2013 BMW X5 SAV recalls and problems

The 2013 BMW X5 SAV has 1 safety recall and 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
13
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 BMW X5 SAV vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 BMW X5 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.

2013 BMW X5 SAV problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags5
Engine4
Service Brakes2
Unknown or Other1
Power Train1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Electrical System1
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 45,000 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 X5 SAV complaints

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

Engine · at 68,000 miles · reported Mar 2, 2019
Oil leak from the valve cover gasket gets into the hot manifold causing a burning oil smell and smoke getting into the cabin through the AC vents causing a major safety issue.
Electrical System · at 56,000 miles · reported Oct 26, 2018
N63 engine failure and battery charging problems. Engine blows massive amounts of white smoke from rear tailpipes and battery indicator states low charge. This is a known defect to bmw as thousands have complained but bmw is attempting to weasel there way out of this by not releasing a recall.
Structure · at 71,000 miles · reported Oct 26, 2018
Vehicle was stopped and in park. Passenger was in front seat. Driver locked vehicle prematurely while outside. Passenger was unable to exit vehicle. Attempted to unlock vehicle with key fob but would not respond. Passenger pushed lock/unlock buttons in vehicle with no response. Driver reentered vehicle to try to help. Unable to help and driver's door would not open. Opened window and had to use key to unlock drivers door. Rolled down window on passenger door and after pulling up on manual lock and pulling handle multiple times the door finally opened freeing passenger. All doors on vehicle…
Service Brakes · at 88,900 miles · reported Aug 27, 2018
When parking the vehicle the parking brake symbol went yellow and it showed a message stating it was malfunctioning and the vehicle may roll. This car has an electrically actuated parking brake. Since the car moved fine without any noise and it gave no indication otherwise it seemed safe to continue driving. Some time later it starter making a screeching noise from the rear right. After stopping at a truck stop the brakes were found excessively hot in addition to making noise. After being towed to a shop it was revealed the parking brake had partially activated, dragged the shoes until they…
Engine · at 45,000 miles · reported Jul 25, 2018
Running on the highway received high engine temp warning orange. It quickly went to red and read on dash to pull over. The vehicle lost much power and stepping on accelerator would not let it go faster. I had to move to the right on the highway while some vehicle sped through to the right of me while trying to pull over. 45,000 miles and water pump had failed when I took it to a shop.

Other BMW X5 SAV years

Compare all BMW X5 SAV years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 BMW X5 SAV have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 BMW X5 SAV: 16V-071 (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 X5 SAV?

Owners report air bags problems most often (5 reports), followed by engine (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 45,000 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.