2013 BMW X1 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 42%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,644miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine of the 2013 BMW X1, 42% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,644 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When starting my car on several occasions the check engine light came on, power output was reduced to the engine. I took it to the dealer and the turbo malfunction waste gate actuator was diagnosed as faulty. I was able to drive the car during each episode but I was told when the part goes out completely the car will not drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11320758, filed 2020-04, 135,000 miles“Leaking power steering lines. Need to be replaced and bled out$1300.00. Oil filter housing gasket leaking$513.00 timing chains stretched and engine making ticking sound. Guides broken. Oil mod also recommended to be replaced. Several engine issues and was diagnosed by certified Bmw dealership. Total cost of repairs $6200.00 white horse automotive would not do repairs at a certified Bmw repair shop. This car was not just traded. The engine was literally seized I had no chiice”
NHTSA complaint #11360852, filed 2020-09, 74,000 miles“Vehicle with 68,000 miles began having whirring noise that progressed to rattling while driving. Whirring first heard while engine running idle then disappeared. Then no issues with power or noise for several miles, then noise restarted while driving high speeds. Safely pulled over then indicator light showed engine malfunction. Car had to be towed to a service shop, as it could not be safely driven. Diagnosed timing chain on oil pump went out and needs a new engine. Became aware of TSB si b11 03 17 after the car failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11318274, filed 2020-03, 68,000 miles“Coolant Pump Electrical Connector Recall #24V-608 Program Control Units (DME) Recall #20E-A01 I am following up because my dealer was unable to complete the DME recall, and the coolant pump recall still shows as incomplete in NHTSA. My vehicle was moved off-site without my consent. I received no updates or documentation, and the dealer was dismissive. My car’s condition has declined due to unresolved recalls. I have already spent over $2,000 replacing the coolant pump and now face a $5,000 repair quote and potential off-site garage fees. …”
NHTSA complaint #11689892, filed 2025-09“While pulling up to a red light and after coming to a complete stop, I sensed the engine was revving. While pressing down on the brake, I checked the RPM gauge to see the engine was revving at around 7k rpm. I tried to immediately put the car in park and turn off the ignition, but in the time it took me to move my hand from the steering wheel to the shifter, the car violently lurched forward and crashed into a pickup truck in front of me. I shut off the car momentarily. Realizing I was blocking traffic on a heavily traveled highway, I risked turning the car back on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11548465, filed 2023-10Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 18% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 20% |
| 2020 | 3 | 23% |
| 2019 | 2 | 15% |
| 2018 | 6 | 10% |
| 2017 | 12 | 8% |
| 2016 | 8 | 5% |
| 2015 | 16 | 31% |
| 2014 | 17 | 31% |
| 2013 | 16 | 42% |
Other parts of the 2013 BMW X1
18 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 BMW X1
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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