Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 BMW X3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, with the drivetrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a stretched timing chain. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. During the failure, the message "transmission malfunction" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the residence and later examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain had failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.
As I was backing up, my car suddenly accelerated. I was shocked and tried to brake as fast as I could. I did slow down, but still hit a car that was parked nearby. This happened at a gas station. I did have the codes read, but nothing showed up. There were no warning indicators. At first I thought it was a driver error on my part, but after a great deal of thought and internet searching, I believe this to be car issue. I do have the surveillance security camera video from the gas station.
Vehicle indicated a drivetrain malfunction. It was determined by the dealer that the system that failed was TIMING VALVETRONIC MOTOR. The vehicle stalled as I was making a left hand turn off of a busy highway, putting myself and oncoming traffic at serious risk of collision. Oncoming vehicles were able to slow until I was able to maneuver the vehicle out of the lane of oncoming traffic. The dealer confirmed that they "found the vehicle stalling and not running correctly. Performed vehicle test. Found faults for valvetronic motor. Set multiple additional faults for mixture and air mass. Valvetronic is failing and should be replaced." The vehicle component was inspected by the dealer who sold me the car. There were no warning lights nor other indicators of component failure prior to the vehicle stalling on the highway. …
My wife was driving the car (her main, work car) with our 13 year old. She called me upset and told me that the car would barely move. This was disturbing. She was in heavy traffic. Also the car has been mostly reliable and we only have above 120k on the vehicle after almost 10 years. My wife slowly made it down busy Stocton Blvd. A few hundred feet and safely made it to a business parking lot. I came ASAP. (20min later). There was a message from the car - "Drive Train malfunction " it looked very serious. (Note: My wife is about the best, skillful and careful driver I know. Especially for a person originally from foreign country (China). I gave my wife and child my car and took over the situation. The car would only putt along at 5 mph. So with my emergency flashers on I drove it all the way home using the shoulder. Its about 5 miles home, (more or less). …
The component/systems affects is VANOS, exhaust: control error, camshaft is stuck; Boost pressure control: shutdown as a follow-up reaction. This is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others are at risk because the VANOS assembly (engine) bolts may, over time, loosen, and eventually break. If this occurs, a reduced engine power "safe mode" may be activated. In some cases, the engine may not be able to be restarted after switching off and, in rare cases, the engine could stall which could increase the risk of a crash. This problem has been confirmed by two BMW dealerships. After multiple visits and thousands of dollars spent on attempts at repair, the problem still exists. The resolution offered was to purchase another vehicle or spend thousands more at another attempt to remedy this problem. …
The engine failed while driving on the highway on 06/22/2021. My safety was put at risk because the traffic was heavy during the middle of a rain storm on the interstate. Cars had to swerve to avoid me as I was only able to coast my vehicle to the side of the highway. I was almost struck by traffic. A number of warning lights suddenly went off without have gone off before in king and oil pressure message and engine failure message and a transmission failure message all at once. I am in the process of getting the vehicle towed to be inspected. This appears to be a known problem with 2013 BMW X3s according to the research I have done since the incident but BMW won't issue a recall for the vehicles even though they are aware that this is a dangerous vehicle issue according to websites like bimmerpost,com and car gurus.com which have similar incidents to mine posted on their websites. …
I was driving on the highway and took my exit and the car suddenly stopped with the message "Drivetrain malfunction. Drive moderately." After this, the car would not move even with the engine on. It was as if the it was stuck in one gear and wouldn't move to "Drive". I turned the car off and back again. At this time, the car started to sputter after it started. Then, I let it stopped the engine for about 20 minutes. When the problem happened, the check engine light came on. After 20 minutes, I started the car again and I was able to drive it and the check engine light went away. However, since I had to go back on the highway, I was concerned about driving as it might stop suddenly on the highway and create a major accident. As per google, this seems to be a common issue with BMW X3's. The company should recall and repair such an incidence from happening.
BMW knows there is a problem with the 2013 x3 timing chain. I have continuously had my BMW serviced at there shops. Never once when my car was in for service did they mention the issue or proactively check. My vehicle now has the issue per the dealership snd indicated it is approximately a 20k repair which they included a new engine. I also followed BMWs recommendation to have the oil changed 1year or when miles were hit per their change program. Just has the oil changed in November and at the end of December now timing chain issues. Again multiple times this issue could have been identified and proactively fixed while under warrenty. Also has issues where the material on the glove box peeled off. BMW is also aware of this issue. Poor design and quality on these models/engine. Thank goodness i was not on the expressway when drivabilty issuev occurred!!!
low oil pressure light then Drivetrain malfunction light came on car completely shut off, no steering, no control very hard to get it to the side of the road. Would not go into neutral for tow, had to be dragged onto a tow truck bed. BMW knows of this problem with the PLASTIC drivetrain, BMW still refusing to recall this car, or engine. MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE!!! CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT APPARENTLY IN PROCESS. I replaced the engine in this car, now 2 years later same DRIVETRAIN problem. Told car needs another engine. Why should the little guy have to deal with this cost and danger!! BMW should stand up and recall this car 2013 x3.
Transmission complaints in other X3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2013 BMW X3?
NHTSA has 60 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2013 BMW X3, 27% of the model year's 226 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 BMW X3 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2013 BMW X3, though it has 7 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 X3 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.