2013 BMW X5 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
Owners filed 37 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 BMW X5, 23% of its 162 total complaints. Failures were reported at a median 64,500 miles, and a related driveshaft recall (17V138000) exists for water intrusion issues.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 37
- 23% of 162
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 64,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Some owners report the vehicle hesitates or stalls momentarily when accelerating from a stop before power kicks in.
- Owners describe unpredictable acceleration and handling that they call a safety concern during normal driving and merging.
- Several complaints reference the front driveshaft recall (17V138000) tied to water intrusion in the transmission/powertrain system.
- Some owners report long delays getting recall parts for the driveshaft repair, leaving the underlying powertrain issue unresolved for extended periods.
When 2013 BMW X5 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 16, 2012, latest Jun 26, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2013 BMW X5
- NHTSA 17V138000Mar 2, 2017Transmission & Powertrain121,909 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.
Risk: If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by X5 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2013 BMW X5 have?
- NHTSA lists 37 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 BMW X5, which is 23% of the 162 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission or powertrain recall on the 2013 BMW X5?
- Yes. Recall 17V138000, reported March 2, 2017, covers water intrusion affecting the front driveshaft; BMW replaced the front driveshaft free of charge.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2013 X5?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 64,500 miles at the time of failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints.
- Did the transmission issue cause crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records 0 crashes and 0 injuries linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2013 X5, though 1 fire was reported.