2013 BMW X1 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 BMW X1, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine2850.9%
- Electrical1832.7%
- Fuel system23.6%
- Brakes23.6%
- Airbags11.8%
- Steering11.8%
- Body & structure11.8%
- Driver assistance11.8%
- Powertrain (other)11.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 following morning I went out and unplugged the connector and corrosion was on the connector. I proceed to clean the connector pins with isopropyl alcohol and a tooth brush. I also added Dielectric grease to the inside of the water pump connector before I found out that there was corrosion on the connector pins. The codes did not go away. The following morning the pump stopped working so I removed It and corrosion was on the pins for the water pump. I took It to the dealership and the said neither corporate or the dealership would not repair the vehicle because they said they got photos before they put the connector protector on and I said I got photos after they put It on. They are trying to pull you removed It so It was your fault. Like I have the right to repair my own vehicle and you still want to make It seem like I'm the one who put the corrosion there just to get a free pump. I stood In the rain trying to repair the vehicle on the lot but they said we had to get off the property and called the cops. The cops let us continue adding a replacement pump to the car and after I got It on there the engine lights went out.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 invoices as well BMW told me to contact you all Just seems like no one cares about my family’s lives I have like 10 more invoices and the final repair invoices
We noticed a gasoline smell when our BMW X1 sDrive28i was parked our the garage. We parked the car outside until the vehicle was taken to be diagnosed and repaired the next day. The diagnosis was that the driver's side fuel sending unit assembly was leaking. The mechanic who replaced the fuel sending unit assembly stated that the leak was bad enough the leaking gasoline could have caught fire.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that no issues were found, however, the brake sensor system was reset. The contact stated the failure reoccurred while driving and coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated while driving at 20-25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond and went all the way to the floorboard, causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the independent mechanic with assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V627000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) as her VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X1. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP FAILED AND BRAKE VACUUM RESERVOIR NEEDED TO BE FILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that no issues were found, however, the brake sensor system was reset. The contact stated the failure reoccurred while driving and coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated while driving at 20-25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond and went all the way to the floorboard, causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the independent mechanic with assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V627000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) as her VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver's side door on my 2013 BMW X1 sDrive28i will not open using either the outside door handle or the inside door handle. The door locks open and close using either the remote key fob or the key inserted into the driver's side door, but the driver's side door will not physically open. The other doors, as well as the rear hatch, do open. The mechanical part of the door lock actuator that holds the door latch to the striker plate on the frame on the driver's side door is stuck in the closed position. When you pull on the either the outside or inside door handle, the door moves ever so slightly but the door will not open. In order to lock the car after trying to open the driver's side door, one needs to then push the driver's side door in slightly so that is clicks shut. This will due to the slight movement when trying to open the door. Otherwise, the car locking mechanism will not work (i.e. none of the doors will lock) using either the remote key fob or the key in the door. This failure happened suddenly without warning. This is a safety issue because it makes it difficult to exit the vehicle in an emergency. Not being able to open the driver's side door is also a MAJOR inconvenience. The right front door actuator failed at 23,844 miles and was replaced under warranty. BMW door actuators used on the 2013 BMW X1 are not reliable. I have driven several other brands of cars over 200,000 miles and for more than 10 years and never once had a problem with the door lock mechanism and I certainly have never had a problem which left me unable to open the driver's side door.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
There needs to be a recall for water intrusion to the parking distance control system in at minimum the 2013 BMW X1. Our whole camera system and parking sensors went out, as soon as I searched the problem, there were numerous forums advising of the issue. When I opened up the area in the trunk, the entire area was filled with water. The parts within all need to be replaced. This should be covered by BMW since this is such a huge issue.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .