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2013 BMW X1

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 BMW X1 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 30.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 11 of 38 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports

Engine complaints

16 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 29, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

Approximately 8 months ago, I brought my car to the BMW dealership Keeler's in Latham, NY 12110 for a Recall 24V-608:474, the dealer held my car for a day. Two weeks later after taking my car in for the recall, my check engine light started going off and on, off and on, then it comes on and stayed on. On certain occasions I smel…

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Approximately 8 months ago, I brought my car to the BMW dealership Keeler's in Latham, NY 12110 for a Recall 24V-608:474, the dealer held my car for a day. Two weeks later after taking my car in for the recall, my check engine light started going off and on, off and on, then it comes on and stayed on. On certain occasions I smelt burning wiring and antifreeze smell, yet I assumed that those particular smells come from outside through the car vents. The weather was in the fall season, so I never turned on the AC to make sure the cold air was working, the heat was working. It wasn't until the weather was getting warm that I try to use the Cold air in my car that I notice that there was nothing but hot air coming out and not the ice-cold air that I was getting before I took it to the BMW dealer in Latham. I connected a code reader to my car and the codes that come back were U019F and U0079 which stated that is was a lost communication with the Engin coolant pump. I call BMW and tell them about my complaints; they told me to bring in my car to get it look at. I brought the car to Keeler. The Service Advisor Daniel Purpura told me that my car has be reset and a shelter cap replace and the shop mechanic drove it, and now the check engine light is off. When I went to start the car the engine light was back on, and I told him that. He told me that the code they found was code 003B97. The 003B97 is not the recall code, but it was caused by the recall work. Under federal recall law, any defect created during recall repair must be corrected at no charge. I purchased this vehicle with my own funds and am the person responsible for its maintenance, safety, and recall compliance. The vehicle is titled, registered, and insured in my fiancée name who holds the valid driver’s license for the household. Although the paperwork is in her name, I am the beneficial and equitable owner of the vehicle and who tried to get the recall.

NHTSA ODI #11740918

Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2025
Electrical SystemEngine

Coolant Pump Electrical Connector Recall #24V-608 Program Control Units (DME) Recall #20E-A01 I am following up because my dealer was unable to complete the DME recall, and the coolant pump recall still shows as incomplete in NHTSA. My vehicle was moved off-site without my consent. I received no updates or documentation, and th…

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Coolant Pump Electrical Connector Recall #24V-608 Program Control Units (DME) Recall #20E-A01 I am following up because my dealer was unable to complete the DME recall, and the coolant pump recall still shows as incomplete in NHTSA. My vehicle was moved off-site without my consent. I received no updates or documentation, and the dealer was dismissive. My car’s condition has declined due to unresolved recalls. I have already spent over $2,000 replacing the coolant pump and now face a $5,000 repair quote and potential off-site garage fees. Description of the issue: Dealer failed to complete DME recall Coolant pump recall shows as incomplete Vehicle moved off-site without your consent Customer Relations unhelpful and rude Financial impacts ($2k coolant pump repair in December, $5k quote, off-site fees) Requests: 1. Confirm in writing which recalls are open and applicable to my VIN. 2. Properly complete the DME recall (#20E-A01) at no cost, including any module replacement. 3. Ensure NHTSA reporting for #24V-608 is accurate. 4. BMW must restore my vehicle to proper operational standards. 5. Reimburse reasonable costs caused by the dealer’s mishandling, including garage fees and prior repair costs. 6. Provide a case number and timeline for all actions.

NHTSA ODI #11689892

Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2025
Engine

There is a light on the dashboard that says Service Engin Soon

NHTSA ODI #11644064

93,288 miles · Dec 3, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with a message that the engine was overheating displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotl…

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The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with a message that the engine was overheating displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for further assistance The approximate failure mileage was 93,288.

NHTSA ODI #11628584

Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2024
Engine

Recall Campaign No. 24V-608 Over time, this could lead to a short circuit and, in rare cases, a thermal event or a fire. It's been almost 3 months since the problem was reported and the manufacture still has not come up with the remedy. The manufacture needs to address this recall ASAP. It's a safety hazard!

NHTSA ODI #11624513

Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other

In June of 2024 heavy smoke began to come from my BMW X1's engine as I drove and parked at traffic lights. On July 26, 2024 I took my vehicle to BMW of Montgomery, Alabama where they performed a diagnostic test and concluded that the vehicle had an "oil leak". On July 31, 2024 my vehicle was repaired (the oil pan and valve cover…

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In June of 2024 heavy smoke began to come from my BMW X1's engine as I drove and parked at traffic lights. On July 26, 2024 I took my vehicle to BMW of Montgomery, Alabama where they performed a diagnostic test and concluded that the vehicle had an "oil leak". On July 31, 2024 my vehicle was repaired (the oil pan and valve cover gasket) by Nalley BMW of Decatur, Georgia. On October 19, 2024 my vehicle received an oil change at Nalley BMW of Decatur, Georgia. On [XXX] my vehicle's engine began to smoke again. On October 29, 2024 I called Nalley BMW of Decatur and they scheduled for my vehicle to come in for a Diagnostic Scan and they stated the following repairs (replacements) needed to be done: Cylinder Head Assembly-plastic valve cover is cracked and leaking. Replace Oil filter Housing and cooler Gasket (showing signs of leak) after repair clean oil from engine. I was told by Eric Noj my Service Advisor at Nalley BMW of Decatur, Georgia that the oil was leaking onto the exhaust and the vehicle could catch a fire while driving. I was also told due to the manufacturer BMW making the majority of its engine parts out of plastic to be more eco friendly it's more susceptible to leaks even after having repaired the leak in August 2024.

NHTSA ODI #11623952

Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2024
Engine

While driving, oil light came on, engine light came on, car started shaking, smelled a rubbery smell, engine turned off. Would not restart, took vehicle in, timing chain. So now because this happened after class action suit we are not able to participate in said class action suit!! Just because ours ran longer, should not mean y…

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While driving, oil light came on, engine light came on, car started shaking, smelled a rubbery smell, engine turned off. Would not restart, took vehicle in, timing chain. So now because this happened after class action suit we are not able to participate in said class action suit!! Just because ours ran longer, should not mean you were not responsible for this, knowing there was a problem!! So disappointed in BMW right now!!!!

NHTSA ODI #11563522

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2023
EngineUnknown Or OtherCrash

While pulling up to a red light and after coming to a complete stop, I sensed the engine was revving. While pressing down on the brake, I checked the RPM gauge to see the engine was revving at around 7k rpm. I tried to immediately put the car in park and turn off the ignition, but in the time it took me to move my hand from the …

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While pulling up to a red light and after coming to a complete stop, I sensed the engine was revving. While pressing down on the brake, I checked the RPM gauge to see the engine was revving at around 7k rpm. I tried to immediately put the car in park and turn off the ignition, but in the time it took me to move my hand from the steering wheel to the shifter, the car violently lurched forward and crashed into a pickup truck in front of me. I shut off the car momentarily. Realizing I was blocking traffic on a heavily traveled highway, I risked turning the car back on. I did so and was able to move it to the median to await the arrival of the state police. Later, I had the vehicle towed to an auto repair shop out of fear of driving it again. It is currently in the shop.

NHTSA ODI #11548465

120,000 miles · Dec 8, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was knocking in the engine and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the temperature gauge was faulty and needed to …

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The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was knocking in the engine and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the temperature gauge was faulty and needed to be replaced. No repairs were performed. The contact stated that after the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the dealer, the engine seized while driving, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and declined the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #11496607

Mileage unknown · Nov 24, 2021
Engine

1- The component failed (timing chain and and oil pump chain broke inside the engine compartment. The car is located in the BMW yard and is available for inspection at BMW Shrewsbury MA. 2. The safety was extremely dangerous. The engine suddenly and stop in the high speed Route 20 State highway. The timing chain and the oil p…

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1- The component failed (timing chain and and oil pump chain broke inside the engine compartment. The car is located in the BMW yard and is available for inspection at BMW Shrewsbury MA. 2. The safety was extremely dangerous. The engine suddenly and stop in the high speed Route 20 State highway. The timing chain and the oil pump have been complete damage and could not be fix. The only solution is replacing the engine and cost about 18000.00. If I get hit from the back I be killed immediately. 3- the vehicle or component has been inspect by the BMW technician. 4-There was a brief moment there was a very loud ai the engine and red flashing lit up the low oil.

NHTSA ODI #11441643

Official recalls

2

24V608000 · Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:pump

Aug 13, 2024

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:pump

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

20V017000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jan 15, 2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.