VehicleVerdict

2013 BMW X1 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2013 BMW X1 sits mid-pack among X1 years: 60 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 49, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 47% of all reports (28 of 60), far ahead of electrical system at 17.

60

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other X1 years?

X1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted209 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 60 complaints2014: 89 complaints2015: 87 complaints2016: 186 complaints2017: 209 complaints2018: 79 complaints2019: 17 complaints2020: 18 complaints2021: 10 complaints2022: 1 complaints2023: 116 complaints2024: 49 complaints2025: 23 complaints2026: 1 complaints
X1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all X1 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 BMW X1 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2847%
Electrical System1728%
Other610%
Fuel System23%
Brakes23%
Transmission12%
Driver Assistance12%
Steering12%
Body & Structure12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2013 BMW X1 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V608000Electrical SystemAugust 13, 2024 · 720,796 units

Defect

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.

20V017000AirbagsJanuary 15, 2020 · 59,965 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 4, 2023 · crash

“The sensor on the electric water pump failed and caused the water pump thermostat and alternator to stop working and the truck to catch on fire. I uploaded proof below that I reported there was a problem since approximately 2021 to a certified bmw dealership and everything else was fixed but that.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 8, 2025 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 4, 2023 · crash

“The sensor on the electric water pump failed and caused the water pump thermostat and alternator to stop working and the truck to catch on fire. I uploaded proof below that I reported there was a problem since approximately 2021 to a certified bmw dealership and everything else was fixed but that.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 8, 2025 · fire

“The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that no issues were found, however, the brake sensor system was reset. The contact stated the failure…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 28, 2021 · crash

2013 BMW X1 — common questions

Is the 2013 BMW X1 reliable?

It is close to typical for the X1: 60 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2013 X1 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (28 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints), other (6 complaints).

Does the 2013 BMW X1 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 BMW X1. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW X1 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the X1 years to avoid are 2017, 2016, 2023, 2014, 2015, 2018. The cleanest record among X1 years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.