NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 5 recalls and 146 owner complaints for the 2013 BMW X5.
Complaints about the 2013 BMW X5 cluster most heavily around the powertrain, engine, and airbag systems. On the drivetrain side, owners of both the turbocharged six-cylinder and the twin-turbo V8 models report unexpected behavior including rough running and loss of power, with several describing incidents where the vehicle went into a limp or reduced-power state. Engine complaints are dominated by excessive oil consumption, particularly on the N63 V8, where owners describe burning through roughly a quart every few hundred miles, accompanied by thick exhaust smoke, a burnt-oil smell, and illuminated warning lights, many pointing to valve stem seal failure as the source. The airbag system draws an equal share of complaints, with owners reporting warning lights that stay on or airbag-related fault codes appearing without a prior collision event. A handful of electrical complaints describe battery-related issues including heat buildup and associated warning lights for the brakes and ABS.
146
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 BMW X5 has 5 recalls, the most serious being Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The airbag inflator issue has been filed across multiple campaigns covering different vehicle registrations, including a separate campaign targeting vehicles ever registered in high-humidity states and territories such as Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and Louisiana, where moisture accelerates the risk of rupture. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple campaigns exist. Regardless of which campaign applies to a specific vehicle, the hazard is the same: the inflator can explode with too much force, throwing sharp metal fragments toward the driver or passenger.
On the drivetrain side, the front driveshaft's universal joint can allow water and road debris to work their way inside, wearing the joint down until it fails. When that happens, the front wheels stop receiving power, which reduces traction and can affect the driver's ability to maintain control, particularly in slippery conditions. This recall covers xDrive35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, and xDrive35d variants from the 2011 to 2013 model years.
The fifth recall applies only to X5 xDrive35d diesel models from the 2009 to 2013 model years. The bolt that holds the engine's idler pulley in place can loosen and eventually break. When it does, the power steering assist cuts out, meaning the driver must steer with significantly
At a glance
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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 →
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Replace the driver air bag inflator. On X5 and X6 models, only the inflator is replaced. Repair is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant breakdown from long-term heat and humidity exposure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt on the engine idler pulley may loosen and break over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water and debris can enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear that may lead to joint failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front driveshaft at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.