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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

6 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 · 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 · Aug 24, 2024
Back Over PreventionUnknown Or Other

There needs to be a recall for water intrusion to the parking distance control system in at minimum the 2013 BMW X1. Our whole camera system and parking sensors went out, as soon as I searched the problem, there were numerous forums advising of the issue. When I opened up the area in the trunk, the entire area was filled with wa…

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There needs to be a recall for water intrusion to the parking distance control system in at minimum the 2013 BMW X1. Our whole camera system and parking sensors went out, as soon as I searched the problem, there were numerous forums advising of the issue. When I opened up the area in the trunk, the entire area was filled with water. The parts within all need to be replaced. This should be covered by BMW since this is such a huge issue.

NHTSA ODI #11610644

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2023
Unknown Or Other

Cam shaft broke during driving, lost acceleration on interstate causing issues merging to get to shoulder of road. Caused damage to motor resulting in oil loss, significant smoking from engine hindering visibility. Verified by BMW certified mechanic that this is the problem. Stated most likely caused by a known timing chain issu…

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Cam shaft broke during driving, lost acceleration on interstate causing issues merging to get to shoulder of road. Caused damage to motor resulting in oil loss, significant smoking from engine hindering visibility. Verified by BMW certified mechanic that this is the problem. Stated most likely caused by a known timing chain issue with Bmws using that motor. The only indication that appeared was when it happened, screen inside car stated "engine malfunction"

NHTSA ODI #11557571

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

Mileage unknown · May 24, 2022
Unknown Or Other

My Moonroof shade gets stuck when I try to open and close it. This has been a huge problem among other BMW X1s and it is over $2,000 to fix! This has caused a lot of issues in my car. Thousands of other drivers have also reported this issue. It is not safe having my shade stuck since people can see into my car, and the sun shine…

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My Moonroof shade gets stuck when I try to open and close it. This has been a huge problem among other BMW X1s and it is over $2,000 to fix! This has caused a lot of issues in my car. Thousands of other drivers have also reported this issue. It is not safe having my shade stuck since people can see into my car, and the sun shines which will eventually ruin my leather.

NHTSA ODI #11465999

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.