2013 BMW X1 SAV recalls and problems

The 2013 BMW X1 SAV has 3 safety recalls and 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
64
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 BMW X1 SAV vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 BMW X1 SAV recalls

Recall 16V-071: Air Bags

Reported Feb 5, 2016 · 840,000 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 14V-627: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 7, 2014 · 8,988 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 13V-454: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Sep 26, 2013 · 76,191 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

2013 BMW X1 SAV problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags33
Electrical System10
Engine9
Service Brakes5
Power Train5
Unknown or Other4
Visibility2
Steering2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Seat Belts2
Structure2
Exterior Lighting2

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1
  • Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 43,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 BMW X1 SAV complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 100,800 miles · reported Dec 26, 2019
2 months after reporting a dead/drained battery, it has happened again. The alarm starts whining and then the car needs to be jumped because the battery is dead. Car was stationary when occurred, and is driven daily during the school year, but can sit for a few days during school breaks.
Electrical System · at 111,000 miles · reported Nov 24, 2019
Strong electrical burning smell from vents the smell does not go away when recirculating the air and I suspect it is not coming from outside of the engine bay b. This issue is very similar to the symptoms documented in safety recall 17v-676 ' blower motor wiring ' 2006-2011 bmw 3 series
Electrical System · at 100,000 miles · reported Oct 28, 2019
Bought the car from a dealer with a new battery. Battery died 5 days later for no apparent reason. Nothing worked on car. Had to jump it. Was told by mechanic to buy a different battery. That new battery died 6 days later. Nothing worked on car. Had to jump it. Apparently from my research, this model has an issue with the negative battery terminal cable and also with parasitic components constantly draining the battery. It shouldn't cost me $$$ to have a mechanic diagnose and re-program car computer, as well as purchase new batteries.
Air Bags · reported Jul 1, 2019
Passenger air bag light coming on and off and seatbelt light always on while driving two days after recall for driver airbag was done this issue started. The dealership person told me that I had to wait until the lights are steady to fix the problem , something about a sensor or weight mat.
Electrical System · at 74,300 miles · reported May 21, 2019
My got hit on the drive side door breaking the side view mirror. Took the car to the body shop and I went to pick up my car, the car didn't start as if no electrical power, no power at all, they jump start my car and I brought the car home, the next day no electrical power again, I called the shop where I got my dent fixed and took the car they said they replace the battery and brought the car back to me the next the didn't start again no electrical power they took car again to see what is wrong they said they couldn't figure out what is wrong with my car, so they took the bmw dealer, until…

Other BMW X1 SAV years

Compare all BMW X1 SAV years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 BMW X1 SAV have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 BMW X1 SAV: 16V-071 (air bags), 14V-627 (service brakes, hydraulic), 13V-454 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 BMW X1 SAV?

Owners report air bags problems most often (33 reports), followed by electrical system (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 43,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.