2013 BMW X5 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 BMW X5. Part of Generation 2 (E70) — 2007–2013.

20122014
Complaints
211
per 10K Sold
54.0
US Sales
39,037
Crashes
3
Fires
12
Injuries
15
Fatalities
Recalls
6

Worst 2013 BMW X5 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#147 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:61,571 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:1
#243 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:58,229 mi
Fires:3
#332 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:69,466 mi
Fires:1
Considering a 2013 BMW X5?

Check the actual VIN — every car is different.

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Check VIN Free

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 BMW X5.

Airbags
47
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
61,571
Engine Problems
43
complaints
Crashes
Fires
3
Avg Miles
58,229
Transmission / Drivetrain
32
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
69,466
Electrical Faults
19
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
69,079
Fuel System
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
45,480
Brakes
6
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
27,500
Seat Belt Issues
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
62,687
Body Structure
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
49,510
Engine & Cooling
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Warnings
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Parking-Brake Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Sunroof/Moonroof
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 BMW X5. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2013 BMW X5

6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~342,554 vehicles.

20V017000Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
~59,965 affected

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, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

19V017000Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
~83,016 affected

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 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

18V336000Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
~33,214 affected

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.

18V030000Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
~41,808 affected

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 Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

17V138000Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
~121,909 affected

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. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.

12V267000Steering
~2,642 affected

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.

Other BMW X5 Years

2013 BMW X5 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2013 BMW X5 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2013 BMW X5 has 211 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash-related, and 6 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Airbags with 47 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2013 BMW X5?
Top reported problems: Airbags (47 complaints, avg 61,571 mi); Engine Problems (43 complaints, avg 58,229 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (32 complaints, avg 69,466 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 BMW X5?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 60,653 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2013 BMW X5?
NHTSA complaints for the 2013 BMW X5 include 3 crash-related reports, 12 fire reports, 15 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2013 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 342,554 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2013 BMW X5?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full BMW X5 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2013 BMW X5

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

Check Any VIN — $4.99