Photo: OSX / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2013 BMW X3: common problems and reliability
· F25One of the worst X3 years.
One of the BMW X3 years to avoid. All X3 years
452 owner complaints, most about engine. 7 recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 X3?The 2013 BMW X3 has 452 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag n20 timing chain failure leading to engine replacement: multiple owners report catastrophic failures in 28i models, with one owner on their second replacement engine and another in the shop for a new motor.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 BMW X3 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other X3 years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the X3?
Across the 23 X3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 15 (2023) to 452 (2013). With 452 complaints, the 2013 X3 sits above the model's median of 128.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2013 X3
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 17V495000BMW 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.
child seat:latch strap
Campaign 16V333000BMW 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 14V627000BMW 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Campaign 13V454000BMW 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.
Show 3 more recalls
air bags
Campaign 13V570000BMW 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.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 24V527000BMW 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.
engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pump
Campaign 24V608000BMW 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.
What owners report on the F25 X3
Owner sentiment toward the F25 X3 is heavily split by engine choice. The N20 four-cylinder in the 28i (especially pre-2015) is widely condemned for catastrophic timing chain failures, with multiple owners reporting complete engine replacements.
- Very frequentN20 timing chain failure leading to engine replacement
Multiple owners report catastrophic failures in 28i models, with one owner on their second replacement engine and another in the shop for a new motor.
- Very frequentN55 water pump and thermostat failure
Owners report failures typically between 55,000-80,000 miles; advice is to replace both simultaneously.
- Very frequentN55 oil filter housing gasket leak
Can leak oil onto the coolant hose and cause oil to enter the cooling system if not addressed promptly.
- RecurrentN55 oil pan and valve cover gasket leaks
Listed among the three common N55 oil leaks.
- IsolatedRod bearing failure on the 35d diesel
One owner reported this at 385,000 km after consistent 10,000 km oil changes.
Owner insights for the F25 X3. Read the full F25 owner report.
Typical used price
Used X3 listings typically run $16,995–$38,940.
Other X3 model years
Compare every X3 year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the X3 against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy