2013 BMW X3 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
343
Owner Complaints
7
Recalls
30
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2013 BMW X3
The 2013 BMW X3 has received a total of 343 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 11 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 30 technical service bulletins have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (146 complaints), Power Train (60 complaints), and Electrical System (28 complaints).
Recalls for the 2013 BMW X3
NHTSA has recorded 11 recalls for the 2013 BMW X3, potentially affecting up to 1,808,554 vehicles.
Recall 24V608000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES
| 720,796 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water...
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
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.
View full details →Recall 24V608000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP
| 720,796 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water...
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
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.
View full details →Recall 24V527000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 1,145 vehicles affected
Defect: 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, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please...
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
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.
View full details →Recall 17V495000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 6,785 vehicles affected
Defect: 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. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator housing could separate from the base plate and result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
View full details →Recall 16V333000 — CHILD SEAT:LATCH STRAP
| 188,668 vehicles affected
Defect: 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, 2016, and 2015-2017 x4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i and X4 xDriveM40i vehicles manufactured March3, 2014 to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles...
Consequence: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
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.
View full details →Recall 14V627000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 8,988 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW...
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service...
View full details →Recall 14V627000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
| 8,988 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW...
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service...
View full details →Recall 13V454000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 76,191 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies...
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
View full details →Recall 13V454000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
| 76,191 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies...
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
View full details →Recall 13V570000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
| 3 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 tear seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the air bag could improperly deploy, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the air bag's protection and increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger. In addition, parts or fragments from the air bag system could strike and injure the front passenger or other vehicle occupants.
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 BMW at [email protected].
View full details →Recall 13V570000 — AIR BAGS
| 3 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 tear seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the air bag could improperly deploy, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the air bag's protection and increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger. In addition, parts or fragments from the air bag system could strike and injure the front passenger or other vehicle occupants.
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 BMW at [email protected].
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2013 BMW X3
343 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 BMW X3. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 146 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Power Train | 60 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 28 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 16 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 14 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 12 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 11 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bagssensoroccupant Classification | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bagssensoroccupant Classificationfront Passenger | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Firerelated | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Beltsfront | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
BMW knows there is a problem with the 2013 x3 timing chain. I have continuously had my BMW serviced at there shops. Never once when my car was in for service did they mention the issue or proactively check. My vehicle now has the issue per the dealership snd indicated it is approximately a 20k repair which they included a new engine. I also followed BMWs recommendation to have the oil changed 1year or when miles were hit per their change program. Just has the oil changed in November and at the end of December now timing chain issues. Again multiple times this issue could have been identified and proactively fixed while under warrenty. Also has issues where the material on the glove box peeled off. BMW is also aware of this issue. Poor design and quality on these models/engine. Thank goodness i was not on the expressway when drivabilty issuev occurred!!!
BMW knows there is a problem with the 2013 x3 timing chain. I have continuously had my BMW serviced at there shops. Never once when my car was in for service did they mention the issue or proactively check. My vehicle now has the issue per the dealership snd indicated it is approximately a 20k repair which they included a new engine. I also followed BMWs recommendation to have the oil changed 1year or when miles were hit per their change program. Just has the oil changed in November and at the end of December now timing chain issues. Again multiple times this issue could have been identified and proactively fixed while under warrenty. Also has issues where the material on the glove box peeled off. BMW is also aware of this issue. Poor design and quality on these models/engine. Thank goodness i was not on the expressway when drivabilty issuev occurred!!!
BMW knows there is a problem with the 2013 x3 timing chain. I have continuously had my BMW serviced at there shops. Never once when my car was in for service did they mention the issue or proactively check. My vehicle now has the issue per the dealership snd indicated it is approximately a 20k repair which they included a new engine. I also followed BMWs recommendation to have the oil changed 1year or when miles were hit per their change program. Just has the oil changed in November and at the end of December now timing chain issues. Again multiple times this issue could have been identified and proactively fixed while under warrenty. Also has issues where the material on the glove box peeled off. BMW is also aware of this issue. Poor design and quality on these models/engine. Thank goodness i was not on the expressway when drivabilty issuev occurred!!!
The contact's daughter owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer found no signs of contamination and installed a water pump connector cap. The contact stated that a month after the repair, the engine was overheating while idling, and there was while smoke coming from the engine with an unknown warning light on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the water pump and the battery were replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the water pump connector cap was faulty and had caused the failure. The contact was reminded by his wife of the water pump recall and that the connector cap was replaced due to the recall. Despite the repair, the vehicle shut off soon after starting the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a BMW specialist, who discovered that an antifreeze leak had caused corrosion of several electrical wires inside the engine. The specialist informed the contact that the vehicle needed two engine wiring harnesses, an engine computer, and an IVM (Integrated Supply Module). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact filed paperwork online to be reimbursed for the repairs made to the vehicle. The manufacturer denied the reimbursement because the vehicle had been serviced by an independent mechanic and not a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact's daughter owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer found no signs of contamination and installed a water pump connector cap. The contact stated that a month after the repair, the engine was overheating while idling, and there was while smoke coming from the engine with an unknown warning light on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the water pump and the battery were replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the water pump connector cap was faulty and had caused the failure. The contact was reminded by his wife of the water pump recall and that the connector cap was replaced due to the recall. Despite the repair, the vehicle shut off soon after starting the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a BMW specialist, who discovered that an antifreeze leak had caused corrosion of several electrical wires inside the engine. The specialist informed the contact that the vehicle needed two engine wiring harnesses, an engine computer, and an IVM (Integrated Supply Module). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact filed paperwork online to be reimbursed for the repairs made to the vehicle. The manufacturer denied the reimbursement because the vehicle had been serviced by an independent mechanic and not a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Safety Rating for the 2013 BMW X3
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2013 BMW X3 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2013 BMW X3
BMW of North America, LLC has issued 30 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2013 BMW X3. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
B513016 — PARKING BRAKE
TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion usually after stopping such as a traffic light etc. Vehicle key trunk/tailgate button may be accidentally pressed...
340212 — SERVICE BRAKES
"Service Action: Programming Update for Condition Based Service (CBS) Data. Due to a software error, the remaining distance to a brake service may be incorrectly displayed in the instrument cluster and/or control display. When the calculated distance for a brake service falls below 1243 miles, the range may be improperly...
340212 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
"Service Action: Programming Update for Condition Based Service (CBS) Data. Due to a software error, the remaining distance to a brake service may be incorrectly displayed in the instrument cluster and/or control display. When the calculated distance for a brake service falls below 1243 miles, the range may be improperly...
121712 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
N52T / N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can occur when the transmission remains in a high gear due to a delay in the transmission downshifting. This situation can...
B540617 — STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
WATER LEAK NEAR ROOF FUNCTION CENTER (FZD): Dampness is noticed on the roof liner near the Roof Function Center and/or the hands free microphone.
B160117 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FILTER AND NVLD SENSOR HOLDER. What's New: ? Description of the problem and the procedure is clarified. The activated charcoal canister and NVLD sensor holder are damaged. Transportation damage.
B110317 — ENGINE
?N20 AND N26 ENGINE: HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE FROM LOWER ENGINE AREA . Whining noise from the lower engine area near the engine oil pump that increases frequency when increasing the engine RPM. Wear on the engine oil pump chain drive sprockets.
B611416 — VISIBILITY
WASHER FLUID LEAKS FROM THE HEADLIGHT WASHER JETS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 14 16 dated August 2016.. Washer fluid leaks from the headlight cleaning washer jets. Calcification buildup causes washer fluid to leak out of the headlight cleaning washer jets.
B611416 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
WASHER FLUID LEAKS FROM THE HEADLIGHT WASHER JETS. Washer fluid leaks from the headlight cleaning washer jets. Calcification buildup causes washer fluid to leak out of the headlight cleaning washer jets.
B612115 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
The Instrument Cluster Displays Various Check Control Messages This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 21 15 dated March 2016.. The instrument cluster displays various check control messages. This includes messages for the PDC (Park Distance Control), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and windshield washer system. There can be many different...
Showing 10 of 30 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2013 BMW X3
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the BMW X3
- 2008 BMW X3 — 90 complaints
- 2009 BMW X3 — 23 complaints
- 2010 BMW X3 — 41 complaints
- 2011 BMW X3 — 163 complaints
- 2012 BMW X3 — 66 complaints
- 2013 BMW X3 (current)
- 2014 BMW X3 — 124 complaints
- 2015 BMW X3 — 156 complaints
- 2016 BMW X3 — 115 complaints
- 2017 BMW X3 — 137 complaints
- 2018 BMW X3 — 97 complaints