The Lemon Index2013 BMW X5.
The 2013 BMW X5 is better than average by owner complaints: 30 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 58, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 14 to 22 mpg combined. The best BMW X5 year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 162 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X5 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 38K to 73K miles on the car (76 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 44K–81K miles
Recalls 6
- airbags 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2019
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.
- engine 2018
The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.
Show all 6 recalls
- airbags 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- transmission & drivetrain 2017
Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.
- steering 2012
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 X5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND 2013 X5 AND X6 VEHICLES.
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 276 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Due to damaged seal ring, during assembly, engine oil is leaking from engine oil pump volume…
- See document search button for owner letter
- Oil leaks from the air hose on turbocharger
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
- ClosedIdler pulley bolt failure2018
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 X5 M SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| BMW X5 Xdrive35D SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $4200–5700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
My car has had an open recall since february 5th, 2016 and I have yet to hear from BMW regarding when the recall will be repaired. Several emails to service adviser result in a generic response that parts are not available.
2013 BMW X5 owner · NHTSA complaint 10916838
More owner reports
Engine stalled while vehicle at complete stop, with air conditioning on. The vehicle had been driven at various speeds for several miles and parked, then restarted when the incident occurred.
NHTSA complaint 10569355
Engine is heating up and coolant pump stays on to keep engine from overheating. Vehicle was in motion when problem started. When vehicle is driven over 70mph coolant pump comes on and stays on.
NHTSA complaint 10936625
Quick answers
Is the 2013 BMW X5 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 58; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X5 year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2013 BMW X5 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (53%), engine (17%) and transmission & drivetrain (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 BMW X5 have?
6 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 BMW X5 get?
14 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 BMW X5 safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 BMW X5 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 38,000 and 73,600 miles. The middle report was at 60,500 miles, from 76 complaints.
Does the 2013 BMW X5 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 BMW X5 cost in fuel a year?
About $4200 to $5700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 BMW X5 have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
What BMW X5 year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2016 and 2015.
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