2013 BMW X3 problems, complaints & recalls

2013 BMW X3 recalls (7)

• 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 24V527000Jul 11, 20241,145 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.

• Recall 17V495000Aug 8, 20176,785 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.

• Recall 16V333000May 23, 2016188,668 vehicles
  CHILD SEAT:LATCH STRAP

  BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i, vehicles manufactured July 2, 2010 to April 14, 2016, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014 to March 31, 2016, and 2015-2017 x4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i and X4 xDriveM40i vehicles manufactured March3, 2014 to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.

  Risk: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

• Recall 14V627000Oct 7, 20148,988 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

  BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

  Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

• Recall 13V570000Nov 15, 20133 vehicles
  AIR BAGS · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

  BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 X3 xDrive 28i/35i vehicles manufactured February 11, 2013, through February 27, 2013. Due to a production process error, the tear seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly.

  Risk: In the event of a crash, the air bag could improperly deploy, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the air bag's protection and increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger. In addition, parts or fragments from the air bag system could strike and injure the front passenger or other vehicle occupants.

  Remedy: BMW has notified owners and dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

• Recall 13V454000Sep 26, 201376,191 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

  BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

  Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

NHTSA defect investigations

• EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open

  Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

  From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C…

• PE13030Opened Sep 6, 2013Closed Oct 25, 2013led to recall 13V454000

  Loss of power assist braking

  In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (NHTSA Recall 13V-454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft may result in blocking of the oil supply to the vacuum pump, resulting in improper pump operation and loss of power assist braking.On July 11, 2013, BMW initiated a change to the ca…

Recent 2013 BMW X3 complaints

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

1. Filed Jun 10, 2026CABrakes

   My Brake Vacuum Pump is broken, with oil leaking into the vacuum reservoir. The brake distance is much longer. I searched the web and found out a lot of people had the same issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11743291 · source
2. Filed May 12, 2026106,000 miMITowedElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light and drivetrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the positive battery terminal motherboard had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was later towed to an independent…

   NHTSA complaint #11737264 · source
3. Filed Jan 4, 2026ILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   BMW knows there is a problem with the 2013 x3 timing chain. I have continuously had my BMW serviced at there shops. Never once when my car was in for service did they mention the issue or proactively check. My vehicle now has the issue per the dealership snd indicated it is approximately a 20k repair which they included a new engine. I also followed BMWs recommendation to have the oil changed 1year or when miles were hit per their change program. Just has the oil changed in…

   NHTSA complaint #11708687 · source
4. Filed Dec 8, 2025100,000 miNYTowedElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact's daughter owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer found no signs of contamination and installed a water pump connector cap. The contact stated that a month after the repair, the engine was overheating while idling, and there was while smoke coming from the engine…

   NHTSA complaint #11703764 · source
5. Filed Dec 3, 2025MDEngine

   While driving my 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i under normal conditions, a “drivetrain malfunction” warning suddenly appeared, immediately followed by a “low oil pressure” warning. Within seconds, the engine lost all power and shut off completely while the vehicle was in motion. I had to coast and steer the car off the roadway and push it to safety with the help of others. My safety and the safety of other drivers were at risk due to the sudden and complete loss of propulsion in…

   NHTSA complaint #11702773 · source
6. Filed Nov 8, 2025MDFireOther / Unknown

   The car experienced major issues and nearly stalled while driving. It was pulled off a road into a driveway where it caught fire and burned to the ground. No recall information was ever sent to my house. Very dangerous occurrence. We are lucky that no one was hurt.

   NHTSA complaint #11698316 · source
7. Filed Oct 7, 2025AREngine

   I own a 2013 BMW X3 equipped with the N20 engine. After approximately 17 months of ownership and only around 11,000 miles of normal driving, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete engine failure without warning. The independent diagnostic determined the failure was due to a timing chain and oil pump drive chain defect, which is a well-documented issue in BMW N20 engines. This defect has been acknowledged by BMW through Technical Service Bulletin SI B11 03 17 and the…

   NHTSA complaint #11691873 · source
8. Filed Sep 15, 2025160,000 miARFire1 injuredElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, smoke was noticed leaking from under the hood. The contact stated that after she opened the hood, the vehicle caught on fire. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that she and a neighbor had extinguished the fire utilizing a fire extinguisher. No police report was filed. The fire department did not arrive on scene. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11687293 · source

Compare the 2013 BMW X3 with another vehicle →

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