2013 BMW X1 recalls and problems

The 2013 BMW X1 has 3 safety recalls and 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Urgent: recall 26V-733 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
3
Complaints
39
Crashes / fires
3 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

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

2013 BMW X1 recalls

Recall 26V-733: Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling

Park outsideReported Nov 4, 2026 · 720,796 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2016 3 Series, 5 Series, Z4, 2012-2015 X1, 2013-2017 X3, 2015-2016 4 Series Gran Coupe, 2 Series Convertible, 2014-2016 328xi Gran Turismo, 2 Series Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 3 Series Coupe, 3 Series Sportswagon, 2015-2018 X4, and 2016-2018 X5 xDrive40e vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Risk: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in December 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 25, 2026. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 24V608. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

Recall 24V-608: Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Aug 13, 2024 · 720,796 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-017: Air Bags

Reported Jan 15, 2020 · 59,965 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 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.

2013 BMW X1 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System18
Engine16
Engine and Engine Cooling12
Unknown or Other6
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Service Brakes1
Power Train1
Steering1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Air Bags1
Structure1
Back Over Prevention1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 96,000 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 complaints

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

Vehicle Speed Control · reported Nov 2, 2026
I was slowing down to turn when the car suddenly accelerated out of control instead. The engine reved to full RPMS and couldn't stop. I drove into a ditch instead of other traffic. The car rolled multiple times and I could have died! Glad no one else was involved.
Electrical System · reported Jul 25, 2026
I'm not sure If I need to report BMW for declining to repair a recall known as 24V-608. I went to my local BMW dealership Valley Auto World BMW In Fayetteville, NC. The first time we went they said they put a cover over the wiring connector for oil or water dripping from the PCV hose. When we went their were no engine codes and a week after they perform the inspection I got engine codes regarding the water pump codes are U0079 - U019F. I got this when It was at night. The following morning I went out and unplugged the connector and corrosion was on the connector. I proceed to clean the…
Electrical System · reported May 29, 2026
Approximately 8 months ago, I brought my car to the BMW dealership Keeler's in Latham, NY 12110 for a Recall 24V-608:474, the dealer held my car for a day. Two weeks later after taking my car in for the recall, my check engine light started going off and on, off and on, then it comes on and stayed on. On certain occasions I smelt burning wiring and antifreeze smell, yet I assumed that those particular smells come from outside through the car vents. The weather was in the fall season, so I never turned on the AC to make sure the cold air was working, the heat was working. It wasn't until the…
Electrical System · reported Sep 26, 2025
Coolant Pump Electrical Connector Recall #24V-608 Program Control Units (DME) Recall #20E-A01 I am following up because my dealer was unable to complete the DME recall, and the coolant pump recall still shows as incomplete in NHTSA. My vehicle was moved off-site without my consent. I received no updates or documentation, and the dealer was dismissive. My car’s condition has declined due to unresolved recalls. I have already spent over $2,000 replacing the coolant pump and now face a $5,000 repair quote and potential off-site garage fees. Description of the issue: Dealer failed to complete…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 80,200 miles · reported Jun 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, upon return to the vehicle, there was an abnormal burning odor outside the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost of the diagnostic test. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…

Other BMW X1 years

Compare all BMW X1 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 BMW X1 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 BMW X1: 26V-733 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling), 24V-608 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling), 20V-017 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report electrical system problems most often (18 reports), followed by engine (16). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 96,000 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.