2013 BMW X5 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 24%of 149 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 BMW X5, 24% of the 149 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My x-5 started producing smoke from under the hood while driving and while stopped at a traffic light. When I reached home, I didn't see the smoke anymore, but it smelled like something was burning. A few days later, the oil at minimal level warning light came on. I took my truck into the galleria Bmw dealership and was told that my valve gasket cover was broken and that oil was leaking out, causingthe burning smell. My last oil change service was less than 6 months prior to having this issue, at the same dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #11315578, filed 2020-03, 68,000 miles“Universal joint and drive shaft broke. Per technician at Bmw dealership exactly the same as following recall although my VIN is not covered under the recall: recall number 17v138000 recall date 03/02/2017 component power train:driveline:driveshaft driving on a city street when load bang, followed by increasing load noise. Pulled right over. Driveshaft slammed into oil pan causing loss of all oil and hydraulic steering fluid”
NHTSA complaint #11115636, filed 2018-08, 62,000 miles“The contacts wife owns a 2013 Bmw X5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, a loud clunking noise was heard coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over the side of the road and discovered oil was emerging from under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, they determined that the front drive shaft bolts failed and the oil tank was punctured. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,971.”
NHTSA complaint #11322387, filed 2020-04, 101,971 miles“Vehicle developed significantly reduced fuel mileage after the first 500 miles. In town range dropped by 40% to 7.8 mpg over the same route, independent of gasoline source or grade. Exhaust gases are very hot and exhibit a pronounced sulfuric, gunpowder like smell. Electrical fans constantly on during city driving attempting to cool the engine. Excessive carbon build up on exhaust components. Engine exhibiting rich running condition. …”
NHTSA complaint #10484970, filed 2012-11, 500 miles“Vehicle was in motion on county road when overheat warning came on advising to slow down. Within 10 seconds vehicle overheated warning came on and car shut down forcing vehicle off the road. No apparent other warning, no symptons such as steam from blown hose or hole in radiator. Vehicle 4 years old w/69k miles; water pump & thermostat went bad. $1500 repair. Apparently Bmw knowingly manufactured X5 with inferior water pump w/50k warranty. This is only coming to light to customers now since X5's are overheating after warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11042662, filed 2017-11, 69,125 milesRelated recalls
- 17V138000Mar 2, 2017BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6…Covers: BMW X5 2011–2013, X6 2011–2014, X6 Activehybrid SAC 2011
Related service bulletins
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 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…
- 10135021Feb 1, 2018N63, N63TU, S63 and S63TU Engines: Oil Leak from the Rear: Customer complains that engine oil is leaking from the center of the vehicle. When verified, the engine oil residue can…
- 10142929Jan 1, 2018CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATIONARY OR PARKING: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds…
- 10146821Sep 1, 2016CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 31 01 12 dated June 2015. Clicking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at…
- 10147008Aug 1, 2016"REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain…
- 10151302May 1, 2016N63, N63TU, S63 and S63TU Engines: Oil Leak from the Rear of the Engine and Transmission Bell Housing. Customer complains that engine oil is leaking from the center of the…
- 10147241Sep 1, 2015Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE…
- 10151404Aug 1, 2015Vibration or Shudder from Driveline when Accelerating from a Stop. Chassis stabilization warning is displayed. Vehicle may exhibit a shudder or vibration when taking off from a…
- 10151396Aug 1, 2015"Front Propeller (Drive) Shaft: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. INFORMATION For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (""BMW NA"") is…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 14% |
| 2025 | 7 | 11% |
| 2024 | 16 | 11% |
| 2023 | 9 | 26% |
| 2022 | 25 | 35% |
| 2021 | 31 | 28% |
| 2020 | 17 | 15% |
| 2019 | 20 | 10% |
| 2018 | 10 | 14% |
| 2017 | 10 | 13% |
| 2016 | 13 | 18% |
| 2015 | 14 | 9% |
| 2014 | 12 | 12% |
| 2013 | 36 | 24% |
| 2012 | 53 | 20% |
| 2011 | 58 | 22% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 10 | 7% |
| 2008 | 16 | 7% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 9 | 11% |
| 2004 | 11 | 17% |
| 2003 | 16 | 16% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 15 | 9% |
| 2000 | 7 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2013 BMW X5
47 complaintsEngine
45 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 BMW X5
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