Worst 2013 BMW X3 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 BMW X3.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 146 | 2 | 4 | 88,377 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 60 | 1 | 1 | 107,052 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 28 | — | 3 | 76,495 mi | |
| Fuel System | 16 | — | — | 75,564 mi | |
| Brakes | 16 | 1 | — | 36,323 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 12 | 1 | — | 43,851 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 11 | — | 2 | 117,941 mi | |
| Airbags | 8 | — | — | 81,000 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | — | 1 | 82,750 mi | |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Turbo/Supercharger | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belts:Front | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seats:Front Assembly:Head Restraint | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 BMW X3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2013 BMW X3
7 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,002,576 vehicles.
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 and short circuit.
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 see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing 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.
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 have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
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 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
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.
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 brake power assistance may fail.
Other BMW X3 Years
2013 BMW X3 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2013 BMW X3 reliable?
What are common problems with the 2013 BMW X3?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 BMW X3?
How safe is the 2013 BMW X3?
Does the 2013 BMW X3 have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2013 BMW X3?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full BMW X3 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2013 BMW X3
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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