2013 BMW X1 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 BMW X1, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
38
Recalls
2
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Median mileage
96,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 28 of 38 complaints (74%).
  • Electrical System (18) and brakes (2) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 96,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries.
  • The 2013 BMW X1 has 2 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 8th of 14 BMW X1 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).

2013 BMW X1 problems by category

  • Engine · 1 crash
    28 complaints
  • Electrical System
    18 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    6 complaints
  • Brakes · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    2 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    1 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    1 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints
  • Steering
    1 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system18
Engine16
Engine and engine cooling12
Unknown or other6
Fuel/propulsion system2
Steering1
Structure:body1
Power train1

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k660k–100k3100k–150k2150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2013 BMW X1 complaints that list mileage.

2013 BMW X1 recalls (2)

  • Recall 24V608000Aug 13, 2024720,796 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP

    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.

  • Recall 20V017000Jan 15, 202059,965 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.

Recent 2013 BMW X1 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Jul 25, 2026NCElectrical System
    I'm not sure If I need to report BMW for declining to repair a recall known as 24V-608. I went to my local BMW dealership Valley Auto World BMW In Fayetteville, NC. The first time we went they said they put a cover over the wiring connector for oil or water dripping from the PCV hose. When we went their were no engine codes and a week after they perform the inspection I got engine codes regarding the water pump codes are U0079 - U019F. I got this when It was at night. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11752791 · source
  2. Filed May 29, 2026NYElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    Approximately 8 months ago, I brought my car to the BMW dealership Keeler's in Latham, NY 12110 for a Recall 24V-608:474, the dealer held my car for a day. Two weeks later after taking my car in for the recall, my check engine light started going off and on, off and on, then it comes on and stayed on. On certain occasions I smelt burning wiring and antifreeze smell, yet I assumed that those particular smells come from outside through the car vents. The weather was in the…
    NHTSA complaint #11740918 · source
  3. Filed Sep 26, 2025NYElectrical SystemEngine
    Coolant Pump Electrical Connector Recall #24V-608 Program Control Units (DME) Recall #20E-A01 I am following up because my dealer was unable to complete the DME recall, and the coolant pump recall still shows as incomplete in NHTSA. My vehicle was moved off-site without my consent. I received no updates or documentation, and the dealer was dismissive. My car’s condition has declined due to unresolved recalls. I have already spent over $2,000 replacing the coolant pump and…
    NHTSA complaint #11689892 · source
  4. Filed Jul 28, 202582,000 miMNTowedElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P) and turning off the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from under the hood and entering the cabin through the air vents. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence; however, the failure progressed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and remained for additional tests. BMW of Minnetonka (15802 Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391) and Walser Subaru St. Paul…
    NHTSA complaint #11676699 · source
  5. Filed Jun 5, 202580,200 miCAElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, upon return to the vehicle, there was an abnormal burning odor outside the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the…
    NHTSA complaint #11665146 · source
  6. Filed May 1, 2025PAFireElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The sensor on the electric water pump failed and caused the water pump thermostat and alternator to stop working and the truck to catch on fire. I uploaded proof below that I reported there was a problem since approximately 2021 to a certified bmw dealership and everything else was fixed but that. And I paid for the extra video inspection every time the same year model everything has been recalled and my family was put in danger and nothing done???? I have several other…
    NHTSA complaint #11658194 · source
  7. Filed Apr 8, 2025MSElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11653438 · source
  8. Filed Mar 31, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of…
    NHTSA complaint #11651814 · source

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Other 2013 BMW models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology