2013 BMW X3 Powertrain (other) Problems

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 November and at the end of December now timing chain issues. Again multiple times this issue could have been identified and proactively fixed while under warrenty. Also has issues where the material on the glove box peeled off. BMW is also aware of this issue. Poor design and quality on these models/engine. Thank goodness i was not on the expressway when drivabilty issuev occurred!!!

NHTSA ID

11708687

Incident

Dec 30, 2025

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. This creates an extreme risk of accidents at highway speeds or in traffic. Unlike tires or brakes, this is not a normal wear component and should not fail under ordinary driving conditions. In this vehicle, the timing chain issue was identified at under 72,000 miles. A timing chain should last well over 400,000 miles under normal operation. The premature failure reflects a design flaw, not normal aging or maintenance. The vehicle had recently undergone major servicing at a BMW authorized dealer. At that time, the timing belt and other components were replaced at significant cost. The dealership did not disclose any timing chain concerns during that service. Only shortly afterward, during a recall-related visit, did they report that the timing chain required replacement, with a repair estimate of several thousand dollars. This matter was raised with BMW of North America, including a direct letter to its CEO. BMW acknowledged receipt but declined to take responsibility, treating the matter as outside warranty coverage rather than as a safety defect. The timing chain issue is widely reported, and BMW is aware of it. The sudden engine failure that can result from this defect presents a major safety hazard that warrants NHTSA’s attention.

NHTSA ID

11682774

Incident

Jun 10, 2025

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 mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ID

11647319

Incident

Oct 10, 2024

Mileage

93,000 mi

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 ID

11643097

Incident

Dec 18, 2024

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 rare cases, the engine could stall which could increase the risk of a crash. This problem has been confirmed by two BMW dealerships. After multiple visits and thousands of dollars spent on attempts at repair, the problem still exists. The resolution offered was to purchase another vehicle or spend thousands more at another attempt to remedy this problem. Although, it is my understanding that there is an open recall for this part (VANOS solenoid). The drivetrain malfunction warning appears and this problem began in July 2022.

NHTSA ID

11641372

Incident

Jul 29, 2022

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 the gas station.

NHTSA ID

11624421

Incident

Oct 17, 2024

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 ID

11520421

Incident

May 4, 2023

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. My Vehicle looks brand new; its garage is stored and well maintained per manufacturer recommendations. The Vehicle only just hit 70,383 miles, since I transport it on the autotrain when I head north for a few months. Towne BMW said they found the problem it was the battery, I pay the $685.78, plus the $300 in towing charges I made it across the street from the service center, and it stopped again I am still trying to figure out how a vehicle that was in excellent condition the day before is now dead? My Vehicle is sitting in my sister's driveway just outside of Buffalo NY with a dead engine. I have a rare genetic syndrome so trying to do everything is killing me; I almost had a heart attack from this ordeal. I still owe on the Vehicle. I contacted BMW of NA; This 2013 X3 come to find out was the worst year yet. There was a class action filed against them, which has expired, Currently this year alone there are an additional 134 vehicles I was able to find on the web, yet we all experienced just the same and in the end a dead engine. When I contacted BMW NA told him the situation, and he gave me a runaround; oh I'll contact the dealership and find the reason, and maybe out of good faith we can provide you with a new engine; I have all his crap emails trying to stall for as long as he could. Towne BMW won't even return my calls, I asked them for a list of the diagnostics they completed, and I received nothing. I had to tow the Vehicle to a german specialis so they could tell me the engine was seize

NHTSA ID

11492506

Incident

Jul 14, 2022

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 ID

11455311

Incident

Jan 26, 2022

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 malfunction " it looked very serious. (Note: My wife is about the best, skillful and careful driver I know. Especially for a person originally from foreign country (China). I gave my wife and child my car and took over the situation. The car would only putt along at 5 mph. So with my emergency flashers on I drove it all the way home using the shoulder. Its about 5 miles home, (more or less). It was pretty crazy situation with how fast people drive on 65th Street expressway. This was my fastest route and only option. Before this a Firestone happened to be just across the street where my wife had parked it so I ask if they could help. "Not today" was their answer. I called BMW of Elk Grove, Ca. where we have always have taken it. Monica at BMW told me it sounded like a recall that had been happening. This was relieving since we haven't been financially well off. It was already 4-5pm so that's why I made the decision to try to make it home. At home I could get my affairs (phone) numbers in order and call for a tow in a much safer place. The unsafest part was getting the dangerous 5-10 miles home. It was Sunday but Monica at BMW said "no problem " just drop it off and they would look at it Monday morning. BMW is telling me over $1800 just to inspect. Not to mention how much for a new timing chain. Monica didn't tell me how much that us. I since looked it up. That's when I saw several similar stories of 2013 X3's which seems much more than coincidence so I'm writing you. Thank you for the opportunity

NHTSA ID

11454952

Incident

Feb 27, 2022

Mileage

120,000 mi

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 $18000 and said he'll try to work with BMW corp long story short i ended up trading the vehicle for low cost and got a new one as the dealer left no choice

NHTSA ID

11449677

Incident

Sep 9, 2021

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 problem. Told car needs another engine. Why should the little guy have to deal with this cost and danger!! BMW should stand up and recall this car 2013 x3.

NHTSA ID

11442634

Incident

Dec 26, 2019

April 22, 2021 (87181 Odometer Out) Virginia Inspection. Passed. Recommended replacement of front rotors and brake pads. July 22, 2021 (87989 Odometer Out) Oil Change, tune up if needed, front rotors and brake pads replaced. Did not reset vehicle computer: hood light as well as brake light came on over the next week. August 5, 2021 Brought back to repair shop. Computer reset (88148 Odometer Out). Aug 13, 2021 Driving approx 45 miles per hour when the engine cut out, I narrowly pulled over but not quite out of the road--error message: Drivetrain Malfunction, "Drive Moderately. Maximum drivetrain out put not available. Consult Service Center." Dangerous section of road, traffic, extremely hot and humid, with thunder storms. Turned the car off and tried to start, error message flashed, "No service since 2015." Towed first to repair station who performed the recent maintenance on the vehicle. They did not look at the vehicle until several days later. When they did, they informed it was the camshaft position sensor. And further, that the sensor would have to be replaced (@$700) so that the car could start and then they would recheck for the problem. Without a car for several weeks. August 17, 2021 had the car towed to a shop suggested by a neighbor. There, the owner/mechanic stated that he could see glimpses of the "guide" (timing chain), that it was broken and suggested I have it seen by a BMW-specific shop to make the repair. I located a shop in Winchester VA and had it towed there. Confirmed it was the timing chain. 10/19/21 Picked up. Total charge: $3796.19. I found that this was a known issue and the owner confirmed. However, the fix was only extended to 7 years/70K miles. I bought this car from a dealer in 2015. I was never informed of this known issue; not from the Dealer, the service shop, or BMW notification(s) via email or other. The break down and the multiple negative impacts caused could have been avoided.

NHTSA ID

11439399

Incident

Aug 13, 2021

I was driving on the highway and took my exit and the car suddenly stopped with the message "Drivetrain malfunction. Drive moderately." After this, the car would not move even with the engine on. It was as if the it was stuck in one gear and wouldn't move to "Drive". I turned the car off and back again. At this time, the car started to sputter after it started. Then, I let it stopped the engine for about 20 minutes. When the problem happened, the check engine light came on. After 20 minutes, I started the car again and I was able to drive it and the check engine light went away. However, since I had to go back on the highway, I was concerned about driving as it might stop suddenly on the highway and create a major accident. As per google, this seems to be a common issue with BMW X3's. The company should recall and repair such an incidence from happening.

NHTSA ID

11430068

Incident

Aug 21, 2021

More frequent drive train errors and loss of power. Cause defective timing chain guide. This seems to be very common on this year and model of BMW speaking with other BMW owners of the same car. Luckily we were not in heavy traffic and could drive to repair shop.

NHTSA ID

11429799

Incident

Aug 5, 2021

While driving in the southbound fast lane on Highway 101 on July 28, 2021 near Morgan Hill, California, the computer screen advised that there was a fuel supply problem, and at that instant, the engine shut down and the transmission went into park. There was no opportunity to coast onto the shoulder. The vehicle would not restart, nor would it shift out of park. My wife and I were trapped in a vehicle that would not and could not move, in the fast lane of a major California freeway, surrounded by rush hour traffic, with the likelihood that we would be rear ended and perish in a frozen car. The danger was severe. We put the emergency flashers on. Other cars were passing us on the shoulder and on the right hand side, and getting out of the car was dangerous and impossible. We were convinced that we were going to die or be severely injured. We called 911 and at that moment another driver pulled behind us to offer a buffer of safety with his car, until the California Highway Patrol arrived and a tow truck was called. Until the arrival of the tow truck, we remained in severe danger. The tow truck had to pull the vehicle to the shoulder locked in park, causing it to shudder as the rear wheels hopped on the pavement. Eventually we hired a flat bed tow truck to bring the vehicle to our local BMW dealer, and the problem was diagnosed as a faulty fuel pump. Apparently, if your fuel pump fails with this vehicle, you may die. This problem is documented with other drivers at the website carproblemzoo.com/bmwX3/other-fuel-system-pump-problems.php, all of whom were put in peril as a result of this systemic failure. I hope that this notification may save some lives, and would welcome further contact to discuss the matter further. My wife and I still suffer from emotional distress and PTSD, as a direct result of this incident, and will not drive this vehicle again.

NHTSA ID

11427407

Incident

Jul 28, 2021

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. During the failure, the message "transmission malfunction" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the residence and later examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain had failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11424764

Incident

Jun 22, 2021

Mileage

100,000 mi

The engine failed while driving on the highway on 06/22/2021. My safety was put at risk because the traffic was heavy during the middle of a rain storm on the interstate. Cars had to swerve to avoid me as I was only able to coast my vehicle to the side of the highway. I was almost struck by traffic. A number of warning lights suddenly went off without have gone off before in king and oil pressure message and engine failure message and a transmission failure message all at once. I am in the process of getting the vehicle towed to be inspected. This appears to be a known problem with 2013 BMW X3s according to the research I have done since the incident but BMW won’t issue a recall for the vehicles even though they are aware that this is a dangerous vehicle issue according to websites like bimmerpost,com and car gurus.com which have similar incidents to mine posted on their websites. BMW needs to issue a recall and make the appropriate repairs.

NHTSA ID

11424533

Incident

Jun 22, 2021

My cars check engine light and drive train alert came on, so I took it to be inspected. It was not running well, seems to have much less power than usual on the way to the mechanic. I have been told that the power chain guides have broken and must be replaced. This could cause the power chain to come off mid-drive and completely shut the car down.The cost of parts and labor for repair will be around $3,300. This car isn’t old, is well cared for and maintained and does not have high mileage.

NHTSA ID

11422029

Incident

Jun 18, 2021

The system that failed was the TIMING CHAIN AND CHAIN TENSIONER. The vehicle stalled while I was driving on the interstate. Immediately, I had no power and had to maneuver the vehicle to the emergency lane, placing me and other drivers in extreme danger. The problem was inspected, confirmed and repaired by the vehicle dealer. Prior to stalling, there were no warning lights to indicate a problem. The lights did come on simultaneously with the engine failure.

NHTSA ID

11418703

Incident

Feb 3, 2021

Vehicle indicated a drivetrain malfunction. It was determined by the dealer that the system that failed was TIMING VALVETRONIC MOTOR. The vehicle stalled as I was making a left hand turn off of a busy highway, putting myself and oncoming traffic at serious risk of collision. Oncoming vehicles were able to slow until I was able to maneuver the vehicle out of the lane of oncoming traffic. The dealer confirmed that they "found the vehicle stalling and not running correctly. Performed vehicle test. Found faults for valvetronic motor. Set multiple additional faults for mixture and air mass. Valvetronic is failing and should be replaced." The vehicle component was inspected by the dealer who sold me the car. There were no warning lights nor other indicators of component failure prior to the vehicle stalling on the highway. This is the second time this vehicle has stalled in dangerous situations. The first time was a drivetrain malfunction/engine failure due to TIMING CHAIN AND TIMING TENSIONER malfunction. Most likely the VALVETRONIC SYSTEM failure is directly related to the TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER malfunction. Both systems failed within a very short period of time, and within fewer than 4,000 miles of each other.

NHTSA ID

11418702

Incident

May 18, 2021

MY 2013,_BMW X3 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND I NOTICED POWER LOSS WHEN IT DIDN'T DRIVE OVER 40MPH. I HAD THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS DONE AT MY LOCAL BMW SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME I HAVE A BAD TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS AND GAVE ME A BILL IN THE THOUSANDS. I CALLED BMW CORPORATE AND SPOKE TO LORI WHO IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND SAID, AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS ISSUED BUT THAT IT EXPIRED IN 2018. THEY OFFERED ME NO OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BECAUSE MY CAR HAS 100,499 MILES. SO THAT'S IT A CAR DIES AT 100,000 MILES AND THEY CAN'T HELP??? THAT'S AWFUL. THERE'S SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. MY OTHER 2007 BMW X3 HUGE PROBLEMS TOO OVERHEATING, MY MOTOR MOUNT BOLT BROKE THE ENGINE DROPPED AND BROKE THE WATER PUMP. GARBAGE, GARBAGE, GARBAGE I WILL NEVER BUY BMW. SHAME ON BMW FOR NOT HELPING!!!! MY TOYOTA WENT PAST 200,000 MILES AND IT'S STILL DRIVING.

NHTSA ID

11414638

Incident

Apr 19, 2021

DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH - THE ENGINE STOPPED COMPLETELY IN MAY 2018 AND DIED. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I NO LONGER OWN THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE FAILURE.

NHTSA ID

11387297

Incident

May 11, 2018

Mileage

85,000 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO SHOP 2 TIMES.1ST DRIVETRAIN LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR WOULD SLOW DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY.THEN IT WOULD TOTALLY STOP. 2ND TIME IT DID THE SAME THING EXCEPT OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING PRESSURE TOO LOW AND IT STOPPED RIGHT THERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. NOW THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. I'M AFRAID IT WILL STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AGAIN.

NHTSA ID

11378136

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

Mileage

87,530 mi

AT 85000 MILES DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. COULDN'T GET CAR TO CONTINUE DRIVING. MECHANIC EXPLAINED THE DIAGNOSIS SHOWED A TIMING CODE. THIS IS THE 5TH TIME CAR WAS IN THE SHOP SINCE THE PURCHASE FROM CARVANA ON JULY 2ND 2020. TOLD A NEW ENGINE IS NEEDED..

NHTSA ID

11366210

Incident

Oct 17, 2020

Mileage

85,000 mi