YearToAvoid

2013 BMW X1 Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 38 of 102 complaints on the 2013 BMW X1, or 37% of all complaints filed for that year. NHTSA lists no related recalls for this issue, and reported failures cluster around a median mileage of 76,000.

Engine complaints
38
37% of 102
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
76,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Engine stalls or shuts down without warning while driving at various speeds, sometimes requiring a tow.
  • Sudden unintended high-RPM revving reported at a stop, in one case leading to a crash.
  • Turbo malfunction tied to a faulty waste gate actuator, triggering check engine lights and reduced power.
  • Complete engine failure with metal shavings found in the oil pan, occurring around 86,000 miles.
  • Timing chain and guard failure causing total engine shutdown at around 78,000 miles.
  • Rattling or whirring noises from the engine that progress into a malfunction warning and loss of power.

When 2013 BMW X1 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 4, 2014, latest May 29, 2026.

2013 BMW X1 engine complaints: complaints filed per month5Jan 2014May 2017Jan 2019Sep 2020Oct 2023Dec 2024Apr 2025May 2026
38 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2014 to May 2026; peak Nov 2024 (5).

Engine recalls for the 2013 BMW X1

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by X1 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20120 (0%)
  2. 201338 (37%)
  3. 201434 (30%)
  4. 201543 (46%)
  5. 201611 (7%)
  6. 201714 (9%)
  7. 20187 (12%)
  8. 20193 (27%)
  9. 20204 (31%)
  10. 20211 (11%)
  11. 20221 (100%)
  12. 20232 (3%)
  13. 20241 (3%)
  14. 20254 (27%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2013 BMW X1?
NHTSA data shows 38 engine complaints out of 102 total complaints for the 2013 X1, making up 37% of all reported issues that year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 BMW X1 engine problems?
No. NHTSA does not list any related recalls tied to the engine complaints for the 2013 X1.
At what mileage do engine problems typically appear on the 2013 BMW X1?
The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints is 76,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Did any 2013 BMW X1 engine complaints involve crashes or fires?
NHTSA records show 1 crash and 0 fires among the engine complaints for the 2013 X1.
How does the 2013 X1 compare to other years for engine complaints?
The 2013 X1's 37% share of engine complaints is higher than most other model years, though the 2015 X1 reported an even higher share at 46%.

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.