2013 BMW X1 SAV Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 16%of 64 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 BMW X1 SAV, 16% of the 64 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving and the nys thurway and my car shut down because I found that my ground cable to the battery rusted or rotted then broke because there was no cover around the cable protecting it from the weather. It connects from the battery to the bottom of the car where the snow and rain get to it. Every car I have owned had a battery with plastic covering. The car will stall and shutdown. They know of this.”
NHTSA complaint #11103526, filed 2018-06, 67,500 miles“We were driving along the northern state parkway when all the vehicles indicator lights began flashing, the speed and RPM needle stopped working, the check engine light came on, the navigation eventually blacked out, and the car lost power while driving. As we drifted toward the side of the road, the car turned on again but all lights in the car continued flashing until the car shut off once and for all. The cars computer would not communicate with diagnostic equipment brought to the scene. …”
NHTSA complaint #11172179, filed 2019-01, 51,000 miles“Bought the car from a dealer with a new battery. Battery died 5 days later for no apparent reason. Nothing worked on car. Had to jump it. Was told by mechanic to buy a different battery. That new battery died 6 days later. Nothing worked on car. Had to jump it. Apparently from my research, this model has an issue with the negative battery terminal cable and also with parasitic components constantly draining the battery. It shouldn't cost me $$$ to have a mechanic diagnose and re-program car computer, as well as purchase new batteries.”
NHTSA complaint #11278972, filed 2019-10, 100,000 miles“My got hit on the drive side door breaking the side view mirror. Took the car to the body shop and I went to pick up my car, the car didn't start as if no electrical power, no power at all, they jump start my car and I brought the car home, the next day no electrical power again, I called the shop where I got my dent fixed and took the car they said they replace the battery and brought the car back to me the next the didn't start again no electrical power they took car again to see what is wrong they said they couldn't figure out what is wrong with my car, so they took the Bmw dealer, until…”
NHTSA complaint #11208947, filed 2019-05, 74,300 miles“The auto start stop malfunctioned. When restarting at a stop light, the car shifted into park rather than remaining in drive. This could be dangerous is start-stop traffice conditions when drivers behind the car believe that it will move with the brake is released. Bmw requires that the start-stop function be enabled each time the vehicle is started.”
NHTSA complaint #11056204, filed 2017-12, 32,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11032735May 6, 2026The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the…
- 11015849Mar 13, 2025The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the…
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery…
- 10162431Jul 10, 2019"Erroneous CC Message "Remote control! Do not switch off the engine" is Displayed. An erroneous CC message, "Remote control!" " Do not switch off the engine" is displayed in the…
- 10149557Oct 1, 2018For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata…
- 10193494Aug 1, 2018Butt connector for repairing a plug connection. The ?top up coolant? message is displayed in the central display (CC message ID 166). When checking the cooling system there are…
- 10136745May 1, 2017ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist System Diagnosis Information
- 10146659Apr 1, 2017SERVICE ACTION: GSM COMBOX DEACTIVATION / DISCONTINUATION WITH 4 YEAR ASSIST SERVICE. What's New: ? Model: Option code removed to prevent confusion about affected vehicles ?…
- 10146966Nov 1, 2016"USB DEVICE IS NOT DETECTED BY CHAMP2 HEAD UNIT. Media connected to the USB connector is not recognized by the audio system. Playback of files from the media is not possible…
- 10146779Nov 1, 2016Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015.. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2013 BMW X1 SAV
32 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 BMW X1 SAV
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology