KnownCarProblems2013 BMW X6 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 25 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 BMW X6, most often about the air bags (56% of complaints). It is the 3rd most complained-about X6 model year since 2000 and has 5 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory2 recalls for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2013 BMW X6 problems
Air bags
14 complaints · 56%" takata recall " I received a recall notice on my BMW X6, and called BMW of concord, california to make an appointment to have it repaired. This is a very serious concern. We also received a settlement notice
Engine
7 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X6. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (passport BMW, 4730 auth place, camp springs, maryland 20746) where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken…
While driving my vehicle at a speed of approximately 30 MPH, I shifted into manual mode, downshifting I order to evade an aggressive driver. I then shifted back to automatic, at approximately 45-50 MPH, at which point the engine cut out , the engine light came on and steering was non powered. The car also slipped into…
Transmission
6 complaints · 24%The contact owns a 2013 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and ascending an incline, the vehicle started to lose forward momentum and was vibrating. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed…
Steering
3 complaints · 12%Water pump issues, dealer supposenly fixed months ago. Car is like new with 40k + miles and already water pump replaced. Then noticed smoke & burning smell like possible fire from engine area a week ago while car in idle, I then took it to dealer next day and something wasnt replaced by dealer during water pump…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2013 BMW X6 recalls
Air bags: inflator module
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.
Full defect summary
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 degradat
Air bags: inflator module
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: inflator module
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Transmission: driveshaft
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2013 BMW X6
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW X6?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (14 complaints); engine (7 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles); transmission (6 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2013 BMW X6 have?
- 5 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from January 15, 2020 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2013 a bad year for the BMW X6?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about X6 model year since 2000, with 25 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.