The Most Common 2013 BMW X1 Problems
Airbag malfunctions, loss of brake assist, and uncomfortable interior finishes are among the most glaring issues facing the 2013 BMW X1.
Written by Ethan Moser
Edited by Pat Roache
The majority of the complaints against the 2013
BMW X1
concern front airbag inflators exploding and faulty vacuum pumps that lead to brake-assist functions failing. - There have been 76 complaints about the 2013 X1 reported to the NHTSA, leading to four major recalls involving the vehicle’s airbag inflator and the vacuum pump.
- Despite the high number of complaints, the BMW X1 actually has higher-than-average reliability scores for the luxury SUV category.
- Drivers can expect to pay average annual car repair and maintenance costs of over $960 for the 2013 BMW X1.
- There have been 76 complaints about the 2013 X1 reported to the NHTSA, leading to four major recalls involving the vehicle’s airbag inflator and the vacuum pump.
- Despite the high number of complaints, the BMW X1 actually has higher-than-average reliability scores for the luxury SUV category.
- Drivers can expect to pay average annual car repair and maintenance costs of over $960 for the 2013 BMW X1.
Faulty airbag inflators and brake-assist issues
The 2013 BMW X1 is a reliable luxury crossover SUV. However, 76 complaints have been reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
That might seem like a big number, but 33 of those complaints address the same common problem: the model’s airbag system.
One area of this complaint has been addressed by the major recalls of the 2013 X1:
- Two for issues with the driver’s airbag inflator
Let’s take a closer look at these recalls:
Recall | Models recalled | Description of the problem |
|---|---|---|
Driver airbag inflators may explode | 2013–2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, and X1 xDrive35i | Model’s airbag inflators are at risk of explosion due to propellant degradation after long-term exposure to high temperatures, high absolute humidity, and high temperature cycling |
Loss of brake assist/vacuum pump lubrication | 2013–2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i | Due to insufficient lubrication of the vacuum pump, brake power assistance may fail |
This means that all three trims of the 2013 X1—the
X1 sDrive28i
, the X1 xDrive28i, and the X1 xDrive35i
—have been affected by at least one of these two major issues. Other common complaints about this compact SUV include:
- Uncomfortable second-row seating
- Difficulty with loading/unloading the trunk/hatch
- Interior materials feel cheap
The 2013 BMW X1 has above-average reliability
Despite its recalls and common issues, the 2013 BMW X1 received above-average reliability ratings for a luxury compact crossover SUV:
- RepairPal: 3.5/5.0
- J.D. Power: 82/100
Luxury SUVs like the X1 typically aren’t rated as reliable as economy-class SUVs. Let’s see how the 2013 X1 compares with one of its more affordable competitors, the 2013
Honda CR-V
:Reliability rating source | 2013 BMW X1 | 2013 Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
RepairPal | 3.5/5.0 | 4.5/5.0 |
J.D. Power | 82/100 | 83/100 |
Expert analysis: While RepairPal gives the CR-V a better rating for reliability (most likely due to less expensive repair costs), J.D. Power ranks these two rivals competitively.
This makes the BMW X1 a solid luxury SUV option for drivers looking for a used car instead of a new car.
Average annual 2013 BMW X1 repair costs
Keep in mind: The 2013 X1’s average car repair costs are likely to increase as the model surpasses 10 years and becomes more susceptible to inevitable
wear and tear
. That said, car owners may be able to avoid major repairs and part failure by:- Making sure their particular 2013 X1 model has had any applicable recalls addressed, and
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