2013 BMW X3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 6%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2013 BMW X3, 6% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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 unloading a box from the rear liftgate of the 2013 Bmw X3 and brushed against the protruding chrome exhaust tips. I sustained a significant burn (2nd degree) after merely brushing against the exhaust. This would have been a very serious incident had it involved a small child. The problem is that the exhaust tips extend well beyond the bumper and are extremely hot after only driving a short distance (5miles). This Bmw X3 has the 2.0l turbocharged engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10523878, filed 2013-07, 1,300 miles“Emissions problem and reduced engin power problem. Bmw 2017 X3 issue: worn waste gate valve/replace turbocharger and oil feed line to the turbocharger july 11, 2017: mileage =79998/80008. Engine/service light on. Bmw dealer check, vehicle test, replaced vacuum hose, test drove 10 miles, no warning. Tjh advised warranty expired. Service charge= $168.42 aug 10, 2017: mileage = 81700. Bmw check engine light diagnostics, air pressure too low, turbocharger waste gate shaft worn. Tjh advised warranty expired. Service charge = $125. Aug 10, 2017:mileage = 81700. …”
NHTSA complaint #11051972, filed 2017-11, 82,265 miles“The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown message displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the low brake fluid message displayed intermittently even when the brake fluid level was not low. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11615487, filed 2024-09, 130,000 miles“The contact's daughter owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer found no signs of contamination and installed a water pump connector cap. The contact stated that a month after the repair, the engine was overheating while idling, and there was while smoke coming from the engine with an unknown warning light on the instrument panel. …”
NHTSA complaint #11703764, filed 2025-12, 100,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, smoke was noticed leaking from under the hood. The contact stated that after she opened the hood, the vehicle caught on fire. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that she and a neighbor had extinguished the fire utilizing a fire extinguisher. No police report was filed. The fire department did not arrive on scene. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was not deemed a total loss. The contact was burned on her hand however, she did not seek medical attention. …”
NHTSA complaint #11687293, filed 2025-09, 160,000 milesRelated recalls
- 24V608000Aug 13, 2024BMW 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…Covers: BMW X3 2013–2017, 528I 2012–2016, 328I 2012–2016 +8 more
Related service bulletins
- 10215746May 1, 2022Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide…
- 10204534Oct 1, 2021For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7…
- 10203331Sep 1, 2021BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the…
- 10204619Jul 1, 2021BMW of North America, LLC BMW NA is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the…
- 10199287May 1, 2021CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with…
- 10198894May 1, 2021CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with…
- 10186213Dec 1, 2020N20 AND N26 ENGINE TIMING CHAIN AND OIL PUMP DRIVE CHAIN: Whining noise from the lower engine area near the engine oil pump that increases frequency when increasing the engine…
- 10172490Feb 1, 2020Fault Code 1D2008 Stored in DME: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 5) replaces SI B12 33 14 dated February 2016. The Service Engine Soon light is on. There may also be…
- 10169471Nov 1, 2019SERVICE ACTION: OPTIMIZING THE WATER DRAIN. The water drain in the engine compartment's passenger side cowl near the firewall may be inadequate during exceptionally high water…
- 10162396Jul 9, 2019N52T / N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 7 | 4% |
| 2018 | 4 | 5% |
| 2017 | 22 | 24% |
| 2016 | 18 | 22% |
| 2015 | 15 | 14% |
| 2014 | 19 | 22% |
| 2013 | 13 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 5% |
| 2011 | 24 | 21% |
| 2010 | 14 | 44% |
| 2009 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 15 | 23% |
| 2007 | 16 | 16% |
| 2006 | 4 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2013 BMW X3
147 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 BMW X3
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