Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 BMW X5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was sluggish. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance and to address the vehicle driving sluggish. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the valve-tronic camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. There was an existing for similar vehicles; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the front drive shaft failed to operate as designed, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The contact stated that during the failure, the driveshaft detached, and caused damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the front drive shaft and hydraulic steering lines were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V138000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 160,000.
After driving for an hour I noticed smoke coming from under the hood of the car, I opened the hood to and noticed the smoke coming from under the plastic cover which covers the turbo and catalytic converter In That area. After removing the cover I saw a bright flame coming from under the hood.
While driving locally at a 20-25 mph speed my vehicle shuttered violently and a huge thunk was heard which sounded as if the engine had dropped out. I immediately pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle underneath and under hood but nothing was detected by me. Thankfully I was on a local street with grass side and not highway driving at greater speed and without location to safely park. No warning lights had flashed prior, and no warning lights came on when I restarted vehicle. I limped the vehicle a short distance to a auto repair shop for diagnosis. It was reported to me the front drive shaft had broken out and fallen down into the skid plate. It was given to me and I still have the shaft which is broken at the front fork with one fork missing. …
Car was purchased in July of 2017. Extended warranty was purchased. Dealership says they do not have that in their records. A letter was sent to our address regarding extended coverage, but had another person's name on it. Regardless, the engine developed excessive oil leaks, and led to complete engine failure. Dealer says it would be several thousand dollars to look at it. Research indicates that this model vehicle had excessive oil leaks, but we were not apprised of this, or any of the recalls when purchased. Also, the seals were not holding oil. Dealer sold the car without disclosing of any of these defects. Further, I believe there may have been a recall on the engine, but BMW tells us that this engine is not in the recall. Additional research conforms that this is a standard practice for BMW. I can be reached any time at [redacted], or [redacted].
My vehicle has suffered catastrophic electrical failure due to water intrusion directly into the rear cargo compartment. This water ingress has destroyed vital electronic control modules that were designed and placed in low-lying, unsealed body cavities-an engineering layout heavily documented as a design vulnerability in the E70 chassis. My safety was put at risk as this happened on the highway and threw my SUV into limp mode. I could not drive the speed limit on the highway and had to drive home with my hazard lights on while cars drove around me and almost collided with me on the highway. BMW has previously acknowledged the severe liabilities of placing sensitive electronics near drainage paths, as seen in the Catalano v. BMW of North America litigation. …
The Drive Shaft was replaced as part of a recall in 2017 and the damage from that drive shaft has caused an issue in the transfer case resulting in humming and other periodic noises and vibrations. The dealer asked for $5300 to replace the Transfer Case and I have stopped driving it as it could lead to an accident. Mechanics have said this is VERY COMMON in those cars with this recall. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCRIT-17V138-1965.pdf I have reached out to BMW USA who said to reach out to you as they will not honor the repair unless a BMW certified mechanic states that it is related OR NHTSA agrees it is a safety issue. The car has 65000 miles on it.
Hello, my name is [redacted]. I am 77 years old man and more than 50 years driving experience. I bought BMW X5 October 2013 from tenafly BMW dealership. This car was my lifetime dreamed car. Like a BMW sales slogan ?ultimate driving machine? I would like to have an experience BMW car's joy of driving. But after few month later I was disappointed to have BMW X5. When I drive to accelerate push the gas car dose not respond as quickly as pushing gas. So I told the mechanic my problem they did software upgrade. After software upgrade car was good responding drive. But few weeks later back to old condition. These things four more times I did. Could you possibly help me out of these problems and my frustration? Here are my problems: 1. Sluggish and hesitating running when acceleration 2. Between transmission and gasoline sensor problem?!(I think) 3. …
Driving at approximately 60 mph, suddenly - a lot of vibration and an incredibly loud bang. We were able to continue driving. On investigation, confirmed that there had been a catastrophic failure of the front drive-shaft. On further investigation, this is a known issue with this make & model and there was a recall [redacted]: Replace Front Driveshaft in 2017. This recall literature describes everything in the document as to what actually happened. I called BMW of Westchester where I purchased car on [redacted] and left message, they did not return my call/message. I then proceed to call BMW USA ([phone]) on [redacted] and as to how come car had not been called and concern with potential gap in their system. They explained that this recall only applied to cars produced on April-22, 2013 and my car had been produced on [redacted]. Apparently, they changed the front driveshaft part. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 17V138000 (power train). The contact took the vehicle to BMW of birmingham (1000 tom williams way, irondale, al 35210) where the technician informed the contact that BMW would not honor the recall because there was no failure with the driveshaft. The dealer stated that BMW extended the warranty to 125,000 miles. The contact asked the dealer what would happen if a failure occurred with the transmission or engine. The technician informed the contact that BMW would replace the transmission or the engine free of charge. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure mileage was 56,500. Parts distribution disconnect.
Related recalls
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
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.
Remedy: 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.
Transmission complaints in other X5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2013 BMW X5?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2013 BMW X5, 23% of the model year's 162 complaints. The component named most often is driveline › driveshaft (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 BMW X5 transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-138 (driveshaft, Mar 2, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 BMW X5 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 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.