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2013 BMW X5 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 BMW X5 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
- 162owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 7fire reports
- 21%fail the UK MOT
162 complaints, against an average of 109 for the other 14 BMW X5 model years.
Every BMW X5 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 BMW X5?
The components named most often in the 162 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 BMW X5 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 162 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2013 BMW X5 overheat?8 owners · 4.9%
- Why does my 2013 BMW X5 smell of burning or smoke?8 owners · 4.9%
- Why does my 2013 BMW X5 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?7 owners · 4.3%
- Has the 2013 BMW X5 had engine failures?7 owners · 4.3%
- Why is my 2013 BMW X5 burning or losing oil?6 owners · 3.7%
- Why do the doors lock or unlock by themselves on my 2013 BMW X5?6 owners · 3.7%
- Have any 2013 BMW X5 vehicles caught fire?6 owners · 3.7%
- Does the 2013 BMW X5 have emissions system or DPF problems?6 owners · 3.7%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 BMW X5?5 owners · 3.1%
Has the 2013 BMW X5 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2013 BMW X5 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 X5 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 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 DVSAThe driver and front passenger airbags may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released into the cabin.
Risk: The driver and front passenger airbags may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released into the cabin.
Fix: Replace the driver and front passenger airbags.
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 DVSAThe idler pulley bolt could become loosened over time
Risk: The power steering idler pulley may detach.
Fix: Replace the pulley securing bolt with an alternative component.
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 DVSAChild safety lock may not activate
Risk: It is possible that vehicles fitted with Automatic Soft-Closure Feature (SCA) rear doors may have an issue with out of tolerance on the SCA mechanism which can result in the deactivation of the child locks when they are activated. This could result in a child unintentionally opening the door and exiting the vehicle. The driver is informed that the rear door is open by a warning on the instrument panel and an acoustic (noise) warning.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check the locks and replace them if required.
UK DVSADrive may fail
Risk: The power steering pump drive belt tensioner pulley securing bolt may fail which will lead to the loss of power steering assistance and the necessity for the driver to supply additional input to steering the vehicle.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the steering pump drive belt tensioner pulley securing bolt with a more robust version.
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 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 driver or passenger airbag inflator may malfunction.In the event of an airbag activation this can lead to the release of fragments from the generator housing, increasing the risk of injury.
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 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 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 child safety lock mechanism on the rear doors may be unintentionally deactivated due to divergent tolerances of the moving parts in…Years estimatedThe child safety lock mechanism on the rear doors may be unintentionally deactivated due to divergent tolerances of the moving parts in the Soft Close Automatic (SCA) door lock.
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
EU Safety GateMotor oil may leak from the brake vacuum pump into the vacuum hose and from there onto the brake booster.Years estimatedIn isolated cases, the motor oil could damage the membrane and affect the power assist braking. This would mean drivers having to depress the brake pedal harder in order to slow down or stop the vehicle. This could lead to a traffic accident.
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
EU Safety GateThe product poses a risk of injuries as there may be a sudden loss of power steering which could lead to a traffic accident.Years estimated
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 X5 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 X5 owners report?
12 of the 162 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 currently experiencing two issues. I’ve done the necessary repairs on one of the issues. The first concern is related to the idle when starting up the vehicle. The combination meter one of them hesitant to continue going up on its own while the accelerator is not being touched. And the driver side actuator is having issues as if it’s stuck..
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…
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.
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…
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…
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.
2013 X5 Xdrive35i overheating temperature icon appears drive moderately to red hot temperature icon but doesn’t overflow. Possible water pump and electrical issues. Smell something burning.
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…
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The odor of smoke was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted regarding the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.
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
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.
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.
2013 BMW X5: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 BMW X5 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 162 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 BMW X5; the most common categories were air bags (52, 32.1%), engine (49, 30.2%), power train (37, 22.8%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 2 complaints mention a crash, 7 mention a fire, 8 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW X5?
Across 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (32.1% of complaints), engine (30.2% of complaints), power train (22.8% of complaints), electrical system (13.6% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (5.6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 BMW X5 have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2013 BMW X5. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2013 BMW X5 overheat?
8 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X5 (4.9%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "2013 X5 Xdrive35i overheating temperature icon appears drive moderately to red hot temperature icon but doesn’t overflow. Possible water pump and electrical issues. Smell something burning." (NHTSA complaint 11609795, August 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 X5 smell of burning or smoke?
8 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X5 (4.9%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11612189, September 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 X5 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
7 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X5 (4.3%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Acceleration issue when starting from a stop position. whether pulling out in traffic or just simply accelerating, this vehicle stalls and then kicks in. terrible handling. definite safety issue." (NHTSA complaint 10918541, October 2016). 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 X5 had engine failures?
7 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X5 (4.3%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "N63 engine failure and battery charging problems. engine blows massive amounts of white smoke from rear tailpipes and battery indicator states low charge." (NHTSA complaint 11142958, October 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.
Why is my 2013 BMW X5 burning or losing oil?
6 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X5 (3.7%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "Oil leak from the valve cover gasket gets into the hot manifold causing a burning oil smell and smoke getting into the cabin through the ac vents causing a major safety issue." (NHTSA complaint 11183676, March 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 do the doors lock or unlock by themselves on my 2013 BMW X5?
6 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X5 (3.7%) describe door locks or door latches failing. One owner wrote: "The doors locked and does not open even from the inside trapping passengers inside the car. Door locks click into place and the doors can't be opened from the inside. Pull the handle and the lock will pop up, but the door won't open." (NHTSA complaint 11465723, May 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 X5 vehicles caught fire?
6 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X5 (3.7%) describe the car catching fire or melting wiring. One owner wrote: "After dropping off my bmw x5m for service at a bmw dealership on 01/27/2021, (they had the vehicle for two days), bmw called us, to inform us that the vehicle was ready to be picked up." (NHTSA complaint 11402669, March 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.
Does the 2013 BMW X5 have emissions system or DPF problems?
6 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X5 (3.7%) describe emissions faults such as DPF, EGR, catalytic converter, AdBlue/DEF or NOx sensor problems. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11706109, December 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 the check engine light on in my 2013 BMW X5?
5 of the 162 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 BMW X5 (3.1%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2013 bmw x5. the contact stated that his vehicle unexpectedly illuminated with check engine warning light. the vehicle was taken to a used dealer (automax hb 925 n harbor blvd, santa ana, ca 92703) for a diagnostic and repairs." (NHTSA complaint 11308503, February 2020). 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 X5
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 X5 M, X5 XDRIVE35D, X5 XDRIVE35I and X5 XDRIVE50I.