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2013 BMW X3 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 BMW X3 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
- 226owner complaints
- 4crash reports
- 10fire reports
- 26%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about BMW X3 year on file: 226 complaints, against an average of 77 for the other 14 model years.
Every BMW X3 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 BMW X3?
The components named most often in the 226 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 BMW X3 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 226 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2013 BMW X3 engine?81 owners · 35.8%
- Has the 2013 BMW X3 had engine failures?53 owners · 23.5%
- Why does my 2013 BMW X3 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?50 owners · 22.1%
- Why is my 2013 BMW X3 burning or losing oil?23 owners · 10.2%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 BMW X3?18 owners · 8%
- Why won't my 2013 BMW X3 start?11 owners · 4.9%
- Have any 2013 BMW X3 vehicles caught fire?9 owners · 4%
- Why does my 2013 BMW X3 overheat?7 owners · 3.1%
Has the 2013 BMW X3 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2013 BMW X3 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 X3 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 DVSAAdaption measure for the emission control system
Risk: For certain vehicles there is an adaptation measure for the emissions control system.
Fix: The vehicles will have some components of the emissions control system replaced with adapted parts and their control applications will be updated.
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 DVSAExhaust gas recirculation cooler could potentially leak over time
Risk: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an improved version.
UK DVSAPower steering may not perform correctly
Risk: The electrical contact of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not sufficiently robust over the service life of the vehicle. As a result the power steering support may fail possibly leading to disconcerting driving situation for the driver. Additionally in a few cases a localised thermal event cannot be excluded.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering gear (EPS).
UK DVSAIsofix child restraint system may become insecure
Risk: ISOFIX mountings are fixed to a cross member. As a result of vibrations and type of seat used it is possible for the ISOFIX mountings to become insecure and in rare cases break off.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and a metal angle bracket will be welded to each of the four ISOFIX brackets in the back seats to reinforce the mounting.
UK DVSAFront passenger airbag may not deploy correctlyYears estimated
Risk: The defect concerns the front passenger air bag. The skin of certain instrument panels was not correctly scored. In case of accident with air bag deployment the predetermined breaking point will not tear open resulting in the air bag deploying in the instrument panel. This will lead to insufficient restraint effect and possibly release of parts of the air bag system into the passenger compartment.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the instrument panel.
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 GateA seam on the inflator housing of the driver airbag may not have been correctly welded.In case of accident, when the airbag is deployed, the inflator can burst, releasing metal parts which could 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 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 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
EU Safety GateThe housing of the driver’s front airbag inflator may have been incorrectly welded.In the event of a crash with airbag activation, the inflator may consequently rupture. Metal fragments created as a result could pass through the airbag, causing fatal injuries to the vehicle 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: 08/08/2017
EU Safety GateThe control unit of the electronic power steering may have been incorrectly manufactured.This may cause a fire even when the vehicle is parked. Furthermore, steering assistance might fail while driving.
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 four ISOFIX child-seat attachment brackets on the rear seats are insufficiently strong and could break when under stress from dynamic…The four ISOFIX child-seat attachment brackets on the rear seats are insufficiently strong and could break when under stress from dynamic turning movements. This could increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident. 14.
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 GateIn the event of an accident with airbag deployment, the passenger front airbag may not deploy correctly.This can lead to an increased risk of injury for the passenger. Additionally, parts of the instrument panel could be thrown into the passenger compartment.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2013 BMW X3 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 X3 owners report?
12 of the 226 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.
My Brake Vacuum Pump is broken, with oil leaking into the vacuum reservoir. The brake distance is much longer. I searched the web and found out a lot of people had the same issue.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light and drivetrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the positive battery terminal motherboard had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer…
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…
The contact's daughter owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer found no signs of contamination and installed a water pump connector cap. The contact stated that a month after the repair, the engine was overheating while idling, and there was while smoke coming from the engine with an unknown warning light on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic…
While driving my 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i under normal conditions, a “drivetrain malfunction” warning suddenly appeared, immediately followed by a “low oil pressure” warning. Within seconds, the engine lost all power and shut off completely while the vehicle was in motion. I had to coast and steer the car off the roadway and push it to safety with the help of others. My safety and the safety of other drivers were at risk due to the sudden and complete loss of propulsion in active traffic. An independent BMW-trained service center confirmed that the engine suffered catastrophic internal damage…
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, smoke was noticed leaking from under the hood. The contact stated that after she opened the hood, the vehicle caught on fire. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that she and a neighbor had extinguished the fire utilizing a fire extinguisher. No police report was filed. The fire department did not arrive on scene. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was not deemed a total loss. The contact was burned on her hand however, she did not seek medical attention. Upon further…
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…
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that the owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that while her mother was driving 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked, with an abnormal sound coming from the engine before the engine seized. The message "Service Engine" was displayed. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to restart; however, an abnormal sound was coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
I had a terrible BMW X3 (2013) Engine timing chain failure leading to Engine failure (known BMW X3 N20 engine time chain and engine coolant pump defect). The Car is non drivable and had to be towed to BMW Cleveland dealership and should be available for inspection. While driving on busy [XXX] , suddenly showed “low coolant” indicator and yellow engine light which turned red after sometime and the car stalled complelely on the road that caused huge safety risk for me the driver and incoming traffic. Had to call 911 to help manage incoming traffic and help with towing the car to the dealership…
Passenger airbag warning lights on/off for about a year. Currently the car has 60,000 miles. When I mentioned to dealer, (car in for emission recall), I was informed that the occupancy detection mat was faulty and needed to be replaced ($1821.04). If not replaced, vehicle would not pass Mass State Inspection. Had the work done at BMW dealer to have it replaced, as the car is due soon for an inspection sticker.
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…
When driving and after using brakes, the brakes do not let off, they drag. I was driving on the highway, and had to slow down for traffic and the car would not accelerate.This happened several times and I brought it to a BMW repair shop. They diagnosed it to be the ABS pump, replaced it with a used one and I have not had any problems since. I have researched this issue and found others with like make & model have had similar problems. Since this could cause the vehicle to slow down without actually braking, I worry about someone hitting the car from the back because the brake lights don't come…
2013 BMW X3: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 BMW X3 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 226 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 BMW X3; the most common categories were engine (147, 65%), power train (60, 26.5%), electrical system (29, 12.8%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 4 complaints mention a crash, 10 mention a fire, 5 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW X3?
Across 226 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (65% of complaints), power train (26.5% of complaints), electrical system (12.8% of complaints), service brakes (8.4% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (7.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 BMW X3 have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2013 BMW X3. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2013 BMW X3 engine?
81 of the 226 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X3 (35.8%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "The timing chain guide broke while I was driving on the highway. The broken guide did not allow oil to lubricate the engine which destroyed the engine." (NHTSA complaint 11559551, December 2023). 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 X3 had engine failures?
53 of the 226 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X3 (23.5%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Cold weather start camshaft adjuster bolt broke and seized camshaft in place. As a result the oiling system didn’t work properly and ruined the camshaft bearings and crankshaft and rod bearings. Replacement engine exceeds value of the car." (NHTSA complaint 11569530, February 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.
Why does my 2013 BMW X3 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
50 of the 226 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X3 (22.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "The car experienced major issues and nearly stalled while driving. It was pulled off a road into a driveway where it caught fire and burned to the ground. No recall information was ever sent to my house. Very dangerous occurrence." (NHTSA complaint 11698316, November 2025). 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 is my 2013 BMW X3 burning or losing oil?
23 of the 226 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X3 (10.2%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "My Brake Vacuum Pump is broken, with oil leaking into the vacuum reservoir. The brake distance is much longer. I searched the web and found out a lot of people had the same issue." (NHTSA complaint 11743291, June 2026). 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 is the check engine light on in my 2013 BMW X3?
18 of the 226 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X3 (8%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11422029, 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 won't my 2013 BMW X3 start?
11 of the 226 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X3 (4.9%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "The vehicle (at 102k mileage) failed to start at the heavy traffic interaction without any warning signs, and was then towed to a local BMW shop." (NHTSA complaint 11499091, December 2022). 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.
Have any 2013 BMW X3 vehicles caught fire?
9 of the 226 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X3 (4%) describe the car catching fire or melting wiring. One owner wrote: "The car experienced major issues and nearly stalled while driving. It was pulled off a road into a driveway where it caught fire and burned to the ground. No recall information was ever sent to my house. Very dangerous occurrence." (NHTSA complaint 11698316, November 2025). 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 X3 overheat?
7 of the 226 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X3 (3.1%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "Engine overheat warning due to water pump issues. just under 5 years of brand new purchase. see similar part has excessive complaints." (NHTSA complaint 10953923, February 2017). 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 X3
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 X3 XDRIVE28I and X3 XDRIVE35I.