Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 BMW X1 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that no issues were found, however, the brake sensor system was reset. The contact stated the failure reoccurred while driving and coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated while driving at 20-25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond and went all the way to the floorboard, causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the independent mechanic with assistance. …
Driving on 95 northbound in miami. Car in front of me slammed on brakes. I was far away from her rear end (2 car distance) to have enough time to brake. When I slammed on my brakes the car kept moving. I slammed into the back of her car. The airbags also did not go off.
The brakes will not hold on wet streets. They also will not hold on snow covered streets. You have to pump them when you try to hold them down .sometimes when you hold them down they lock in place. A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in the reduced braking power that coul increase the risk of a crash.. The airbag deployment: in the event of a crash causing deployment of the drivers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall notice for driver side airbag in 2016. Letter from BMW indicating final remedy available for replacement of airbag. Called BMW of fairfax service center 10/12/17 and told they would have to order the part and it would take 4-8 weeks to arrive. The letter says to do this asap but 4-8 wks before I can even schedule the replacement is not asap.
I got a recall notice more then a year ago and waited for further notification when the parts will arrive to a local dealership. But I still waiting for parts. I went to dealership and told them about it. They had asked to call 1-800 # and find out from the companies headquarters when they'll be available. I did called them and they told that it depends from local dealer. So, I went back to the devon BMW and receptionist told me that will notify my advisor and he'll be back with info, but this did not happened. Still waiting for answer about 2 months already. I'm driving with this car long distances and would love to be safe. Usually my 18y.o. Daughter is sitting next to me and I really hope that those airbags won't hurt us one day. Please help us.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1 sav. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V071000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called two local dealers: BMW center (4150 byrd dr, loveland, co 80538, [phone]) and BMW of denver downtown (1040 s colorado blvd, denver, co 80246, (855) 579-969). The contact was informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
"Takata recall" . Even recall started beginning of 2016, I never received my replacement bag(s). I have called repeatably to BMW USA just to hear that "everybody is waiting" and that I do not live in "1st priority state" (I live in north carolina where is as hot humid as anywhere in the south). I was given 3 different deadlines, one in summer 2016, second in October 106 and last one in March 2017. Nothing ever happened. My request to provide me with the loaner to avoid potential injury, I was told that it is not an option. I am afraid to drive my vehicle, especially with upcoming summer. Can you help?
Takata recall - BMW dealers have told me they will fix used cars they have traded in, and BMW corporate (via phone) told me no BMW dealer is allowed to sell a car with an open recall. Yet, here I am, going on a year with an open recall, and they continue to tell me that it isn't a big deal, and they don't have the parts. I asked, and was denied a loaner vehicle until parts are available - "they used to do that at the beginning, but don't offer it anymore". But, they seem to have the parts to repair cars that will net them profits. I'm tired of this.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V071000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called rick hendrick BMW (1518 savannah hwy, charleston, sc 29407 [phone]) and was informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V071000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. BMW of sarasota in sarasota, florida was made aware of the recall and stated that they were not responsible for the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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,…
Remedy: 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.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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…
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.
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Airbag complaints in other X1 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2013 BMW X1?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the air bags of the 2013 BMW X1, 32% of the model year's 102 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 BMW X1 airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-017 (inflator module, Jan 15, 2020); NHTSA recall 16V-071 (inflator module, Feb 5, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 BMW X1 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.