MYRModel Year Report

2013 BMW X5

◆ Worse than typical
2013 BMW X5
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:44.953Z

This year had 30% to 100% more 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
149
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 2013

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

34% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 102 complaints 2003: 99 complaints 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 82 complaints 2006: 168 complaints 2007: 71 complaints 2008: 215 complaints 2008 2009: 138 complaints 2010: 124 complaints 2011: 263 complaints 2012: 271 complaints 2013: 149 complaints 2013 149 2014: 99 complaints 2015: 152 complaints 2016: 74 complaints 2017: 75 complaints 2018: 73 complaints 2019: 192 complaints 2020: 112 complaints 2020 2021: 109 complaints 2022: 70 complaints 2023: 34 complaints 2024: 145 complaints 2024 2025: 62 complaints 2026: 28 complaints
2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 102 complaints 2002 2003: 99 complaints 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 82 complaints 2006: 168 complaints 2006 2007: 71 complaints 2008: 215 complaints 2008 2009: 138 complaints 2010: 124 complaints 2010 2011: 263 complaints 2012: 271 complaints 2013: 149 complaints 2013 149 2014: 99 complaints 2015: 152 complaints 2016: 74 complaints 2016 2017: 75 complaints 2018: 73 complaints 2018 2019: 192 complaints 2020: 112 complaints 2020 2021: 109 complaints 2022: 70 complaints 2022 2023: 34 complaints 2024: 145 complaints 2024 2025: 62 complaints 2026: 28 complaints 2026
2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 102 complaints 2002 2003: 99 complaints 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 82 complaints 2006: 168 complaints 2006 2007: 71 complaints 2008: 215 complaints 2008 2009: 138 complaints 2010: 124 complaints 2010 2011: 263 complaints 2012: 271 complaints 2012 2013: 149 complaints 2013 149 2014: 99 complaints 2014 2015: 152 complaints 2016: 74 complaints 2016 2017: 75 complaints 2018: 73 complaints 2018 2019: 192 complaints 2020: 112 complaints 2020 2021: 109 complaints 2022: 70 complaints 2022 2023: 34 complaints 2024: 145 complaints 2024 2025: 62 complaints 2026: 28 complaints 2026

2013: 149 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19990
200029
2001160
2002102
200399
200464
200582
2006168
200771
2008215
2009138
2010124
2011263
2012271
2013149
201499
2015152
201674
201775
201873
2019192
2020112
2021109
202270
202334
2024145
202562
202628

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

34% · 50 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

During frontal impact at 34+MPH, airbag did not deploy; driver hit steering wheel and passed out; brakes did not function properly either (Was serviced by BMW dealership less than 2 months ago); vehicle slid straight into car in front of it and...

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-10-05

Also filed under Service brakes

Engine

30% · 45 reports
FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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 ODI report, 2024-09-03

Also filed under Power train

Vehicle parked and turned off at my home. Many hours later vehicle was discovered by a one of my children on fire . Resulting fire destroyed the auto and ignited a major fire to my residence.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-25

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-19

Also filed under Electrical system

Power train

24% · 36 reports

Most commonly citing driveshaft.

FIRE

Electrical system

14% · 21 reports
FIREINJURY

Fuel/propulsion system

6% · 9 reports
FIREINJURY

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2012-07-20Steering12V267000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2012 X5 vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and 2013 X5 and X6 vehicles. Due to a machining error of the steering gear surface, power steering fluid may leak.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the steering gear free of charge. The safety recall began on July 20, 2012. Owners may contact BMW customer relations…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. ▮
    2013Complaint volume 149 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    2017-04-18Power train17V138000 BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2018-03-09Air bags18V030000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of...

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2018-04-18Recall queryClosed 2018-12-01 Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
  6. R
    2019-03-11Engine and engine cooling18V336000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2019-03-14Air bags19V017000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6...

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 50 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 45 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 36 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 12V267000 · Steering
  • Recall 17V138000 · Power train
  • Recall 18V030000 · Air bags
  • Recall 18V336000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 19V017000 · Air bags
  • Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 BMW X5 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 BMW X5 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW X5?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 BMW X5 have?
6 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.