The Most Common 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i Problems

Engine failure and drivetrain malfunction are among the 2013 MBW X3 xDrive28i problems that you should know about.
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
While reliability ratings are mostly positive, the most common problems seen in the 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i include engine failure and drivetrain malfunction issues. 
If you’re looking for a luxury compact SUV that drives like a sports car, the BMW X3 xDrive28i has you covered. In addition to performance power, it provides a spacious and comfortable ride with great safety ratings to boot. Yet, there have been several major complaints lodged against the seemingly reliable X3 by drivers—what gives?
Here to break down everything you need to know about the most common issues with the 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i is
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The most common 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i problems

BMW is known for making some of the best high-performance, ultra-chic luxury cars around—but the German automaker still has its share of problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (
NHTSA
) has received 185 complaints overall submitted by 2013 BMW x3 xDrive28i drivers. 
The majority of complaints from NHTSA—121 total—deal with engine failure. Multiple X3 xDrive28i drivers complained that the “low oil pressure” warning light would pop up on the dashboard then the engine would quickly start to stall or just shut down completely for no apparent reason. Many X3 drivers had to replace their engines, and it cost one driver in particular over $10,000 to replace their engine due to an oil pump failure. 
Another common problem for the 2013 X3 xDrivve28i is drivetrain malfunction issues. With 52 complaints reported to the NHTSA, many X3 xDrive28i drivers complained that the “drivetrain malfunction” warning light would appear and the vehicle would completely shut off. And in many dangerous incidents, several drivers stated that the X3’s timing chain snapped and got sucked into the engine while driving after around 88,000 miles.
Other common problems with the 2013 X3 xDrive28i include: 
  • Faulty airbags
  • Electrical system issues
  • Seat belt system failures
  • Mechanical failures with the brake system
  • Vehicle speed control issues
As you might have expected, the 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i has received five formal recalls. These recalls include:
  • Incorrectly welded driver airbag inflator
  • Possible damage to lower child seat anchor bars
  • Loss of brake assist/
    vacuum pump
    lubrication (recalled twice for this reason)
  • Instrument panel interference with airbag deployment
MORE: BMW buying guide
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Is the 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i reliable?

Despite these significant problems, the 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i has received above-average reliability scores among the luxury compact SUV class
RepairPal gives the X3 an average 3.5/5.0 rating for reliability while ranking it 10 out of 11 in the luxury compact SUV segment. Additionally, J.D. Power gave the 2012 Q5 an 83/100 rating for quality and reliability and an overall score of 80/100 from verified X3 car owners. 
But based on the overwhelming amount of 2013 X3 complaints, it’s no surprise that the average annual cost of
car repairs
for the luxury compact SUV is approximately $1125—meaning the cost of ownership can be ridiculously high as repairs for the X3 xDrive28i are frequent. 

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