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.
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:
that could result in a total failure of the brake assist system
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
—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 ratingsfor 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
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.
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