Recalls
7campaigns
3 air bag · 2 brake · 1 engine
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
226filed
Owner reports, 2009–2018 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
24mpg combined
$2,721/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2 L 4-cyl· 8-speed automatic
2 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (7)
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2013 BMW X3. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2013 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Water Pump Connector May Short Circuit
Electrical system · wiring · connectors/plugs/receptacles
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
- Consequence
- An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
38.8% repairedof 720,796 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V608000
Listed for 2013 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode
Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
- Remedy
- The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
43.8% repairedof 1,145 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V527000
Listed for 2013 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Incorrectly Welded Driver Air Bag Inflator
Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, and M6 Convertible vehicles and 2013 M6 Coupe vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
- Consequence
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator housing could separate from the base plate and result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
72.3% repairedof 6,785 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V495000
Listed for 2013 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Possible Damage to Lower Child Seat Anchor Bars
Child seat · latch strap
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i, vehicles manufactured July 2, 2010 to April 14, 2016, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014 to March 31, 2016, and 2015-2017 x4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i and X4 xDriveM40i vehicles manufactured March3, 2014 to April 15, 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.
- Consequence
- Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
61.7% repairedof 188,668 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V333000
Listed for 2013 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Loss of Brake Assist/Vacuum Pump Lubrication
Service brakes, hydraulic · power assist · vacuum
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
94.9% repairedof 8,988 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V627000
Listed for 2013 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Inst. Panel may Interfere with Air Bag Deployment
Air bags
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 X3 xDrive 28i/35i vehicles manufactured February 11, 2013, through February 27, 2013. Due to a production process error, the tear seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly.
- Consequence
- In the event of a crash, the air bag could improperly deploy, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the air bag's protection and increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger. In addition, parts or fragments from the air bag system could strike and injure the front passenger or other vehicle occupants.
- Remedy
- BMW has notified owners and dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
100% repairedof 3 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V570000
Listed for 2013 BMW X3. Not checked against your VIN.
Loss of Brake Assist/Vacuum Pump Lubrication
Service brakes, hydraulic · power assist · vacuum
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
- Consequence
- A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
96.9% repairedof 76,191 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V454000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (226)
226 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.
4involved a crash
10involved a fire
5injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 226 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 147 | 65% |
| Power train | 60 | 26.5% |
| Electrical system | 29 | 12.8% |
| Service brakes | 19 | 8.4% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 16 | 7.1% |
| Unknown or other | 14 | 6.2% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 13 | 5.8% |
| Vehicle speed control | 12 | 5.3% |
| Air bags | 8 | 3.5% |
| Steering | 6 | 2.7% |
How 2013 compares with other X3 years
Best and worst X3 years →200935
201055
2011125
201248
2013226
201486
2015105
201682
201792
201876
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 35 | 5 |
| 2010 | 55 | 7 |
| 2011 | 125 | 5 |
| 2012 | 48 | 2 |
| 2013 | 226 | 7 |
| 2014 | 86 | 6 |
| 2015 | 105 | 7 |
| 2016 | 82 | 5 |
| 2017 | 92 | 6 |
| 2018 | 76 | 11 |
This year (2013)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 24 mpg combined
24
mpg combined
21
city
28
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,400
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 372 g/mi
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle
What it costs you to run
$2,721per year
$227per month
625gallons a year
Miles ÷ 24 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | $3,400 | 372 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | $3,900 | 416 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2013 X3 for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2013 BMW X3 FAQ
How many recalls does the 2013 BMW X3 have?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns: 24V608000 (engine), 24V527000 (air bag), 17V495000 (air bag), 16V333000 (latch), 14V627000 (brake), 13V570000 (air bag), 13V454000 (brake). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2013 BMW X3 problems?
Owners filed 226 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (147), Power train (60), Electrical system (29) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2013 BMW X3 get?
EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic version at 21 city, 28 highway and 24 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2013 X3 compare with other years?
Among the 2009–2018 BMW X3 model years at least five years old, the 2009 drew the fewest complaints (35) and the 2013 the most (226). The 2013 drew 226. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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