Is the 2013 BMW X3 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 BMW X3 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW X3?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 BMW X3 have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 BMW X3

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2013 BMW X3
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of 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: 226
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2013: 226 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	138
2005	103
2006	143
2007	98
2008	66
2009	19
2010	32
2011	113
2012	42
2013	226
2014	86
2015	105
2016	82
2017	92
2018	76
2019	170
2020	109
2021	108
2022	77
2023	14
2024	38
2025	39
2026	18

Known problem areas

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

Engine

65% · 147 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

January 12, 2019 car was parked unoccupied on street for 2+hours after driving it 20 miles. Vehicle spontaneously caught fire and burned to the ground, total loss. Engine replaced by BMW one year prior under warranty for timing chain guide failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-07

Timing chain broken

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-21

In stop and go traffic on the interstate I was braking after moving forward a few feet and the engine started racing causing the car to lurch forward (Given I was on the brake) until the brake would not hold any longer at which point the car...

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-22

Also filed under Service brakes

Power train

27% · 60 reports

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

As I was backing up, my car suddenly accelerated. I was shocked and tried to brake as fast as I could. I did slow down, but still hit a car that was parked nearby. This happened at a gas station. I did have the codes read, but nothing showed up.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-10

Electrical system

13% · 29 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered a fire on the water pump.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-10-31

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Service brakes

8% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Fuel/propulsion system

7% · 16 reports

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2013Complaint volume 226 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2013-09-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-10-25 Loss of power assist braking
R

2013-12-11Air bags, electrical system13V570000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 X3 xDrive 28i/35i vehicles manufactured February 11, 2013, through February 27, 2013. Due to a production process error, the…

Remedy: BMW has notified owners and dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-01-31Service brakes, hydraulic13V454000 BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-12-02Service brakes, hydraulic14V627000 BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-07-13Child seat16V333000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i, vehicles manufactured July 2, 2010 to April 14, 2016, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014 to March 31,...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-10-06Air bags17V495000 BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, and M6 Convertible vehicles and 2013 M6 Coupe vehicles.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
R

2024-09-06Air bags24V527000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe,...

Remedy: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 BMW X3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 147 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 60 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 29 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V570000 · Air bags, electrical system
Recall 13V454000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 14V627000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 16V333000 · Child seat
Recall 17V495000 · Air bags
Recall 24V527000 · Air bags
Recall 24V608000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

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FAQ

Is the 2013 BMW X3 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 BMW X3 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW X3?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 BMW X3 have?: 7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.

2013 BMW X3

Complaints per year

Known problem areas

Engine

Power train

Electrical system

Service brakes

Fuel/propulsion system

Safety timeline

Buy-smart checklist

Inspect

Verify these recalls were completed

Other years of this model

▲Best years3 years

◆Worst years3 years

FAQ

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years