The Lemon Index2013 BMW X1.
The 2013 BMW X1 is better than average by owner complaints: 25 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 57, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 21 to 27 mpg combined. It's the best BMW X1 year we track.
Better than average. 1.8× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2014
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 102 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X1 year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 27K to 85K miles on the car (44 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 51K–93K miles
Recalls 5
- engine 2024
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
- airbags 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2016
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 5 recalls
- brakes 2014
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
- brakes 2013
Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 148 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Warning lamps are illuminated for the dsc, abs and brake and a possible warning in control…
- On transmission side, in some vehicles, the transmission fluid is leaking around the area of…
- ?n20 and n26 engine: high pitched whining noise from lower engine area
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedLoss of power assist braking2013
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X1 Sdrive28i 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW X1 Xdrive28i 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2950–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
I am losing $3000 on the value of this car as a trade in because the recall was not handled in a time-efficient manner. This is unacceptable.
2013 BMW X1 owner · NHTSA complaint 10919400
More owner reports
2013 BMW x1. Consumer requests airbag deactivation at dealership.
NHTSA complaint 10871002
Quick answers
Is the 2013 BMW X1 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 57; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2013 BMW X1 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (56%), brakes (12%) and engine (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 BMW X1 have?
5 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 BMW X1 get?
21 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2013 BMW X1 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 27,800 and 85,000 miles. The middle report was at 66,200 miles, from 44 complaints.
Does the 2013 BMW X1 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2013 BMW X1 cost in fuel a year?
About $2950 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 BMW X1 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works