RoadVitals

2013 BMW X1 Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
28
Latest May 29, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
74%
of 38 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2013 BMW X1 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 28 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 28, in the owner's own words

ElectricalEngine
Filed May 29, 2026

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 fall season, so I never turned on the AC to make sure the cold air was working, the heat was working. It wasn't until the weather was getting warm that I try to use the Cold air in my car that I notice that there was nothing but hot air coming out and not the ice-cold air that I was getting before I took it to the BMW dealer in Latham. I connected a code reader to my car and the codes that come back were U019F and U0079 which stated that is was a lost communication with the Engin coolant pump. I call BMW and tell them about my complaints; they told me to bring in my car to get it look at. I brought the car to Keeler. The Service Advisor Daniel Purpura told me that my car has be reset and a shelter cap replace and the shop mechanic drove it, and now the check engine light is off. When I went to start the car the engine light was back on, and I told him that. He told me that the code they found was code 003B97. The 003B97 is not the recall code, but it was caused by the recall work. Under federal recall law, any defect created during recall repair must be corrected at no charge. I purchased this vehicle with my own funds and am the person responsible for its maintenance, safety, and recall compliance. The vehicle is titled, registered, and insured in my fiancée name who holds the valid driver’s license for the household. Although the paperwork is in her name, I am the beneficial and equitable owner of the vehicle and who tried to get the recall.

NHTSA ID
11740918
Incident
Oct 1, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 26, 2025

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 now face a $5,000 repair quote and potential off-site garage fees. Description of the issue: Dealer failed to complete DME recall Coolant pump recall shows as incomplete Vehicle moved off-site without your consent Customer Relations unhelpful and rude Financial impacts ($2k coolant pump repair in December, $5k quote, off-site fees) Requests: 1. Confirm in writing which recalls are open and applicable to my VIN. 2. Properly complete the DME recall (#20E-A01) at no cost, including any module replacement. 3. Ensure NHTSA reporting for #24V-608 is accurate. 4. BMW must restore my vehicle to proper operational standards. 5. Reimburse reasonable costs caused by the dealer’s mishandling, including garage fees and prior repair costs. 6. Provide a case number and timeline for all actions.

NHTSA ID
11689892
Incident
Sep 26, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 28, 2025

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 (740 Concord St S, South St Paul, MN 55075) were contacted; however, the parts were not available for the repair. The contact believed that the failure was possibly related to NHTSA Campaign: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the contact was not notified of the recall. The contact stated that upon further investigation, Metrowerks BMW (1300 American Blvd W, Bloomington, MN 55420); was contacted for parts availability. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ID
11676699
Incident
Jul 28, 2025
Mileage
82,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 5, 2025

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 cost of the diagnostic test. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,200. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11665146
Incident
Jan 15, 2023
Mileage
80,200 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 8, 2025

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 ID
11653438
Incident
Apr 8, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 31, 2025

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 the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11651814
Incident
Mar 31, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign to Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11649525
Incident
Mar 20, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign to 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11645178
Incident
Feb 26, 2025
Engine
Filed Feb 21, 2025

There is a light on the dashboard that says Service Engin Soon

NHTSA ID
11644064
Incident
Dec 30, 2022
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 13, 2025

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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11635751
Incident
Sep 9, 2024
Engine
Filed Dec 3, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with a message that the engine was overheating displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for further assistance The approximate failure mileage was 93,288.

NHTSA ID
11628584
Incident
Dec 3, 2024
Mileage
93,288 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 15, 2024

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 ID
11625422
Incident
Oct 8, 2024
Engine
Filed Nov 11, 2024

Recall Campaign No. 24V-608 Over time, this could lead to a short circuit and, in rare cases, a thermal event or a fire. It's been almost 3 months since the problem was reported and the manufacture still has not come up with the remedy. The manufacture needs to address this recall ASAP. It's a safety hazard!

NHTSA ID
11624513
Incident
Nov 11, 2024
Engine
Filed Nov 7, 2024

In June of 2024 heavy smoke began to come from my BMW X1's engine as I drove and parked at traffic lights. On July 26, 2024 I took my vehicle to BMW of Montgomery, Alabama where they performed a diagnostic test and concluded that the vehicle had an "oil leak". On July 31, 2024 my vehicle was repaired (the oil pan and valve cover gasket) by Nalley BMW of Decatur, Georgia. On October 19, 2024 my vehicle received an oil change at Nalley BMW of Decatur, Georgia. On [XXX] my vehicle's engine began to smoke again. On October 29, 2024 I called Nalley BMW of Decatur and they scheduled for my vehicle to come in for a Diagnostic Scan and they stated the following repairs (replacements) needed to be done: Cylinder Head Assembly-plastic valve cover is cracked and leaking. Replace Oil filter Housing and cooler Gasket (showing signs of leak) after repair clean oil from engine. I was told by Eric Noj my Service Advisor at Nalley BMW of Decatur, Georgia that the oil was leaking onto the exhaust and the vehicle could catch a fire while driving. I was also told due to the manufacturer BMW making the majority of its engine parts out of plastic to be more eco friendly it's more susceptible to leaks even after having repaired the leak in August 2024.

NHTSA ID
11623952
Incident
Jun 1, 2024
ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 7, 2024

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 not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the turbo and other unknown parts were previously replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a Meineke Car Care Center, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the water pump. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11623944
Incident
Mar 7, 2024
Mileage
196,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 1, 2024

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 ID
11623135
Incident
Aug 13, 2024
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, confirmed that parts were not yet available, and advised the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 164,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11621828
Incident
Oct 24, 2024
Mileage
164,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 23, 2024

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 ID
11621610
Incident
Oct 23, 2024
Engine
Filed Jan 4, 2024

While driving, oil light came on, engine light came on, car started shaking, smelled a rubbery smell, engine turned off. Would not restart, took vehicle in, timing chain. So now because this happened after class action suit we are not able to participate in said class action suit!! Just because ours ran longer, should not mean you were not responsible for this, knowing there was a problem!! So disappointed in BMW right now!!!!

NHTSA ID
11563522
Incident
Dec 23, 2023
Engine
Filed Oct 5, 2023
Crash reported

While pulling up to a red light and after coming to a complete stop, I sensed the engine was revving. While pressing down on the brake, I checked the RPM gauge to see the engine was revving at around 7k rpm. I tried to immediately put the car in park and turn off the ignition, but in the time it took me to move my hand from the steering wheel to the shifter, the car violently lurched forward and crashed into a pickup truck in front of me. I shut off the car momentarily. Realizing I was blocking traffic on a heavily traveled highway, I risked turning the car back on. I did so and was able to move it to the median to await the arrival of the state police. Later, I had the vehicle towed to an auto repair shop out of fear of driving it again. It is currently in the shop.

NHTSA ID
11548465
Incident
Oct 4, 2023
Engine
Filed Dec 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was knocking in the engine and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the temperature gauge was faulty and needed to be replaced. No repairs were performed. The contact stated that after the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the dealer, the engine seized while driving, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and declined the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11496607
Incident
Oct 22, 2022
Mileage
120,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 24, 2021

1- The component failed (timing chain and and oil pump chain broke inside the engine compartment. The car is located in the BMW yard and is available for inspection at BMW Shrewsbury MA. 2. The safety was extremely dangerous. The engine suddenly and stop in the high speed Route 20 State highway. The timing chain and the oil pump have been complete damage and could not be fix. The only solution is replacing the engine and cost about 18000.00. If I get hit from the back I be killed immediately. 3- the vehicle or component has been inspect by the BMW technician. 4-There was a brief moment there was a very loud ai the engine and red flashing lit up the low oil.

NHTSA ID
11441643
Incident
Nov 19, 2021
Engine
Filed Nov 23, 2021

THE TIMING CHAIN AND OIL PUMP CHAIN IN THE ENGINE BROKE DOWN. THE ENGINE CEASE AND STOP IN A HIGH TRAFIC STATE ROAD. NEAR MISSED WHICH COULD KILL PEOPLE IN THE CAR. EMTREMELY SERIOUS SYSTEM FAILURE. MY SAFETY WAS COMPROMISED. THE AUTO HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE NEAREST BMW CENTER IN SHREWSBURY MA AND BE INSPECTED BY BMW DEALER. NOWARNING OF PROBLEM. THERE IS A RECALL ON SYSTEM CONTROL UNIT. THE ENGINE CONSIDER TOTAL LOSS AND NEED TO BE REPLACED . THE BMW HAD A TIMING CHAIN LAWSUIT REACH A SETTLEMENT FOR THE SAME SAFETY

NHTSA ID
11441408
Incident
Nov 19, 2021
Engine
Filed Jun 27, 2021

Total engine failure while driving. No prior warning message. Car stopped dead in the middle of an intersection. Wheels would not turn to move the car. These cars have known defective time chain module, it is made of plastic and it breaks down causing engine failure. There is a class action lawsuit, see Gelis v. BMW North America. BMW sold 600,000 cars with this defect to Americans and has not done a recall. Car is at BMW of Palm Springs and they refuse to repair. You are welcome to inspect it.

NHTSA ID
11422471
Incident
Dec 23, 2020
EnginePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Sep 24, 2020

LEAKING POWER STEERING LINES. NEED TO BE REPLACED AND BLED OUT$1300.00. OIL FILTER HOUSING GASKET LEAKING$513.00 TIMING CHAINS STRETCHED AND ENGINE MAKING TICKING SOUND. GUIDES BROKEN. OIL MOD ALSO RECOMMENDED TO BE REPLACED. SEVERAL ENGINE ISSUES AND WAS DIAGNOSED BY CERTIFIED BMW DEALERSHIP. TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS $6200.00 WHITE HORSE AUTOMOTIVE WOULD NOT DO REPAIRS AT A CERTIFIED BMW REPAIR SHOP. THIS CAR WAS NOT JUST TRADED. THE ENGINE WAS LITERALLY SEIZED I HAD NO CHIICE

NHTSA ID
11360852
Incident
Jun 12, 2020
Mileage
74,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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