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 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. …
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. …
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.
While pulling up to a red light and after coming to a complete stop, I sensed the engine was revving. While pressing down on the brake, I checked the RPM gauge to see the engine was revving at around 7k rpm. I tried to immediately put the car in park and turn off the ignition, but in the time it took me to move my hand from the steering wheel to the shifter, the car violently lurched forward and crashed into a pickup truck in front of me. I shut off the car momentarily. Realizing I was blocking traffic on a heavily traveled highway, I risked turning the car back on. I did so and was able to move it to the median to await the arrival of the state police. Later, I had the vehicle towed to an auto repair shop out of fear of driving it again. It is currently in the shop.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was knocking in the engine and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the temperature gauge was faulty and needed to be replaced. No repairs were performed. The contact stated that after the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the dealer, the engine seized while driving, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and declined the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with a message that the engine was overheating displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for further assistance The approximate failure mileage was 93,288.
In June of 2024 heavy smoke began to come from my BMW X1's engine as I drove and parked at traffic lights. On July 26, 2024 I took my vehicle to BMW of Montgomery, Alabama where they performed a diagnostic test and concluded that the vehicle had an "oil leak". On July 31, 2024 my vehicle was repaired (the oil pan and valve cover gasket) by Nalley BMW of Decatur, Georgia. On October 19, 2024 my vehicle received an oil change at Nalley BMW of Decatur, Georgia. On [redacted] my vehicle's engine began to smoke again. On October 29, 2024 I called Nalley BMW of Decatur and they scheduled for my vehicle to come in for a Diagnostic Scan and they stated the following repairs (replacements) needed to be done: Cylinder Head Assembly-plastic valve cover is cracked and leaking. Replace Oil filter Housing and cooler Gasket (showing signs of leak) after repair clean oil from engine. …
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. …
1- The component failed (timing chain and and oil pump chain broke inside the engine compartment. The car is located in the BMW yard and is available for inspection at BMW Shrewsbury MA. 2. The safety was extremely dangerous. The engine suddenly and stop in the high speed Route 20 State highway. The timing chain and the oil pump have been complete damage and could not be fix. The only solution is replacing the engine and cost about 18000.00. If I get hit from the back I be killed immediately. 3- the vehicle or component has been inspect by the BMW technician. 4-There was a brief moment there was a very loud ai the engine and red flashing lit up the low oil.
Engine complaints in other X1 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 BMW X1?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 BMW X1, 36% of the model year's 102 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 BMW X1 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 BMW X1, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 BMW X1 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.