2013 BMW X5 Sav: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Oil leak from the valve cover gasket gets into the hot manifold causing a burning oil smell and smoke getting into the cabin through the ac vents causing a major safety issue.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2019
“Running on the highway received high engine temp warning orange. It quickly went to red and read on dash to pull over. The vehicle lost much power and stepping on accelerator would not let it go faster. I had to move to the right on the highway while some vehicle sped through to the right of me while trying to pull over. 45,000 miles and water pump had failed when I took it to a shop.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2018
“The parking break switch leaver broke. The design and construction of the plastic switch leaver is very thin (flimsy), therefore, it is impossible for it not to break under repeated normal use. This results in the parking brake becoming inoperative. Please see upload photo.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“N63 engine failure and battery charging problems. Engine blows massive amounts of white smoke from rear tailpipes and battery indicator states low charge. This is a known defect to bmw as thousands have complained but bmw is attempting to weasel there way out of this by not releasing a recall.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2017
“My car has had an open recall since february 5th, 2016 and I have yet to hear from bmw regarding when the recall will be repaired. Several emails to service adviser result in a generic response that parts are not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2016
“Takata air bag recall, feb 05,2016 manufacturer recall numberna NHTSA recall number16v071 recall statusrecall incomplete summary driver's front air bag: during air bag deployment in an accident, the driver's front air bag module may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the inflator to rupture.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2016
“Takata recall - takata recall continues to go unresolved. Vehicle in question in primary means of transportation for my spouse and nine-year old son. Bmw shared this week only due to my contact them that the airbag for this vehicle would be available in one month. I have no faith and am seeking injunction by NHTSA to resolve this delinquent resolution immediately.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2013 bmw x5 sav. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2016
“Voice activated navigation and communications do not work and are a driver distraction due do to a system that does not work. System is is supposed to be a hands free operation to enable drivers not to be distracted while driving and placing a phone call or directions. This occurs while the vehicle in is in motion.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2015
“Engine stalled while vehicle at complete stop, with air conditioning on. The vehicle had been driven at various speeds for several miles and parked, then restarted when the incident occurred. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2014
Recalls - 1 campaign
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all X5 Sav years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact X5 Sav by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 BMW X5 Sav reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2013 BMW X5 Sav. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2013 BMW X5 Sav have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.