2013 BMW X1 Electrical Problems

28 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2013 BMW X1 to NHTSA — 27% of all 102 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 80,000 miles. That ranks #3 of 12 X1 model years for electrical complaints (a typical year has 8). One related recall has been issued.

28complaints
80ktypical miles
1related recalls
0crashes
1fires
0injuries

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    18%
  • 25k–50k
    18%
  • 50k–75k
    431%
  • 75k–100k
    215%
  • 100k–150k
    323%
  • 150k+
    215%

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 that while shifting into park(P) and turning off the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from under the hood and entering the cabin through the air vents. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence; however, the failure progressed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and remained for additional tests. BMW of Minnetonka (15802 Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391) and Walser Subaru St. Paul (740 Concord St S, South St Paul, MN 55075) were contacted; however, the parts were not available for the repair. The contact believed that the failure was possibly related to NHTSA Campaign: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the contact was not notified of the recall. …

82,000 miles · Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. …

164,000 miles · Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the turbo and other unknown parts were previously replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a Meineke Car Care Center, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the water pump. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

196,000 miles · Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, upon return to the vehicle, there was an abnormal burning odor outside the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost of the diagnostic test. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,200. Parts distribution disconnect.

80,000 miles · Jan 2023

The sensor on the electric water pump failed and caused the water pump thermostat and alternator to stop working and the truck to catch on fire. I uploaded proof below that I reported there was a problem since approximately 2021 to a certified bmw dealership and everything else was fixed but that. And I paid for the extra video inspection every time the same year model everything has been recalled and my family was put in danger and nothing done???? I have several other invoices as well BMW told me to contact you all Just seems like no one cares about my family's lives I have like 10 more invoices and the final repair invoices

Jan 2025 · fire

Coolant Pump Electrical Connector Recall #24V-608 Program Control Units (DME) Recall #20E-A01 I am following up because my dealer was unable to complete the DME recall, and the coolant pump recall still shows as incomplete in NHTSA. My vehicle was moved off-site without my consent. I received no updates or documentation, and the dealer was dismissive. My car's condition has declined due to unresolved recalls. I have already spent over $2,000 replacing the coolant pump and now face a $5,000 repair quote and potential off-site garage fees. Description of the issue: Dealer failed to complete DME recall Coolant pump recall shows as incomplete Vehicle moved off-site without your consent Customer Relations unhelpful and rude Financial impacts ($2k coolant pump repair in December, $5k quote, off-site fees) Requests: 1. Confirm in writing which recalls are open and applicable to my VIN. 2. …

Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign to Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign to Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Sep 2024

Related recalls

Electrical system › Wiring › Connectors/plugs/receptacles

NHTSA recall 24V-608 · Aug 13, 2024 · 720,796 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025.

Electrical complaints in other X1 years

2013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025202628313214258523429
Electrical complaints per model year, BMW X1.

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2013 BMW X1?

NHTSA has 28 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 BMW X1, 27% of the model year's 102 complaints.

Is there a recall for 2013 BMW X1 electrical problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 24V-608 (connectors/plugs/receptacles, Aug 13, 2024). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 2013 BMW X1 electrical problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.