The 2013 BMW X5 has 6 safety recalls and 149 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (50 complaints).
Recalls6safety recalls
Complaints149filed by owners
Crashes · fires2 · 7reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths8 · 0reported in complaints
2013 BMW X5 in an NHTSA crash test
2 recalls for this model year carries an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Safety recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 20V017000 · Jan 15, 2020 · 59,965 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 19V017000 · Jan 14, 2019 · 83,016 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
NHTSA recall 18V336000 · May 23, 2018 · 33,214 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.
Risk: If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 18V030000 · Jan 9, 2018 · 41,808 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
NHTSA recall 17V138000 · Mar 2, 2017 · 121,909 vehicles
Problem: BMW 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 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.
Risk: If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering
NHTSA recall 12V267000 · Jun 13, 2012 · 2,642 vehicles
Problem: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 X5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND 2013 X5 AND X6 VEHICLES. DUE TO A MACHINING ERROR OF THE STEERING GEAR SURFACE, POWER STEERING FLUID MAY LEAK.
Risk: LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO HOT EXHAUST PARTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2013 BMW X5 M SUV AWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
17.4%
2013 BMW X5 Xdrive35D SUV AWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
17.4%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2013 BMW X5 Xdrive35I SUV AWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
17.4%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2013 BMW X5 Xdrive50I SUV AWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
17.4%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
X5 xDrive35d Diesel
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Diesel
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
X5 xDrive35i
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
X5 xDrive50i
16mpg combined
City / highway
14 / 20 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
4.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel
X5 M
14mpg combined
City / highway
12 / 17 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
4.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $5,850/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Air bags Sensor › Occupant classification; Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
50
1
1
1
67,000 mi
Engine
45
0
3
5
56,000 mi
Power train Driveline › Driveshaft
36
0
1
0
67,000 mi
Electrical system
21
0
1
1
64,000 mi
Unknown or other
18
0
3
1
62,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system
9
0
1
4
50,000 mi
Service brakes
6
2
1
1
10,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling Exhaust system; Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
6
0
0
0
67,500 mi
Structure Body
5
0
1
1
42,000 mi
Seat belts
5
0
0
0
68,874 mi
Seats
4
0
0
0
—
Visibility Sun/moon roof assembly; Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
2
0
1
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Sep 14, 2026Engine Iâm currently experiencing two issues. Iâve done the necessary repairs on one of the issues. The first concern is related to the idle when starting up the vehicle. The combination meter one of them hesitant to continue going up on its own while the accelerator is not being touched. And the driver side actuator is having issues as if itâs stuck..
Oct 4, 2025Electrical system My vehicle has suffered catastrophic electrical failure due to water intrusion directly into the rear cargo compartment. This water ingress has destroyed vital electronic control modules that were designed and placed in low-lying, unsealed body cavitiesâan engineering layout heavily documented as a design vulnerability in the E70 chassis. My safety was put at risk as this happened on the highway and threw my SUV into limp mode. I could not drive the speed limit on the highway and had to drive home with my hazard lights on while cars drove around me and almost collided with me on the highway. BMW has previously acknowledged the severe liabilities of placing sensitive electronics near…
Jun 25, 2026 · fireUnknown or other A fire started under my hood immediately after starting my car.
Dec 28, 2025 · fireUnknown or other My family and I were traveling from Maryland to Florida, with a planned stop in Atlanta. We were driving our 2013 BMW X5 x Drive 35i and were traveling southbound on [XXX] through Greenville, South Carolina when the incident occurred. While driving at highway speed, my husband suddenly noticed multiple error messages appearing on the vehicleâs display screen - air bag malfunction, 4x4 malfunction, stabilization, etc. He immediately began pulling the vehicle over. Within moments, he observed smoke and visible flames coming from the rear driverâs-side area of the vehicle. He urgently shouted for me and our daughter to get out of the car. What followed happened extremely fast, within…
Dec 19, 2025Engine The EGR system in my 2013 BMW x5d has failed. There is a recall notice for the EGR system on the 2014 BMW x5d with the same engine and exhaust system related to a fire warning. It would seem to make sense to include the my car in the recall under the circumstances.
Dec 18, 2025Electrical system The componet that failed is the cars electric system in the rear. Battery gets so hot its melted a 2nd orange box on top of the battery. Burned a hole right through. Attempted to start the vehicle, now it's throwing big sparks in the rear battery compartment. ABS warnings, brake warnings, it leaks. It will not start again! We have no transportation. Noone seems to be very concerned about the matter. Atleast 7 open, very dangerous recalls on this vehicle. How come someone has to die from the companies failure to fix what they know is wrong? This vehicle is paid for, owned by a Middle/lower class hard working single mom. I've seen to many cases of people who aren't financially threatening get…
Jun 27, 2025Engine Component or system that failed/malfunctioned N63 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine â excessive oil consumption (1 quart every 300â400 miles) caused by failed valve-stem seals and leaking turbocharger coolant feed/return lines. Parts are still on the vehicle and available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Sudden loss of engine oil can lead to catastrophic engine failure, bearing damage, or fire. Leaking coolant onto hot turbochargers creates risk and sudden coolant loss/overheating while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer/independent service center? Yes â confirmed by Paul Miller BMW Wayne, NJ on June 30, 2025 (invoice…
Jul 19, 2025Engine The primary component that has malfunctioned is the engine's valve stem seals, which are available for inspection upon request. This defect has led to excessive oil consumption, which has now escalated to a critical safety issue. The vehicle is emitting a huge amount of thick smoke from the exhaust with a strong smell of burnt oil, and multiple engine warning lights are illuminated. I have stopped driving the vehicle, as the excessive smoke creates a significant visibility hazard for myself and others, and the underlying issue presents a risk of sudden engine failure. The problem has not been formally confirmed by a dealer, as the General Manager at BMW of Rockville dismissed the repair as…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
RQ18001 · opened Apr 18, 2018 · closed Dec 1, 2018 · led to recall 18V336000Idler Pulley Bolt Failure In a May 23, 2018 letter, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety defect that may result in the loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2009 through 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles (Recall 18V-336). The recall, which affects approximately 33,214 vehicles built from March 12, 2008 through June 27, 2013, corrects the remedy and expands the scope of a prior BMW recall (12V-550) which addressed idle pulley bolt failure in approximately 29,800 MY 2009 through 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles built from September 1, 2008 through November 15, 2012. BMW's analysis indicates that due to a number of contributing factors it is possible that the bolt's pre-stressing force could drop to an extent that it results in the bolt becoming loosened over time. A loosening of the bolt could cause additional bending stress…