2013 BMW X3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 16 X3 years
The 2013 BMW X3 ranks 1st worst out of 16 model years with a complaint index of 100 and 226 complaints, making it the year to avoid most. Engine problems (166 complaints, 73% share, including 6 fires) dominate, with median failure mileage around 85,000.
- Complaints
- 226
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 10
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 20 city / 27 hwy
Top 2013 BMW X3 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine166 (73%)
- Transmission & Powertrain60 (27%)
- Electrical System31 (14%)
- Brakes19 (8%)
- Fuel System17 (8%)
- Other15 (7%)
- Airbags8 (4%)
- Steering6 (3%)
- Structure & Body5 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (1%)
What owners report
- Engine compartment fires reported both while driving and while parked, sometimes with no warning light before flames appeared.
- Some engine fires followed prior engine or timing chain guide replacement done under warranty.
- A fire was reported originating from the steering box while the vehicle was parked.
- Brake pedal application in some cases did not stop the car, with the engine racing and the vehicle continuing to move forward.
- An unexpected acceleration event while backing up led to a low-speed collision.
- The rear windshield wiper stuck on and drained the electrical system on one vehicle at very low mileage.
2013 BMW X3 recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- NHTSA 24V527000Jul 11, 2024Airbags1,145 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Remedy: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 17V495000Aug 8, 2017Airbags6,785 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, and M6 Convertible vehicles and 2013 M6 Coupe vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator housing could separate from the base plate and result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2013 BMW X3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 22.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,550
- 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 X3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 BMW X3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 X3 ranks worst among all 16 model years of the X3, with a complaint index of 100 and 226 complaints, mostly tied to the engine.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 BMW X3?
- The engine is the top problem area, accounting for 166 complaints, 73% of all complaints for the year, and 6 reported fires, with a median failure mileage of 85,000.
- Does the 2013 BMW X3 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2013 X3, covering the airbags, electrical system, and brakes, including a driver's front air bag inflator recall and an instrument panel tear seam issue.
- How does the 2013 X3 compare to other X3 years?
- The 2013 X3 has the highest complaint index (100) and is rated Avoid, while years like 2012 (index 7) and 2023 (index 0) are rated Best among X3 model years.
- Are there fire risks with the 2013 BMW X3?
- NHTSA complaint data shows 10 fires reported for the 2013 X3, several involving the engine compartment and one involving the steering box.