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2013 BMW X1 SAV problems

The most common problem on the 2013 BMW X1 SAV is airbags. It has 1.5 times the complaints of a typical X1 SAV model year.

Typical year1.5x the typical complaints
Year score
59/100
Owner complaints
64
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
1312 warranty
Worst area
Airbags

The worst 2013 BMW X1 SAV problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    32
  • Electrical
    10
  • Engine
    9
  • Brakes
    5
  • Transmission
    5
  • Visibility
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Body
    2
  • Lights
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Locks
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 BMW X1 SAV

Check engine light 5

Recalls 3

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported February 5, 2016 · 840,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 16V071000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported October 7, 2014 · 8,988 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 14V627000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported September 26, 2013 · 76,191 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 [email protected].

Recall number 13V454000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2013 BMW X1 SAV

Defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Loss of power assist brakingOpened September 6, 2013, closed October 25, 2013

In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to the federal safety agency identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (the federal safety agency Recall 13V‑454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft may result in blocking of the oil supply to the vacuum pump, resulting in improper pump operation and loss of power assist braking.On July 11, 2013, BMW initiated a change to the camshaft geometry that prevented the seal disk from blocking the oil port.BMW has not received any braking complaints related to loss of power assist after the design change was implemented in production.The owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer who will install a locking ring into the camshaft to keep the seal disk in its proper location.BMW expects to begin dealer and owner notification in November 2013 and complete dealer and owner notification in December when the remedy is expected to be available.Based on the actions taken by BMW, this investigation is closed.

PE13030

Technical service bulletins for the 2013 BMW X1 SAV 131

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 131 bulletins for the 2013 BMW X1 SAV

What 2013 BMW X1 SAV owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 26, 2019 · Electrical · 100,800 miles · TX

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.

Filed Nov 24, 2019 · Electrical · 111,000 miles · OH

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

Filed Oct 28, 2019 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Jul 1, 2019 · Airbags, Seat belts · FL

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.

Filed May 21, 2019 · Electrical · 74,300 miles · CA

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 now I don't have my car. I am puzzled and wondering if my car will ever fix.

Filed May 10, 2019 · Airbags, Brakes · 43,000 miles · MI

The brakes will not hold on wet streets. They also will not hold on snow covered streets. You have to pump them when you try to hold them down .sometimes when you hold them down they lock in place. A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in the reduced braking power that coul increase the risk of a crash.. The airbag deployment: in the event of a crash causing deployment of the drivers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Filed Mar 31, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 69,900 miles · WV

Was driving on highway 65mph car loss power check engine light.motor raddle,had rapid declaration loss all power almost got hit from rearend was able to pull off highway I was in slow lane.just purchased this car . .check engine light said safe to drive.took back to a car dealer.car had turbo malfunction waste gate actuator.this is problem that needs to be check

Filed Mar 9, 2019 · Transmission · 53,000 miles · CO

'transmission failure' warning error occurs when auto stop start (ass) mode enabled causing transmission to fail ; car requires restart which is extremely hazardous in normal driving conditions. Bmw appears uncertain of how to resolve issue. 53k miles with all required service completed on vehicle to-date. Car will operate and transmission will shift normally and error will clear after restarting, but same error occurs.

Filed Feb 14, 2019 · Transmission · 61,000 miles · CA

While starting the car from the parking, check engine light flashed and car went into limp mode. I can't drive more than 30 MPH. Upon inspecting, flex disc (guibo)/read driveshaft, rear beginning to crack. Service center mentioned that if the driveshaft is broken while in motion, it might cause a serious safety issue as the driveshaft might fall down and impact the car motion.

Filed Jan 25, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 51,000 miles · NY

We were driving along the northern state parkway when all the vehicles indicator lights began flashing, the speed and RPM needle stopped working, the check engine light came on, the navigation eventually blacked out, and the car lost power while driving. As we drifted toward the side of the road, the car turned on again but all lights in the car continued flashing until the car shut off once and for all. The cars computer would not communicate with diagnostic equipment brought to the scene. A bottle of water was found open near the modules in the trunk and confirmed to be the cause of electrical damage which disabled the vehicle. Water in the trunk of bmw x1 causes vehicle to become inoperable while driving. Because of the placement of the vulnerable electronics in the bottom of the cargo areas. -instrument failures -loss of control of the vehicle -vehicle will shut down on highway -delicate electronic components damaged by a bottled water -causes electrical fire or care shuts down while driving -risk of death for bmw passengers and to other partys on the highway -filed sunroof water seal

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Questions about the 2013 BMW X1 SAV

Is the 2013 BMW X1 SAV reliable?

Owners have filed 64 complaints about the 2013 BMW X1 SAV, 1.5 times a typical X1 SAV model year.

What is the 2013 BMW X1 SAV year score?

The 2013 BMW X1 SAV scores 59 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW X1 SAV: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

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

Airbags, with 32 complaints. Next is electrical (10).

How many recalls does the 2013 BMW X1 SAV have?

3 recalls, covering air bags and service brakes, hydraulic.

Was there a recall on the 2013 BMW X1 SAV airbags?

Yes, 1 recall: 16V071000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the BMW X1 SAV have bad airbags?

The BMW X1 SAV model years with the most airbags complaints are 2014 (37 complaints), 2013 (32 complaints) and 2015 (29 complaints).

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