20210 (0%)
20220 (0%)
20236 (9%)
20242 (7%)
20254 (27%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 BMW X1 transmission reliable?: NHTSA shows 34 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 X1, making up 21% of all complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 56,500 miles.
What is the common transmission problem on the 2016 BMW X1?: The most frequently reported issue is a false "Secure Vehicle with Parking Brake" or "Secure vehicle against rolling" warning, which several owners link to a broken spring in the gear shifter linkage.
Is there a recall for the 2016 BMW X1 transmission?: No. NHTSA lists no related recalls for the Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2016 X1, despite owners requesting one.
How does the 2016 X1 compare to other X1 model years for this issue?: The 2016 X1 has 34 Transmission & Powertrain complaints (21% share), while the 2017 X1 has more at 57 complaints (35% share); other years like 2013-2015 and 2018-2025 have far fewer.