The Lemon Index2013 BMW X3.
The 2013 BMW X3 is better than average by owner complaints: 27 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 67, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 21 to 24 mpg combined. The best BMW X3 year is 2012.
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Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 226 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X3 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 60K to 97K miles on the car (160 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 69K–94K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 74K–93K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 35K–114K miles
Recalls 7
- engine 2024
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
- airbags 2024
Please see the recall report for the complete list of models.
- airbags 2017
The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
Show all 7 recalls
- child seat 2016
The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
- brakes 2014
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
- airbags 2013
Due to a production process error, the tear seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly.
- 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 367 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Various functions of the electrical system fail
- Due to wiring harness short circuit, the front and/or rear pdc sensors fails to work when…
- On some vehicles, the alternator would malfunction, due to sporadically charging or not charge…
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 X3 Xdrive28i SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW X3 Xdrive35i SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3300–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2013 BMW X3 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 67; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X3 year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2013 BMW X3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (33%), brakes (30%) and electrical (26%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 BMW X3 have?
7 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 X3 get?
21 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2013 BMW X3 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 60,000 and 97,800 miles. The middle report was at 84,500 miles, from 160 complaints.
Does the 2013 BMW X3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 BMW X3 cost in fuel a year?
About $3300 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 BMW X3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW X3 year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2018 and 2014.
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