2013 BMW X3 transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. 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
2. Filed Aug 25, 2025NJTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am submitting this report to highlight a serious safety defect involving premature timing chain failures in BMW vehicles. The case relates to a 2013 BMW X3, but the problem is widely documented across multiple BMW models from this production era. The timing chain is intended to last the lifetime of the engine. If it stretches, loosens, or fails, the engine can shut down immediately, causing sudden loss of power steering, power brakes, and overall control of the vehicle.…

   NHTSA complaint #11682774 · source
3. Filed Mar 10, 202593,000 miVTTowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, with the drivetrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a stretched timing chain. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure…

   NHTSA complaint #11647319 · source
4. Filed Feb 17, 2025MIElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   There has been no communication from bmw regarding the engine coolant pump recall besides the initial notice of the recall. I have not been able to drive my vehicle for almost 3 months because the engine coolant pump could leak onto electrical components and cause a fire. I have been unable to obtain a loaner vehicle during this time and this is affecting my livelihood.

   NHTSA complaint #11643097 · source
5. Filed Feb 7, 2025MDTransmission & Drivetrain

   The component/systems affects is VANOS, exhaust: control error, camshaft is stuck; Boost pressure control: shutdown as a follow-up reaction. This is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others are at risk because the VANOS assembly (engine) bolts may, over time, loosen, and eventually break. If this occurs, a reduced engine power “safe mode” may be activated. In some cases, the engine may not be able to be restarted after switching off and, in…

   NHTSA complaint #11641372 · source
6. Filed Nov 10, 2024OHCrashTransmission & Drivetrain

   As I was backing up, my car suddenly accelerated. I was shocked and tried to brake as fast as I could. I did slow down, but still hit a car that was parked nearby. This happened at a gas station. I did have the codes read, but nothing showed up. There were no warning indicators. At first I thought it was a driver error on my part, but after a great deal of thought and internet searching, I believe this to be car issue. I do have the surveillance security camera video from…

   NHTSA complaint #11624421 · source
7. Filed May 4, 2023CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Drivetrain malfunction popped up and the car cut off and went into neutral while driving on the road which almost led us to lose control and wreck. Many issues with the fuel pump.

   NHTSA complaint #11520421 · source
8. Filed Nov 6, 2022FLEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   On July 15, 2022, my 2013 BMW X3 i28 broke down on the NYS Thruway; I reside in Fort Lauderdale; I've owned the Vehicle for a year and a half, have serviced it at BMW of Fort Lauderdale, and actually had it In to change a lightbulb and make sure all was good. It was towed to Towne BMW in Williamsville, NY, as I was in town visiting family. I purchased the car from Carvana in November 2020; the extended warranty was only effective for a year, and I was shopping for a new one.…

   NHTSA complaint #11492506 · source
9. Filed Mar 5, 2022WAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   My drive belt got worn out and when it snapped it got sucked in to the engine and warped around my timing chain I started looking into it and this has happened to a lot of people who have a BMW X3 and the shop told me that because they have had other BMW X3 but my was the worst that they have seen they have now change there policy for dealing with a BMW X3 when it comes in

   NHTSA complaint #11455311 · source
10. Filed Mar 3, 2022120,000 miCAElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    My wife was driving the car (her main, work car) with our 13 year old. She called me upset and told me that the car would barely move. This was disturbing. She was in heavy traffic. Also the car has been mostly reliable and we only have above 120k on the vehicle after almost 10 years. My wife slowly made it down busy Stocton Blvd. A few hundred feet and safely made it to a business parking lot. I came ASAP. (20min later). There was a message from the car - "Drive Train…

    NHTSA complaint #11454952 · source
11. Filed Feb 1, 2022MAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    ON 9THSEPT'2021 when my wife driving back from work she got " drivetrain malfunction msg on the screen, she pulled over and called me, i was there in 15mins and did try shut off the engine for few mins and start, it didnt go in 2019 i got the same msg and SUV stalled in the middle of road, i stopped the engine waited for 2 mins and restarted, the msg was gone. when we towed the vehicle to BWM-Shrewsbury, he said we need to replace the engine and its going to cost close to…

    NHTSA complaint #11449677 · source
12. Filed Dec 4, 2021NYTransmission & Drivetrain

    low oil pressure light then Drivetrain malfunction light came on car completely shut off, no steering, no control very hard to get it to the side of the road. Would not go into neutral for tow, had to be dragged onto a tow truck bed. BMW knows of this problem with the PLASTIC drivetrain, BMW still refusing to recall this car, or engine. MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE!!! CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT APPARENTLY IN PROCESS. I replaced the engine in this car, now 2 years later same DRIVETRAIN…

    NHTSA complaint #11442634 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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