2013 Bmw X5
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2013 Bmw X5 has 211 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 146. The most common issue is air bags problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: takata recall :i was told it could take up to a year to replace the defect in my driver's side air bag. i am not comfortable driving my car knowing there is a risk of serious damage or death if the bag deploys. i take xarelto (blood thinner) and purchased this suv to feel safer when driving. i am. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 10 fire reports filed.
211
Total Complaints
6
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.4x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
50 complaints- • TAKATA RECALL :I WAS TOLD IT COULD TAKE UP TO A YEAR TO REPLACE THE DEFECT IN MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING MY CAR KNOWING THERE IS A RISK OF SERIOUS DAMAGE OR DEATH IF THE BAG DEPLOYS. I TAKE XARELTO (BLOOD THINNER) AND PURCHASED THIS SUV TO FEEL SAFER WHEN DRIVING. I AM
- • TAKATA RECALL -- I JUST CALLED BMW FOR OPTIONS REGARDING GETTING MY CAR REPAIRED AND ALSO REQUESTED TO BE LET OUT OF MY LEASE. THEY SAID THEY DO NOT YET HAVE PARTS FOR REPAIR, MY CAR HAS BEEN MARKED 'UNSELLABLE' AND THE ONLY END OF LEASE OPTION THEY GAVE WAS FOR ME TO PAY IT OFF. I AM FURIOUS. I REF
- • TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MAN
“TAKATA RECALL :I WAS TOLD IT COULD TAKE UP TO A YEAR TO REPLACE THE DEFECT IN MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING MY CAR KNOWING THERE IS A RISK OF SERIOUS DAMAGE OR DEATH IF THE BAG DEPLOYS. I TAKE XARELTO (BLOOD THINNER) AND PURCHASED THIS SUV TO FEEL SAFER WHEN DRIVING. I AM”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2013 Bmw X5
Based on 97 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 65K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
FUEL SYSTEM
AIR BAGS
OTHER
ENGINE
TRANSMISSION
ELECTRICAL
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 (6)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Bmw X5
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Bmw X5
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 X5 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 X5, 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 211 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: TAKATA RECALL :I WAS TOLD IT COULD TAKE UP TO A YEAR TO REPLACE THE DEFECT IN MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING MY CAR KNOWING THERE IS A RISK OF SERIOUS DAMAGE OR DEATH IF THE BAG DEPLOYS. I TAKE XARELTO (BLOOD THINNER) AND PURCHASED THIS SUV TO FEEL SAFER WHEN DRIVING. I AM
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: VEHICLE DEVELOPED SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED FUEL MILEAGE AFTER THE FIRST 500 MILES. IN TOWN RANGE DROPPED BY 40% TO 7.8 MPG OVER THE SAME ROUTE, INDEPENDENT OF GASOLINE SOURCE OR GRADE. EXHAUST GASES ARE VERY HOT AND EXHIBIT A PRONOUNCED SULFURIC, GUNPOWDER LIKE SMELL. ELECTRICAL FANS CONSTANTLY ON DURI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: VEHICLE DEVELOPED SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED FUEL MILEAGE AFTER THE FIRST 500 MILES. IN TOWN RANGE DROPPED BY 40% TO 7.8 MPG OVER THE SAME ROUTE, INDEPENDENT OF GASOLINE SOURCE OR GRADE. EXHAUST GASES ARE VERY HOT AND EXHIBIT A PRONOUNCED SULFURIC, GUNPOWDER LIKE SMELL. ELECTRICAL FANS CONSTANTLY ON DURI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS HAVE LOCKED THE CAR WITH THE KEY FOB INSIDE THE CAR. ON THE 1ST OCCASION , A 2 Y/O CHILD HAD JUST BEEN STRAPPED INTO HIS CAR SEAT , A PURSE WITH THE KEY INSIDE THE PURSE , WAS PLACED ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT , THE REAR DOOR WAS CLOSED & A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Bmw X5 — Year Comparison
How does 2013 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 211
- Recalls
- 6
- Fire reports
- 10
- Crash reports
- 3
- Injury reports
- 13
- Segment avg
- 146
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2013 Bmw X5