
2013 Bmw X1 SAV
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2013 Bmw X1 SAV has 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.6x the segment average of 49. The most common issue is air bags problems (41% of all complaints), specifically: bmw x1 28i. consumer writes in regards to vehicle defective air bag system. *smd the consumer stated a careless driver ran a stop sign and she and the other driver hit each perpendicularly at moderate to high speed. substantial damage was done to both vehicles. the consumer stated she was drivin. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.
80
Total Complaints
3
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.6x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
33 complaints- • BMW X1 28I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE DEFECTIVE AIR BAG SYSTEM. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED A CARELESS DRIVER RAN A STOP SIGN AND SHE AND THE OTHER DRIVER HIT EACH PERPENDICULARLY AT MODERATE TO HIGH SPEED. SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE WAS DONE TO BOTH VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS DRIVIN
- • TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X1 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR
- • VERY POORLY MANAGED BMW RECALL WITH THE RISK OF MAJOR INJURY OR DEATH FOR MALFUNCTIONING AIR-BAG. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER PROVIDED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR HAVING THE CAUSE OF THE RECALL SOLVED AND IT COULD BE ANYTIME AROUND O
“BMW X1 28I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE DEFECTIVE AIR BAG SYSTEM. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED A CARELESS DRIVER RAN A STOP SIGN AND SHE AND THE OTHER DRIVER HIT EACH PERPENDICULARLY AT MODERATE TO HIGH SPEED. SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE WAS DONE TO BOTH VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS DRIVIN”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2013 Bmw X1 SAV
Based on 45 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 43K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.
BRAKES
ELECTRICAL
TRANSMISSION
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (3)
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.
Fix: 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.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Bmw X1 SAV
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Bmw X1 SAV Service Intervals
Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2013 X1 SAV, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 80 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: BMW X1 28I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE DEFECTIVE AIR BAG SYSTEM. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED A CARELESS DRIVER RAN A STOP SIGN AND SHE AND THE OTHER DRIVER HIT EACH PERPENDICULARLY AT MODERATE TO HIGH SPEED. SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE WAS DONE TO BOTH VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS DRIVIN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: BMW X1 LEASED IN MAY 2013: SDRIVE 28I *1ST DEFECT NOTICED: NAV SCREEN & INTERIOR LIGHTING WOULD CUT OFF. COULD NOT BE RESTARTED.CONTINUED THROUGHOUT THE OTHER DEFECTS/*ENGINE FAILURE AT HWY SPEEDS:GENERALLY FOLLOWING NAVIGATION BLACK-OUTS- ENGINE, WITHOUT WARNING, CUT OFF WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: I STARTED THE ENGINE, THE CAR STARTED SHAKING AND: "ENGINE MALFUNCTION: REDUCED ENGINE POWER. SAFE TO CONTINUE, DRIVE WITH CAUTION. PLEASE TAKE VEHICLE TO NEAREST SERVICE CENTER." I OPENED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE WAS CLEARLY SHAKING PERIODICALLY. I CALLED A FRIEND AND THEY SAID IT MIGHT BE AN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: THE BRAKES POWER ASSIST FAILED WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN IN A LOW SPEED RESIDENTIAL AREA. BRAKES REQUIRED MORE EFFORT BUT THEY DID EVENTUALLY GRAB, ALTHOUGH NOT BEFORE MOMENTUM CARRIED THE VEHICLE PARTIALLY INTO CROSS-TRAFFIC. AN ALERT DRIVER SOUNDED HIS/HER HORN AND SWERVED SLIGHTLY TO AVOID
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Bmw X1 SAV — Year Comparison
How does 2013 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 80
- Recalls
- 3
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 3
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 49
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2013 Bmw X1 SAV