2013 BMW X1

▲ Better than typical

2013 BMW X1
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:56:56.345Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2013: 37 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2012	0
2013	37
2014	53
2015	52
2016	159
2017	154
2018	59
2019	11
2020	12
2021	6
2022	1
2023	70
2024	30
2025	12
2026	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 46%

46% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file.

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, 20250501

ENGINE 43%

43% of complaints: engine — 16 distinct reports on file.

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, 20231005

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, 20200316

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 32%

32% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 5%

5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 2 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

STRUCTURE 3%

3% of complaints: structure — 1 distinct report on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20200311 — air bags

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.

Campaign 20V017000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20250328 — electrical system, engine and engine cooling

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.

Campaign 24V608000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2013 BMW X1 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine issues (16 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (12 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 20V017000 (air bags) has been completed.
Verify recall 24V608000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ● 2015 ● 2014

WORST YEARS

■ 2016 ■ 2017 ◆ 2023

See all years ranked →

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 46% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 BMW X1 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.