BMW · X5 · 2013
6
Recalls
146
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2013 BMW X5 has 6 recalls and 146 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: air bags (45 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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Rollover Resistance
17.4% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
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.
Remedy Status
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Remedy Status
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 Status
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.
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 Status
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 AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
My family and I were traveling from Maryland to Florida, with a planned stop in Atlanta. We were driving our 2013 BMW X5 x Drive 35i and were traveling southbound on [XXX] through Greenville, South Carolina when the incident occurred. While driving at highway speed, my husband suddenly noticed multiple error messages appearing on the vehicle’s display screen - air bag malfunction, 4x4 malfunction, stabilization, etc. He immediately began pulling the vehicle over. Within moments, he observed smoke and visible flames coming from the rear driver’s-side area of the vehicle. He urgently shouted for me and our daughter to get out of the car. What followed happened extremely fast, within approximately 15 seconds. I yelled for my daughter to unbuckle and run. In a state of panic, I grabbed our dog, and as we tried to exit the vehicle, the fire spread rapidly and aggressively. Thick, black smoke engulfed the area and we fled on foot, coughing and struggling to breathe from the smoke. By the time we reached a safe distance, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. Thankfully, we were able to escape without physical injury, but the incident was terrifying and could very easily have resulted in serious injury or loss of life. The vehicle was completely destroyed, along with all of our personal belongings - cell phones, laptops, clothing, luggage, etc. We have since checked for recalls associated with the vehicle’s VIN and were told none were listed. However, a vehicle should not spontaneously catch fire while being operated normally on a highway. The sudden onset, rapid spread of the fire, and lack of warning raise serious concerns about a potential defect, whether electrical, fuel-related, or otherwise. We believe this incident was preventable and that there may have been a failure in design, manufacturing, or warning. We had the insurance company and BMW inspect the vehicle, but the fire destroyed the car entirely, and a cause "could not be determined." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC
The EGR system in my 2013 BMW x5d has failed. There is a recall notice for the EGR system on the 2014 BMW x5d with the same engine and exhaust system related to a fire warning. It would seem to make sense to include the my car in the recall under the circumstances.
The componet that failed is the cars electric system in the rear. Battery gets so hot its melted a 2nd orange box on top of the battery. Burned a hole right through. Attempted to start the vehicle, now it's throwing big sparks in the rear battery compartment. ABS warnings, brake warnings, it leaks. It will not start again! We have no transportation. Noone seems to be very concerned about the matter. Atleast 7 open, very dangerous recalls on this vehicle. How come someone has to die from the companies failure to fix what they know is wrong? This vehicle is paid for, owned by a Middle/lower class hard working single mom. I've seen to many cases of people who aren't financially threatening get delt a ball full of crap. All walks of life pay really good money for bmws cars. How about bmw returns the favor and keeps their word. My car is a death trap according to bmw. What do we do if the company won't cooperate
The primary component that has malfunctioned is the engine's valve stem seals, which are available for inspection upon request. This defect has led to excessive oil consumption, which has now escalated to a critical safety issue. The vehicle is emitting a huge amount of thick smoke from the exhaust with a strong smell of burnt oil, and multiple engine warning lights are illuminated. I have stopped driving the vehicle, as the excessive smoke creates a significant visibility hazard for myself and others, and the underlying issue presents a risk of sudden engine failure. The problem has not been formally confirmed by a dealer, as the General Manager at BMW of Rockville dismissed the repair as not "worth fixing." It is important to note that BMW has been aware of this N63 engine issue and created a Customer Care Package (CCP) to address it, yet I was never notified, despite regular service at authorized centers. The vehicle has not been inspected for this specific safety concern by the manufacturer or others. The initial symptom was excessive oil consumption, which has been ongoing for some time and has now worsened to the current safety-critical state.
Component or system that failed/malfunctioned N63 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine – excessive oil consumption (1 quart every 300–400 miles) caused by failed valve-stem seals and leaking turbocharger coolant feed/return lines. Parts are still on the vehicle and available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Sudden loss of engine oil can lead to catastrophic engine failure, bearing damage, or fire. Leaking coolant onto hot turbochargers creates risk and sudden coolant loss/overheating while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer/independent service center? Yes – confirmed by Paul Miller BMW Wayne, NJ on June 30, 2025 (invoice #524818). Codes: EN79 (engine oil leak diagnosis), CS001 (turbo coolant lines leaking), DE001 (changeover valve cracked/coolant leak). Dealer quoted $12,487 to repair. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others? Inspected by Paul Miller BMW (authorized BMW dealer) on June 30, 2025. No police or insurance involvement. Warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure? Low engine oil warning lamp repeatedly illuminates Visible coolant "steam" around hood and under vehicle after parking. Strong coolant smell from engine bay. Symptoms began approximately 18-24 months ago and have steadily worsened. Additional notes (optional but helpful) Called BMW corporate, refused (said no information) to perform known Customer Care Package B001314 (March 2025 supersession) despite documented symptoms and no mileage limitation in the bulletin. Vehicle is available for immediate NHTSA or BMW inspection.
Check engine light indicated on the dash, immediately took it to an nearby auto mechanic Tuffy in Fort Myers Florida, off of Daniel's parkway. The said the diagnostic said it was valve cover and gasket replacement. Got a second opinion at Apex Auto in Tire in Fort Myers. Had them install a new valve cover and gasket cover. Check engine light was still visible. Probing a further diagnostic. They indicated that this vehicle should be fixed under recall 23V-707. And would suggest a local BMW dealership to perform that service. The mechanic said this was a known problem, this engine is a N55 and under the model list as E70 X5. I retrieved the vehicle and spoke with BMW Fort Myers which indicated that there not an open recall that they will not do a recall claim. because of the symptoms of the vehicle smoking and rattle I'm afraid of a potential engine compartment fire from a broken bolt.
My 2013 X5 is not on the recall list, but it is experiencing the same issue described in the recall for the 2013 X5 ( see below). Recently, I began receiving a message on my dashboard indicating the alert related to the parking brake. Two weeks ago, when I started the vehicle, I was unable to shift into any gear, and also the parking brake malfunction appeared on my dashboard. Please refer to the pictures below, which show the active alert related to the brake and gear issue. I kindly request that my vehicle be added to the recall list so that this critical safety issue can be addressed. I can only imagine the potential consequences if this malfunction had occurred while driving. Fortunately, the car was parked at the time, and no one was injured. __________________________________________ A recall affecting the 2013 BMW X5 xDrive50i, including potential brake issues, is related to a faulty "Integrated Brake System" which may not function properly, potentially leading to extended braking distances or loss of vehicle control; check with BMW or your local dealer to see if your specific vehicle is affected by this recall and to schedule a repair. Key points about the recall: Problem: The integrated brake system may not function according to specifications, potentially causing extended braking distances or loss of control. Affected vehicles: Multiple BMW models, including the 2013 X5 xDrive50i
I noticed smoke comes from engine compartment while I was driving. It has been going on for a few months and I found out the BMW Water Pump Electrical Connector related recall (No 24V-608) for Year 2012-2018 including X5. 'What could happen' in their recall is exactly what I'm experiencing but my VIN number is not part of their recall even though the year and model matches. I called BMW and they said it goes by specific VIN and didn't provide details of why my car is not included. I don't feel safe driving and would like it to be checked by BMW if it is related with the recall. They couldn't help at this point and refer me to NHTSA.
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. After removing the cover I saw a bright flame coming from under the hood.
2013 X5 Xdrive35i overheating temperature icon appears drive moderately to red hot temperature icon but doesn’t overflow. Possible water pump and electrical issues. Smell something burning.
I had been getting battery discharge warnings off and on. I went to fill my car up with gas yesterday, and after I filled it up, the car wouldn't start. After having it towed to my house, my husband and I were looking at it this morning. We discovered that the battery charge distribution box had melted and even burned a hole in the cover.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was sluggish. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance and to address the vehicle driving sluggish. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the valve-tronic camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. There was an existing for similar vehicles; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
While driving locally at a 20-25 mph speed my vehicle shuttered violently and a huge thunk was heard which sounded as if the engine had dropped out. I immediately pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle underneath and under hood but nothing was detected by me. Thankfully I was on a local street with grass side and not highway driving at greater speed and without location to safely park. No warning lights had flashed prior, and no warning lights came on when I restarted vehicle. I limped the vehicle a short distance to a auto repair shop for diagnosis. It was reported to me the front drive shaft had broken out and fallen down into the skid plate. It was given to me and I still have the shaft which is broken at the front fork with one fork missing. I had the 2013 BMW X5 taken to the local BMW dealer and was told this vehicle is not covered by the NHTSA Recall 17V138000 for this model BMW due to my VIN being excluded. The vehicle is 12 years old but has only 114,000 miles. I cannot understand how such a major safety component failure for a maker and model can exclude certain VIN vehicles and that major safety component actuall fail in that excluded vehicle. At this point BMW is denying any responsibility for this issue. I feel as if I could have been killed, and possibly killed others, if this had happened in a higher speed and higher traffic situation.
Driving at approximately 60 mph, suddenly - a lot of vibration and an incredibly loud bang. We were able to continue driving. On investigation, confirmed that there had been a catastrophic failure of the front drive-shaft. On further investigation, this is a known issue with this make & model and there was a recall [XXX]: Replace Front Driveshaft in 2017. This recall literature describes everything in the document as to what actually happened. I called BMW of Westchester where I purchased car on [XXX] and left message, they did not return my call/message. I then proceed to call BMW USA (1-800-831-1117) on [XXX] and as to how come car had not been called and concern with potential gap in their system. They explained that this recall only applied to cars produced on April-22, 2013 and my car had been produced on [XXX]. Apparently, they changed the front driveshaft part. However - as you can see, this seems to be too much of a coincidence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The EGR Cooler went bad when my car's mileage is at 113,254. BMW have an active recall for EGR cooler [XXX] . However, it only covers 2014-2017 BMW X5 xDrive35d. I have a 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d, which has the same N57T engine as the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d model. The engine light was on. I brought it to the BMW of Fairfax dealership to check. They told me that it is unsafe to drive the car if the EGR Cooler is not replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
There is an open recall on BMW X5D and other BMW diesel models due to a fire hazard, the recall warns of an EGR code warning on the vehicle. My 2013 BMW X5D 3.5 has that warning code, however BMW claims that there isn’t a recall on it. My VIN is [XXX], and for the last 5 or 6 years I was told by the guy who was my rep at the dealership there was a possible recall, but BMW was having issues keeping up with demand for the parts. Now I have this warning, the dealership is denying the warranty. Yet I’m still at risk. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
1) The power steering completely failed without any warning as a result of the serpentine belt failing catastrophically. 2) The failure happened in rush hour traffic right as the light turned green to turn left on an extremely busy intersection. I couldn’t turn the wheel and was a few inches from a head on collision with several large trucks which were also turning to the opposite direction. 3) The service center explained that this issue is the most common that they see on bmws with the same engine. They alleged that BMW used a faulty power steering bolt that would leak fluid onto the belt, eventually leading to catastrophic engine failure due to the shredded belt being sucked into the crankshaft seal. 4) Yes. 5) The steering was heavy but the bmw dealer assured me the vehicle was in excellent shape just a few weeks prior to this incident.
During the past raining season, car battery compartment flooded creating a fire/electrical hazard during operation and addition total malfunction of instruments, lighting, warning systems in general, airbags, rendering the vehicle useless. The issue is well documented online by various owners, BMW stop assisting owners of vehicles that have the same issue of flooding. Please assist with any possible help to resolve the problem(s) of the vehicle 2013 BMW X5
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the front drive shaft failed to operate as designed, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The contact stated that during the failure, the driveshaft detached, and caused damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the front drive shaft and hydraulic steering lines were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V138000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 160,000.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact stated that while pulling into his garage, he smelled an abnormal odor. Additionally, he noticed smoke coming from the tail pipes. The contact referenced the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2013 BMW X5 has 6 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 146 owner-reported complaints for the 2013 BMW X5.
The 2013 BMW X5 received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2013 BMW X5 are air bags (45 reports), engine (34 reports), power train (16 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 6 recalls on record for the 2013 BMW X5. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.