YearToAvoid

2013 BMW X1 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2013 BMW X1 has a complaint index of 46, ranked 8th out of 14 model years, and earns a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 102 complaints, 5 recalls, and 4 crashes for this year, with Engine as the top problem area.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
46/100
#8 of 14 X1 years
Verdict
Good
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
102
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
5
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
4
reported in complaints
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2019
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
26
22 city / 32 hwy
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Top 2013 BMW X1 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Some owners report the driver airbag failed to deploy during a moderate to high speed collision.
  • Owners describe the brake power assist failing near a stop, requiring much more pedal effort to stop the vehicle.
  • One owner reported the engine suddenly revved to a high RPM while stopped at a red light, requiring an emergency shutoff.
  • An owner reported the sunroof glass spontaneously shattered while making a turn, with no outside impact.
  • An owner described a fogging or hazing film forming across the windshield interior, later attributed to interior materials.
  • One owner reported an electric water pump sensor failure that led to a fire involving the thermostat and alternator.
2013 BMW X1 complaints: complaints filed per quarter82013 Q12015 Q32017 Q22018 Q42020 Q22022 Q32024 Q4
102 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q4 (8).

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—
2013Good46102526
2014Avoid77112626
2015Caution6994426

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 46 and ranks 8th out 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 complaint data shows Engine issues make up 37% of complaints, followed by Airbags at 32% and Electrical System at 27%.
Does the 2013 BMW X1 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2013 X1, covering the electrical system (water pump), airbags, and brakes, including a vacuum pump lubrication issue.
How does the 2013 X1 compare to other model years?
The 2013 X1 has a complaint index of 46, lower than 2014 (77), 2016 (92), and 2017 (100), which are Avoid years, but higher than 2019 and 2020, which earn Best verdicts.
What is the fuel economy of the 2013 BMW X1?
The 2013 X1 gets an EPA-rated 26 mpg combined (22 city / 32 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050.

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.