RoadVitals

2013 BMW X6

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 19V017000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
25
Latest Jul 1, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Jan 15, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 25 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 BMW X6, most frequently naming the airbags, engine and powertrain (other) categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 216 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags1440.0%
  • Engine720.0%
  • Powertrain (other)617.1%
  • Steering38.6%
  • Fuel system25.7%
  • Electrical12.9%
  • Driver assistance12.9%
  • Suspension12.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V017000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 15, 2020
59,965 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
19V017000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 14, 2019
83,016 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
18V030000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 9, 2018
41,808 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 25
Engine
Filed Jul 1, 2024

While driving on the highway, the warning “engine power reduced” came on and the car just started slowing to a complete stop. Smoke started coming from the engine and the rear, then came to a complete stop and has not started again. Was towed from the highway to a safe location and I was told by mechanic that it was leaking all engine oil and power steering fluid

NHTSA ID
11598030
Incident
Jun 2, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and ascending an incline, the vehicle started to lose forward momentum and was vibrating. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the front driveshaft needed to be replaced, and that the transmission was leaking and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 17V138000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA ID
11555036
Incident
Oct 6, 2023
Mileage
67,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 11, 2021
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X6. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

NHTSA ID
11395697
Incident
Feb 10, 2021
Mileage
107,000 mi
Fuel systemSteeringSuspension
Filed Jan 6, 2021

ISSUES: BOTH FRONT THRUST ARM BUSHINGS WORN, OIL LEAKING FROM VEHICLE, REPLACEMENT OF MICROFILTER NEEDED, BRAKE FLUID FLUSH SERVICE AND SUNROOF NOT INITIALIZED. COMMENTS: I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO BE SERVICED AS I WAS GETTING A DRIVER STABILITY MALFUNCTION ERROR AND WHEN DRIVING OVER POTHOLES OR ANY UNEVEN STREET/HIGHWAY, WHEEL WOULD JERK EXTREMELY HARD CAUSING ME TO ENTER OTHER LANES. VEHICLE WAS PULLING HARD AND I HEARD NOISE EVERY TIME I DROVE OVER UNEVEN ROADS. I WAS ALSO GETTING AN ANTI-TRAP MALFUNCTION FOR SUNROOF ERROR MESSAGE. ISSUES: VEHICLE SPUTTERED, SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND WOULD NOT START, VEHICLE STILL PULLING AND NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TWO FRONT TIRES. COMMENTS: DUE TO THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONING, SPUTTERING AND NOT STARTING, I WAS STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT. OTHER MOTORISTS HELPED PUSH THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO GET ME OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. ISSUES: 2ND OCCURRENCE: FAULTY FUEL PUMP AND EKPS (< ONE MONTH AFTER FIRST REPAIR). VEHICLE NEEDED RIGHT FRONT TIRE REPLACED. COMMENTS: UPON DRIVING MY VEHICLE ONTO THE DEALERSHIP LOT TO HAVE MY TIRE REPLACED, AS SOON AS THE TECHNICIAN GOT IN THE VEHICLE, IT STALLED AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. ISSUE: 2ND OCCURRENCE: LEFT FRONT THRUST ARM BALL JOINT LOOSE CAUSING CLUNK IN FRONT END. ISSUE: 3RD OCCURRENCE: LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM BENT. WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEEDED DUE TO BENT CONTROL ARM. COMMENTS: MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH OUR CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND THE TIRE AND STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO JERK. THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE TURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT FOR THE VEHICLE TO GO STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY. THESE ISSUES PUT MY FAMILY IN DANGER AND COULD HAVE SEVERELY CAUSED MY FAMILY HARM AND/OR HARM TO OTHER VEHICLES.

NHTSA ID
11386880
Incident
Jun 4, 2020
Mileage
55,000 mi
Airbags
Filed May 28, 2019

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA ID
11210452
Incident
May 4, 2019
Engine
Filed Dec 12, 2018

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, I SHIFTED INTO MANUAL MODE, DOWNSHIFTING I ORDER TO EVADE AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER. I THEN SHIFTED BACK TO AUTOMATIC, AT APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH, AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE CUT OUT , THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STEERING WAS NON POWERED. THE CAR ALSO SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL. I RECEIVED AN ERROR ABOUT STABILITY AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR FOR SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE CAR DID THIS 3 TIMES BEFORE I REACHED MY DESTINATION AND WAS ABLE TO ALLOW IT TO SIT. IT WASN'T UNTIL LATER THAT EVENING THAT IT WAS ABLE TO BE STARTED AND DRIVE SUCCESSFULLY HOME.

NHTSA ID
11161059
Incident
Dec 5, 2018
Mileage
80,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 19, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (PASSPORT BMW, 4730 AUTH PLACE, CAMP SPRINGS, MARYLAND 20746) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11112338
Incident
Jul 5, 2018
Mileage
70,000 mi
AirbagsEngine
Filed Feb 9, 2018

BMW DEALERSHIP IN GEORGIA, TBILISI IS LIAR. I VISITED THEM FOR CUSTOMER CAR PACKAGE. UNDER THIS CCP MUST BE REPLACED SOME PARTS WITHOUT CHECKING AND SOME OF THEM AFTER CHECKING. THAT DEALERSHIP CHAMGED ME ONLY AIR MASS SENSORS WHEN BMW AG STATES THAT VENT PIPE BANK 1 AND 2, CONNECTING LINE BANK 1 AND 2, AOR MASS SENSORS, INTAKE AIR DUCT MUST BE REPLACED ON EVERY N63S. INJECTORS, VACUUM PUMP, CHAIN AND SOME ORHER PARTS MUST BE REPLACED AFTER CHECKING IF THEY ARE FAULTY. THAT DEALERSHIP LIED ME THAT THEY RECEIVED NEW DOCUMENTATIONS FROM BMW AND ONLY AIR MASS SENNSORS MUST BE CHANGED. THEY ARE LIARS. MY CAR IS UNDER BURNING RISK BECAUSE THEY CHANGED ONLY AIR MASS SENSORS AND DID NOT PERFORMED THE CCP PROPERLY. THEY DID NOT CHECK MY TIMING CHAIN TOO. MY CONTACT NUMBER +995 591227222

NHTSA ID
11071979
Incident
Jan 8, 2018

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B012016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

B110614

ENGINE

This bulletin outlines the Customer Care Package program that has been designed exclusively for BMWvehicles with the N63 engine. Vehicles with the N63 high performance engine are engineered with EfficientDynamics that provides fueleconomy without compromising on its “class leading” power and performance. To ensure these engines keep delivering the ultimate performance, we have designed this Care Package thatincludes a 6 point check, and if necessary, the replacement of one or more of the following powertraincomponents: Hot-Film Air Mass Sensors PIEZO High Pressure Fuel Injectors Engine Vacuum Pump Fuel System Low Pressure Sensor/Feed Line Fresh Air Intake Turbo Seals Crankcase Ventilation Lines (Hoses)

B012016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

B012016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW X6 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026320—
2025140—
2024950—
2023110—
2022311—
2021771—
20209100—
2019540—
2018441—
2017321—
2016911—
2015911—
2014113048.2
2013Viewing255045.7
2012327048.2
20113111057.7
2010159057.9
20091910047.7
2008480—
2007100—
2006100—
2005000—
2004000—
2003000—
2002000—
2001000—
2000000—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.