2013 BMW X5 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 X5, 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
- Engine5025.9%
- Airbags4724.4%
- Powertrain (other)3618.7%
- Electrical2010.4%
- Fuel system94.7%
- Brakes73.6%
- Seat belts52.6%
- Body & structure52.6%
- Interior & seats42.1%
- Driver assistance31.6%
- Steering21.0%
- Suspension21.0%
- Visibility21.0%
- Tires & wheels10.5%
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
My vehicle has suffered catastrophic electrical failure due to water intrusion directly into the rear cargo compartment. This water ingress has destroyed vital electronic control modules that were designed and placed in low-lying, unsealed body cavities—an engineering layout heavily documented as a design vulnerability in the E70 chassis. My safety was put at risk as this happened on the highway and threw my SUV into limp mode. I could not drive the speed limit on the highway and had to drive home with my hazard lights on while cars drove around me and almost collided with me on the highway. BMW has previously acknowledged the severe liabilities of placing sensitive electronics near drainage paths, as seen in the Catalano v. BMW of North America litigation. This is not a wear-and-tear issue; it is a design failure that leaves critical safety components swimming in water during normal rain events.
The EGR system in my 2013 BMW x5d has failed. There is a recall notice for the EGR system on the 2014 BMW x5d with the same engine and exhaust system related to a fire warning. It would seem to make sense to include the my car in the recall under the circumstances.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
During the past raining season, car battery compartment flooded creating a fire/electrical hazard during operation and addition total malfunction of instruments, lighting, warning systems in general, airbags, rendering the vehicle useless. The issue is well documented online by various owners, BMW stop assisting owners of vehicles that have the same issue of flooding. Please assist with any possible help to resolve the problem(s) of the vehicle 2013 BMW X5
PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR FOR AIRBAG HAS FAILED. WAS TOLD NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR ANY RECALL, ESTIMATE OF $2,200. WAS TOLD THAT SAFETY SYSTEM IS NOW COMPROMISED FOR PASSENGER.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle has suffered catastrophic electrical failure due to water intrusion directly into the rear cargo compartment. This water ingress has destroyed vital electronic control modules that were designed and placed in low-lying, unsealed body cavities—an engineering layout heavily documented as a design vulnerability in the E70 chassis. My safety was put at risk as this happened on the highway and threw my SUV into limp mode. I could not drive the speed limit on the highway and had to drive home with my hazard lights on while cars drove around me and almost collided with me on the highway. BMW has previously acknowledged the severe liabilities of placing sensitive electronics near drainage paths, as seen in the Catalano v. BMW of North America litigation. This is not a wear-and-tear issue; it is a design failure that leaves critical safety components swimming in water during normal rain events.
After driving for an hour I noticed smoke coming from under the hood of the car, I opened the hood to and noticed the smoke coming from under the plastic cover which covers the turbo and catalytic converter In That area. After removing the cover I saw a bright flame coming from under the hood.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle has suffered catastrophic electrical failure due to water intrusion directly into the rear cargo compartment. This water ingress has destroyed vital electronic control modules that were designed and placed in low-lying, unsealed body cavities—an engineering layout heavily documented as a design vulnerability in the E70 chassis. My safety was put at risk as this happened on the highway and threw my SUV into limp mode. I could not drive the speed limit on the highway and had to drive home with my hazard lights on while cars drove around me and almost collided with me on the highway. BMW has previously acknowledged the severe liabilities of placing sensitive electronics near drainage paths, as seen in the Catalano v. BMW of North America litigation. This is not a wear-and-tear issue; it is a design failure that leaves critical safety components swimming in water during normal rain events.
The componet that failed is the cars electric system in the rear. Battery gets so hot its melted a 2nd orange box on top of the battery. Burned a hole right through. Attempted to start the vehicle, now it's throwing big sparks in the rear battery compartment. ABS warnings, brake warnings, it leaks. It will not start again! We have no transportation. Noone seems to be very concerned about the matter. Atleast 7 open, very dangerous recalls on this vehicle. How come someone has to die from the companies failure to fix what they know is wrong? This vehicle is paid for, owned by a Middle/lower class hard working single mom. I've seen to many cases of people who aren't financially threatening get delt a ball full of crap. All walks of life pay really good money for bmws cars. How about bmw returns the favor and keeps their word. My car is a death trap according to bmw. What do we do if the company won't cooperate
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have been trying to have my car repaired last year. I have expressed to BMW USA that none of their certified dealers want to touch a diesel and/or work on one that another dealership had done poor work on. They have asked me to continue reaching out to this dealership even though I have mentioned I do not feel comfortable about it as I have slipped thru the cracks multiple times with them which they wont admit to. They are understaffed and have employees that are broken from being overworked, are constantly rude, careless, forgetting things and will never admit to error even when you show them mistakes that have even been documented in writing that are a liability. Their mechanics do rushed inspections and the last 2 times I have brought my car in to be scanned they completely disregard all concerns brought up prior. NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE ON A CAR WORKED BY CENTURY WEST BMW and/or A DIESEL. BMW USA is aware of this and its in their favor as its allowed this matter to drag on past my warranty period in their favor. BMW USA is aware there are odometer stamps that confirm codes appeared within coverage yet neglect to acknowledge it from me and only will from a dealer that is a mess, cannot find all my records which I have expressed I have copies of diagnostic scans yet they wont take my word or documents. These delays have resulted not only in exhausting and upsetting me but also further wear and damages to my car with every day this drags on which I pray everyday my car does not break down. This is my only car, I am not in the position to buy a new car or pay for a 5k+ repair and/or anymore emission repairs due to faulty diesel parts, repairs or emission technology which has resulted in many lawsuits against BMW. Its saddening to have to go thru this considering I have been loyal to the brand for many years, this is my second time purchasing a BMW and hoping these experiences wont make it my last. I need help at this time instead of being brushed off.
There is an open recall on BMW X5D and other BMW diesel models due to a fire hazard, the recall warns of an EGR code warning on the vehicle. My 2013 BMW X5D 3.5 has that warning code, however BMW claims that there isn’t a recall on it. My VIN is [XXX], and for the last 5 or 6 years I was told by the guy who was my rep at the dealership there was a possible recall, but BMW was having issues keeping up with demand for the parts. Now I have this warning, the dealership is denying the warranty. Yet I’m still at risk. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The componet that failed is the cars electric system in the rear. Battery gets so hot its melted a 2nd orange box on top of the battery. Burned a hole right through. Attempted to start the vehicle, now it's throwing big sparks in the rear battery compartment. ABS warnings, brake warnings, it leaks. It will not start again! We have no transportation. Noone seems to be very concerned about the matter. Atleast 7 open, very dangerous recalls on this vehicle. How come someone has to die from the companies failure to fix what they know is wrong? This vehicle is paid for, owned by a Middle/lower class hard working single mom. I've seen to many cases of people who aren't financially threatening get delt a ball full of crap. All walks of life pay really good money for bmws cars. How about bmw returns the favor and keeps their word. My car is a death trap according to bmw. What do we do if the company won't cooperate
My 2013 X5 is not on the recall list, but it is experiencing the same issue described in the recall for the 2013 X5 ( see below). Recently, I began receiving a message on my dashboard indicating the alert related to the parking brake. Two weeks ago, when I started the vehicle, I was unable to shift into any gear, and also the parking brake malfunction appeared on my dashboard. Please refer to the pictures below, which show the active alert related to the brake and gear issue. I kindly request that my vehicle be added to the recall list so that this critical safety issue can be addressed. I can only imagine the potential consequences if this malfunction had occurred while driving. Fortunately, the car was parked at the time, and no one was injured. __________________________________________ A recall affecting the 2013 BMW X5 xDrive50i, including potential brake issues, is related to a faulty "Integrated Brake System" which may not function properly, potentially leading to extended braking distances or loss of vehicle control; check with BMW or your local dealer to see if your specific vehicle is affected by this recall and to schedule a repair. Key points about the recall: Problem: The integrated brake system may not function according to specifications, potentially causing extended braking distances or loss of control. Affected vehicles: Multiple BMW models, including the 2013 X5 xDrive50i
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER THE PASSENGER WOULD VACATE THE CAR THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT ALARM WOULD COME ON AND STAY ON TILL I WOULD TAKE ACTION BY HITTING THE SEAT WITH MY PALM. I TRIED THREE TIMES IN HAVING THE DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR THE SEAT PAD SENSOR WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT. AFTER THE WARRANT EXPIRED I RETURNED IT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEN THEY SAID IT WAS A DEFECTIVE SEAT PAD SENSOR. (UGH)
PASSENGER SEAT - SEAT/AIRBAG OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILED. THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT LIGHT REMAINS LIT. BMW SAID NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE. ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR - $3,000. APPARENTLY AIRBAG AND SEATBELT WILL NOT ENGAGE IF SENSOR IS NOT WORKING
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
I own a 2013 BMW X5 with the soft-close door feature. On June 2, 2021, I was making a right-hand turn when the driver's door flew all the way open without warning. The door then slammed shut as I finished the turn, injuring my left wrist. It was determined that the soft-close door latch mechanism is failing and needs replaced. The soft-close latch does not consistently secure the driver's door. No warning was given by the vehicle to indicate the door is open or not latched properly. I informed BMWNA of the issue and they declined to offer any assistance with the repair, estimated to cost $900.
THE CARE WAS OFF OVERNIGHT IN THE GARAGE UNLOCKED. IN THE AM, IN THE GARAGE, THERE WAS A SMELL OF BURNT ELECTRONICS. NOTICED SOMETHING ON THE BEHIND THE DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE AND THE SAME THING DRIPPED DOWN THE DOOR AND SOME ON THE FLOOR. LOOKING CLOSER AT IT, IT APPEARS THAT SOMETHING OVERHEATED IN THE DOOR HANDLE AND MELTED A HOLE IN THE BACKSIDE OF THE HANDLE WHICH CAUSED SOME MELTED MATERIAL, PLASTIC OR RUBBER TO SPRAY ON THE DOOR PANEL AND DRIP DOWN THE DOOR. I CHECKED THE FUSE THAT CORRESPONDS TO THE DOOR HANDLE, SPECIFICALLY THE COMFORT ACCESS FEATURE AND FOUND THE FUSE TO BE BLOWN. THIS ALL HAPPENED OVERNIGHT WITH THE CAR NOT RUNNING OR OTHERWISE OCCUPIED. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FIRE AND SUSPECT THAT THE FUSE DOING IT'S JOB PREVENTED A FIRE FROM OCCURING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR FOR AIRBAG HAS FAILED. WAS TOLD NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR ANY RECALL, ESTIMATE OF $2,200. WAS TOLD THAT SAFETY SYSTEM IS NOW COMPROMISED FOR PASSENGER.
OCCUPANCY SEAT SENSOR IS MALFUNCTIONING. THE PART TO FIX THE ITEM IS $1,500 INCLUDING LABOR. THE PART IS OUT OF STOCK. SO THIS IS HAPPENING TO MANY BMW. APPROVAL TO REPLACE HAS BEEN GRANTED ON OTHER BMW MODELS. WHY ISN'T MINE COVERED? THE SENSOR IS ALWAYS ON EVEN IF NO ONE IS IN THE SEAT.
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
AFTER THE PASSENGER WOULD VACATE THE CAR THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT ALARM WOULD COME ON AND STAY ON TILL I WOULD TAKE ACTION BY HITTING THE SEAT WITH MY PALM. I TRIED THREE TIMES IN HAVING THE DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR THE SEAT PAD SENSOR WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT. AFTER THE WARRANT EXPIRED I RETURNED IT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEN THEY SAID IT WAS A DEFECTIVE SEAT PAD SENSOR. (UGH)
MY X5 HAS ONLY 65000 MILES AND I ALREADY HAS PROBLEM WITH THE CCC THE CCC IS MAKING THE BATTERY DRAIN
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
1) The power steering completely failed without any warning as a result of the serpentine belt failing catastrophically. 2) The failure happened in rush hour traffic right as the light turned green to turn left on an extremely busy intersection. I couldn’t turn the wheel and was a few inches from a head on collision with several large trucks which were also turning to the opposite direction. 3) The service center explained that this issue is the most common that they see on bmws with the same engine. They alleged that BMW used a faulty power steering bolt that would leak fluid onto the belt, eventually leading to catastrophic engine failure due to the shredded belt being sucked into the crankshaft seal. 4) Yes. 5) The steering was heavy but the bmw dealer assured me the vehicle was in excellent shape just a few weeks prior to this incident.
RECENTLY STARTED TO LOSE POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT TO CHEVY DEALER, THEY SAID THERE WAS A BULLETIN (NOT A RECALL) ABOUT A SENSOR THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY TOLD ME I WAS WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE PROBLEM BUT THE WARRANTY OF PART EXPIRED. THIS MAKES NO SENSE SINCE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V138000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WERE NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
DRIVESHAFT UNIVSAL JOINTS ARE RECALLED BUT NO REMEDY AVAILABLE FROM BMW. THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH ACCORDING TO THEIR LETTER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ONE RAINY AFTERNOON ON A CITY ROAD, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE SMOKE TURNED INTO FLAMES. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED 911. AN OFF DUTY POLICE OFFICER STOPPED AND HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. HE WAS ABLE TO PUT OUT MOST OF THE FIRE UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP AND FINISHED THE JOB. THE FIREMEN THOUGHT THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. THE BMW DEALER SAID THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE WIPER MOTOR. THE CAR WAS AT THE DEALER THE PREVIOUS WEEK FOR THE AIR BAG RECALL.
EXPLODING SUNROOF. 2013 BMW X5 SUNROOF EXPLODED WITH A SOUND LIKE A GUNSHOT WHILE DRIVING ON CLEAR DAY IN LOW 40S (F) DEGREES. NO OBJECTS IMPACTED THE GLASS. TWO GLASS PANELS AFFECTED WITH PANELS ARCHING UPWARD. NO OTHER DAMAGE. MANUFACTURER AGREED TO REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2 OF 4 PIRELLI VERDE SCORPION - RUN FLAT (255/55 R18 109H M + S ALL SEASON RUN FLAT) TIRES HAVE FAILED DUE TO INNER WALL SEPARATION WITHIN 30 DAYS. BOTH WERE FRONT TIRES ON MY 2013 BMW X5 35D. THESE ARE RUN FLAT TIRES THAT BOTH FAILED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF EACH OTHER. THE "INNER WALL" HAD COMPLETELY SEPERATED FROM THE FIRST TIRE RENDERING IT FLAT. THE SECOND TIRE TO FAIL DID NOT GO FLAT BUT HAD A CUPPING IN THE CENTER AND CAUSED A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION. THE TIRES WERE BOTH REPLACED AND DEEMED UNSAFE BY LES SCHWAB (TIRE VENDOR). THIS PARTICULAR CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS AND I CAN TESTIFY THAT THE TIRE PRESSURES WHERE ALL AT THE PSI POSTED ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE. THESE ARE NOT A STAGGARD SET AND ARE ALL 4 WHEELS THE SAME.
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 .