Research · Large Cars

2013 BMW X1 SDRIVE28IRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 102 owner complaints for the 2013 BMW X1 SDRIVE28I. Most complaints involve air bags (33) and electrical system (28). The EPA rates it 27 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
27mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
102
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2013 BMW X1 SDRIVE28I as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

102 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2013 – Jul 2026
  1. Air bags33
  2. Electrical system28
  3. Engine25
  4. Engine and engine cooling12
  5. Power train6
  6. Service brakes6
  7. Structure3
  8. Steering3
  9. Fuel/propulsion system2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each X1 SDRIVE28I model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2013102
2014114
201594
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

33 reports3 crashes
“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. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V627000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) as her VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 21, 2021Service brakes, hydraulic, Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11433897

Electrical system

28 reports1 fire
“I'm not sure If I need to report BMW for declining to repair a recall known as 24V-608. I went to my local BMW dealership Valley Auto World BMW In Fayetteville, NC. The first time we went they said they put a cover over the wiring connector for oil or water dripping from the PCV hose. When we went their were no engine codes and a week after they perform the inspection I got engine codes regarding the water pump codes are U0079 - U019F. I got this when It was at night. The following morning I went out and unplugged the connector and corrosion was on the connector. I proceed to clean the connector pins with isopropyl alcohol and a tooth brush. I also added Dielectric grease to the inside of the water pump connector before I found out that there was corrosion on the connector pins. The codes did not go away. The following morning the pump stopped working so I removed It and corrosion was on the pins for the water pump. I took It to the dealership and the said neither corporate or the dealership would not repair the vehicle because they said they got photos before they put the connector protector on and I said I got photos after they put It on. They are trying to…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 25, 2026Electrical systemODI 11752791

Engine

25 reports1 crash
“Approximately 8 months ago, I brought my car to the BMW dealership Keeler's in Latham, NY 12110 for a Recall 24V-608:474, the dealer held my car for a day. Two weeks later after taking my car in for the recall, my check engine light started going off and on, off and on, then it comes on and stayed on. On certain occasions I smelt burning wiring and antifreeze smell, yet I assumed that those particular smells come from outside through the car vents. The weather was in the fall season, so I never turned on the AC to make sure the cold air was working, the heat was working. It wasn't until the weather was getting warm that I try to use the Cold air in my car that I notice that there was nothing but hot air coming out and not the ice-cold air that I was getting before I took it to the BMW dealer in Latham. I connected a code reader to my car and the codes that come back were U019F and U0079 which stated that is was a lost communication with the Engin coolant pump. I call BMW and tell them about my complaints; they told me to bring in my car to get it look at. I brought the car to Keeler. The Service Advisor Daniel Purpura told me that my car has be reset and a…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 29, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11740918
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
X1 sDrive28i
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
243327$2,950327
  • X1 sDrive28i
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    24 city · 33 hwy · $2,950/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 BMW X1 SDRIVE28I as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 7434
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2013 X1 SDRIVE28I questions

How many recalls does the 2013 BMW X1 SDRIVE28I have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.

What are the most common 2013 BMW X1 SDRIVE28I problems?

Owners filed 102 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (33), electrical system (28), engine (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2013 BMW X1 SDRIVE28I get?

The EPA rates the 2013 BMW X1 SDRIVE28I at 27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026