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2013 BMW X1 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 BMW X1 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 102owner complaints
- 4crash reports
- 1fire report
- 25%fail the UK MOT
102 complaints, against an average of 62 for the other 12 BMW X1 model years.
Every BMW X1 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 BMW X1?
The components named most often in the 102 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 BMW X1 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 102 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 BMW X1?8 owners · 7.8%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2013 BMW X1 engine?7 owners · 6.9%
- Has the 2013 BMW X1 had engine failures?6 owners · 5.9%
- Why does my 2013 BMW X1 smell of burning or smoke?5 owners · 4.9%
- Why does my 2013 BMW X1 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?4 owners · 3.9%
Has the 2013 BMW X1 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2013 BMW X1 as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2013 BMW X1 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAReplace the Driver’s Airbag – Takata PSDI-5
Risk: Affected vehicles may be fitted with a drivers airbag which may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released into the cabin. It has the potential to fatally or seriously injure vehicle occupants.
Fix: Affected vehicles will have the airbag replaced.
UK DVSATakata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)
Risk: Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.
Fix: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.
UK DVSACheck Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
Risk: Affected vehicles may have had a retrofit or conversion of the airbag using a previously recalled airbag variant which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury possibly fatal to people in the vicinity. The original factory fitment airbag for the vehicle is not affected.
Fix: Vehicles will have the airbag checked and if necessary replaced.
UK DVSAA possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which…A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Risk: A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Fix: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.
UK DVSAUndetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
Risk: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident
Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.
UK DVSAExhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak
Risk: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk
Fix: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles
UK DVSAPlug in contact cable may malfunction
Risk: It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
UK DVSALoss of drive
Risk: It is possible that over a period of time the bolt securing the clutch cover/pressure plate may become loose. The drive should be warned of this by the behaviour of the clutch noise from it or inability to select gears. Under certain conditions complete loss of drive could occur which could place the driver and occupant of the vehicle in a prone position.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the clutch bolts.
UK DVSAEngine may cut outYears estimated
Risk: It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be make aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
EU Safety GateThe driver airbag inflator may malfunction due to long-term degradation.In this case, if the airbag is deployed in an accident, the internal pressure in the inflator may be too high. The inflator could burst. Metal fragments may cause injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant within the integrated inflator of driver airbags can deteriorate during time.If the airbag deploys, it could result in fragments from the inflator casing injuring the vehicle’s occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations.In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021
EU Safety GateThe airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and…The airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2013 BMW X1 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2013, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2013 BMW X1 owners report?
12 of the 102 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
There is a light on the dashboard that says Service Engin Soon
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…
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…
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
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.
PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF AND SEATBELT LIGHT ALWAYS ON WHILE DRIVING TWO DAYS AFTER RECALL FOR DRIVER AIRBAG WAS DONE THIS ISSUE STARTED. THE DEALERSHIP PERSON TOLD ME THAT I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL THE LIGHTS ARE STEADY TO FIX THE PROBLEM , SOMETHING ABOUT A SENSOR OR WEIGHT MAT.
THE POWER STEERING IS VERY ROUGH DOES NOT ALWAYS TURN THE CAR WELL
2013 BMW X1: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 BMW X1 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 102 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 BMW X1; the most common categories were air bags (33, 32.4%), electrical system (28, 27.5%), engine (25, 24.5%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 4 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW X1?
Across 102 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (32.4% of complaints), electrical system (27.5% of complaints), engine (24.5% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (11.8% of complaints), service brakes (6.9% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 BMW X1 have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2013 BMW X1. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 BMW X1?
8 of the 102 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X1 (7.8%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11563522, January 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2013 BMW X1 engine?
7 of the 102 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X1 (6.9%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11563522, January 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2013 BMW X1 had engine failures?
6 of the 102 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X1 (5.9%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11422471, June 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2013 BMW X1 smell of burning or smoke?
5 of the 102 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X1 (4.9%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "Strong electrical burning smell from vents the smell does not go away when recirculating the air and i suspect it is not coming from outside of the engine bay b." (NHTSA complaint 11281998, November 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2013 BMW X1 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
4 of the 102 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X1 (3.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "I was driving and the nys thurway and my car shut down because i found that my ground cable to the battery rusted or rotted then broke because there was no cover around the cable protecting it from the weather." (NHTSA complaint 11103526, June 2018). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own X1
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2013 only; combines NHTSA's entries for X1 SDRIVE28I, X1 XDRIVE28I and X1 XDRIVE35I.