This page covers 6 recalls and 225 owner complaints for the 2013 BMW X3.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2013 BMW X3 centers on the engine, which accounts for well over a third of all owner complaints. Owners frequently report unexpected drivetrain malfunction warnings appearing while driving, often followed by low oil pressure alerts and complete engine shutdown while the vehicle is in motion. A recurring theme involves timing chain-related failures leading to significant engine damage and costly repairs. The powertrain is the second most-reported system, with owners describing sudden loss of motive power requiring towing. Electrical complaints, though fewer in number, include battery terminal component failures that leave the vehicle unable to restart. Across the engine complaints specifically, the pattern of warning lights appearing in sequence, drivetrain malfunction followed by oil pressure warnings, before the engine cuts out while moving comes up repeatedly.
225
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
10
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 BMW X3 has 6 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's frontal airbag inflator, which can rupture or shed metal fragments into the cabin during deployment, raising the risk of serious injury or death.
There are also two separate instrument panel and airbag concerns. On certain vehicles built within a narrow production window, the instrument panel's tear seam was not formed correctly, which can cause the front passenger airbag to deploy improperly in a crash and reduce its protection. A separate driver airbag inflator issue involves a weld that may not hold, allowing the inflator housing to break free from its base and send metal pieces toward occupants. On the electrical side, a wiring connector can short-circuit and start a fire. The final recall involves the rear seat child seat lower anchor bars, which may be damaged and unable to properly secure a child restraint in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical connector on the water pump may not be properly sealed, allowing water to enter and cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the water pump, replace it and the connector if needed, and install a protective shield.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag inflator may explode when it deploys due to a manufacturing defect.
What the fix does
BMW will replace the driver's front air bag at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver-side front airbag inflator may rupture during deployment in a crash, causing the airbag to not inflate properly and potentially sending metal fragments toward occupants.
What the fix does
BMW will replace the driver-front airbag module at a dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may have an improper weld, which could cause it to malfunction during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lower anchor bars used to secure child car seats may crack or bend when using European-style rigid ISOFIX connectors.
What the fix does
Dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to strengthen the lower anchor bars and vehicle body.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tear seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly due to a production error.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the instrument panel at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
