YearToAvoid

2013 BMW X1 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

38/100

#9 most-complained of 14 X1 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2013 BMW X1 has a Complaint Index of 38, ranking 9th worst out of 14 model years, with a "Good" verdict relative to other X1 years. It logged 102 complaints, 5 recalls, and 4 crashes, with Engine as the top problem area.

Complaints
102
Recalls
5
Crashes / fires
4 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
26
22 city / 32 hwy

Top 2013 BMW X1 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine38 (37%)
  2. Airbags33 (32%)
  3. Electrical System28 (27%)
  4. Other10 (10%)
  5. Brakes7 (7%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain6 (6%)
  7. Steering3 (3%)
  8. Structure & Body3 (3%)
  9. Visibility & Wipers3 (3%)
  10. Fuel System2 (2%)

What owners report

  • Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in moderate-to-high-speed frontal and rear-end collisions.
  • Some owners report the brake power assist failing intermittently, requiring much greater pedal effort to stop, sometimes tied to a power brake recall.
  • Owners describe the engine suddenly revving to high RPM at a stop, with one report of violent lurching before the driver could shift to park.
  • The electric water pump sensor reportedly failed, leading to thermostat and alternator problems and, in one case, a fire.
  • One owner reported the sunroof glass spontaneously shattering into fragments while making a turn, with no external impact.
  • A steering issue was reported after a tire replacement, with steering variation gradually worsening over time.
2013 BMW X1 complaints: complaints filed per quarter142013 Q12015 Q32017 Q22018 Q42020 Q22022 Q32024 Q4
136 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q4 (14).

2013 BMW X1 recalls

5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 24V608000Aug 13, 2024Electrical System720,796 vehicles

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  2. NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  3. NHTSA 16V071000Feb 5, 2016Airbags840,000 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with 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's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

See all 5 recalls for the 2013 BMW X1 →

2013 BMW X1 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
22 MPG
Highway
32 MPG
Combined
26 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,050
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2013 compared with other X1 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2012No verdict001—
2013Good38102526
2014Avoid77112626
2015Caution6294426

All BMW X1 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 BMW X1 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 X1 has a Complaint Index of 38 and ranks 9th worst of 14 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other X1 years.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW X1?
NHTSA data shows Engine complaints make up 37% of reports (38 complaints), followed by Airbags at 32% (33 complaints) and Electrical System at 27% (28 complaints).
Does the 2013 BMW X1 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2013 X1, covering the Electrical System, Airbags (two separate campaigns), and Brakes (two separate campaigns).
How does the 2013 X1 compare to other X1 model years?
The 2013 X1's Complaint Index of 38 is much lower than the 2017 X1 (100, worst) and 2016 X1 (92), and higher than the 2019 X1 (15, best), making 2013 a comparatively Good year.
At what mileage do 2013 BMW X1 problems typically appear?
Median mileage at failure varies by system: Engine issues were reported around 76,000 miles, Electrical System issues around 80,200 miles, and Airbags and Brakes issues around 35,000 miles.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.