Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2013 BMW X5 XDRIVE35IRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 162 owner complaints for the 2013 BMW X5 XDRIVE35I. Most complaints involve air bags (52) and engine (49). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
162
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$4,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2013 BMW X5 XDRIVE35I as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
162 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2012 – Sep 2026
- Air bags52
- Engine49
- Power train37
- Electrical system22
- Fuel/propulsion system9
- Service brakes8
- Engine and engine cooling6
- Structure6
- Seat belts5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
52 reports1 crash1 fire
“During the past raining season, car battery compartment flooded creating a fire/electrical hazard during operation and addition total malfunction of instruments, lighting, warning systems in general, airbags, rendering the vehicle useless. The issue is well documented online by various owners, BMW stop assisting owners of vehicles that have the same issue of flooding. Please assist with any possible help to resolve the problem(s) of the vehicle 2013 BMW X5”
Engine
49 reports3 fires
“I’m currently experiencing two issues. I’ve done the necessary repairs on one of the issues. The first concern is related to the idle when starting up the vehicle. The combination meter one of them hesitant to continue going up on its own while the accelerator is not being touched. And the driver side actuator is having issues as if it’s stuck..”
Power train
37 reports1 fire
“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. This is not a wear-and-tear issue; it is a design failure that leaves critical safety components swimming in water during normal rain events.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8)
- Drive
- All-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 Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 xDrive35i Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,050 | 478 |
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5BMW X5 Xdrive35I SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 3 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 17.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 7012
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2013 X5 XDRIVE35I questions
How many recalls does the 2013 BMW X5 XDRIVE35I have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2013 BMW X5 XDRIVE35I problems?
Owners filed 162 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (52), engine (49), power train (37). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2013 BMW X5 XDRIVE35I get?
The EPA rates the 2013 BMW X5 XDRIVE35I at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2013 BMW X5 XDRIVE35I?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 BMW X5 XDRIVE35I 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026