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 a Takata airbag defect where the inflator can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death to the driver or passengers.
Both the driver and front passenger airbag inflators are affected by this issue, and prior repair attempts may not have fully resolved it for all vehicles. On the drivetrain side, water and debris can work into the front driveshaft's universal joint, wearing it down until it fails and the front wheels lose drive power, reducing traction. There is also an engine concern specific to diesel models: a bolt on the engine's idler pulley can loosen and break over time, causing sudden loss of power steering and raising the risk of a crash.
At a glance
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.
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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 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.
