2013 BMW X1

▲ Better than typical
2013 BMW X1
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:47.516Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
38
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2013

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

47% of complaints

Complaints per year

2013: 38 complaints 2013 38 2014: 54 complaints 2015: 52 complaints 2015 2016: 159 complaints 2017: 156 complaints 2017 2018: 60 complaints 2019: 13 complaints 2019 2020: 13 complaints 2021: 8 complaints 2021 2022: 1 complaint 2023: 71 complaints 2023 2024: 30 complaints 2025: 17 complaints 2025 2026: 1 complaint
2013: 38 complaints 2013 38 2014: 54 complaints 2014 2015: 52 complaints 2015 2016: 159 complaints 2016 2017: 156 complaints 2017 2018: 60 complaints 2018 2019: 13 complaints 2019 2020: 13 complaints 2020 2021: 8 complaints 2021 2022: 1 complaint 2022 2023: 71 complaints 2023 2024: 30 complaints 2024 2025: 17 complaints 2025 2026: 1 complaint 2026
2013: 38 complaints 2013 38 2014: 54 complaints 2014 2015: 52 complaints 2015 2016: 159 complaints 2016 2017: 156 complaints 2017 2018: 60 complaints 2018 2019: 13 complaints 2019 2020: 13 complaints 2020 2021: 8 complaints 2021 2022: 1 complaint 2022 2023: 71 complaints 2023 2024: 30 complaints 2024 2025: 17 complaints 2025 2026: 1 complaint 2026

2013: 38 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20120
201338
201454
201552
2016159
2017156
201860
201913
202013
20218
20221
202371
202430
202517
20261

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

47% · 18 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The sensor on the electric water pump failed and caused the water pump thermostat and alternator to stop working and the truck to catch on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-05-01

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-25

Engine

42% · 16 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

While pulling up to a red light and after coming to a complete stop, I sensed the engine was revving. While pressing down on the brake, I checked the RPM gauge to see the engine was revving at around 7k rpm.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-05

Vehicle with 68,000 miles began having whirring noise that progressed to rattling while driving. Whirring first heard while engine running idle then disappeared.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-03-16

Engine and engine cooling

32% · 12 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

5% · 2 reports
FIRE

Service brakes

5% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2020-03-11Air bags20V017000 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,...

    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.

  2. R
    2025-03-28Electrical system, engine and engine cooling24V608000 BMW of North America, LLC.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Buy-smart checklist

2013 BMW X1 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 18 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 16 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
  • Recall 24V608000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 BMW X1 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 BMW X1 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW X1?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 BMW X1 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.