Vehicle Data Hub

2013 BMW X1 problems

NHTSA has received 61 complaints about the 2013 BMW X1, and 46% of them involve engine. Next are electrical system (30%) and brakes (3%).

At a glance

Complaints
61 filed with NHTSA
Most reported
Engine 46% of complaints
Crashes and fires
4 and 2
Injuries and deaths
0 and 0
Typical mileage
96,000 miles 19 complaints with mileage

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

Where the complaints are

Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  • Engine 46%
  • Electrical system 30%
  • Brakes 3%
  • Fuel system 3%
  • Air bags 2%
  • Backover prevention 2%
  • Drivetrain & axles 2%
  • Steering 2%
  • Body & structure 2%

When problems show up

Complaints by mileage, 2013 BMW X1 Complaints by odometer reading in 20,000-mile steps. The median is about 96,000 miles. 0k to 20k miles: 0 complaints 20k to 40k miles: 0 complaints 40k to 60k miles: 0 complaints 60k to 80k miles: 4 complaints 80k to 100k miles: 7 complaints 100k to 120k miles: 0 complaints 120k to 140k miles: 4 complaints 140k to 160k miles: 0 complaints 160k to 180k miles: 2 complaints 180k to 200k miles: 2 complaints 200k+ miles: 0 complaints 040k80k120k160k200k miles Typical: 96,000 miles
Based on 19 complaints that include mileage. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.
View the numbers
MileageComplaints
0k to 20k miles0
20k to 40k miles0
40k to 60k miles0
60k to 80k miles4
80k to 100k miles7
100k to 120k miles0
120k to 140k miles4
140k to 160k miles0
160k to 180k miles2
180k to 200k miles2
200k+ miles0

What the data shows

Of the 19 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 96,000 miles. For engine specifically, the median reported mileage is about 107,000 miles (10 complaints with mileage).

Safety-related details: 4 complaints mention a crash; 2 complaints mention a fire.

Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2013 ranks 8th most-complained-about out of 9 model years of the BMW X1 with enough data (0 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 2 safety recall campaigns.

What owners wrote

A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.

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. And I paid for the extra video inspection every time the same year model everything has been recalled and my family was put in danger and nothing done????

January 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 reoccurred while driving and coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that no issues were found.

Reported at 96,000 miles, July 2021 Crash

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired.

Reported at 164,000 miles, October 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P) and turning off the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from under the hood and entering the cabin through the air vents. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence; however, the failure progressed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and remained for additional tests. BMW of Minnetonka (15802 Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391) and Walser Subaru St.

Reported at 82,000 miles, July 2025

Other model years of the X1

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