2013 BMW X6 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 1, 2024 · 25 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other X6 years
Far more complaints than other years 3rd of 21 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 BMW X6. That ranks 3rd out of 21 X6 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (14 complaints, 56%), typically at around 28,500 miles. Complaints mention 1 fire. There are 5 safety recalls covering this model year.

BMW X6
2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 photographed at the 2010 Washington Auto Show.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2013 BMW X6 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags14 · ~28,500 mi
Engine7 · ~70,000 mi
Power Train6 · ~67,000 mi
Steering3 · ~49,500 mi
Fuel/propulsion System2 · ~47,500 mi
Electrical System1 · ~44,000 mi
Suspension1 · ~55,000 mi
Unknown or Other1
Vehicle Speed Control1 · ~40,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags1456%28,500——
Engine728%70,000——
Power Train624%67,000——
Steering312%49,500——
Fuel/propulsion System28%47,500——
Electrical System14%44,000——
Suspension14%55,000——
Unknown or Other14%———
Vehicle Speed Control14%40,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2017, with 13 complaints
2015: 2201522016: 2201622017: 132017132018: 3201832019: 1201912021: 2202122023: 1202312024: 120241

n = 25 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2013 BMW X6 recalls (5)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleJan 15, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V017000 · 59,965 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator moduleDo not driveJan 14, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V017000 · 83,016 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator moduleDo not driveJan 9, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V030000 · 41,808 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Power train:driveline:driveshaftMar 2, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V138000 · 121,909 vehicles

Problem: 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. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.

Risk: If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

SteeringJun 13, 2012 · NHTSA campaign 12V267000 · 2,642 vehicles

Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2012 x5 vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and 2013 x5 and x6 vehicles. Due to a machining error of the steering gear surface, power steering fluid may leak.

Risk: Leaking power steering fluid can spray onto hot exhaust parts, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the steering gear free of charge. The safety recall began on july 20, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

While driving on the highway, the warning “engine power reduced” came on and the car just started slowing to a complete stop. Smoke started coming from the engine and the rear, then came to a complete stop and has not started again. Was towed from the highway to a safe location and I was told…

Engine · received Jul 1, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11598030

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X6. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and ascending an incline, the vehicle started to lose forward momentum and was vibrating. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer…

Power Train · received Nov 14, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11555036

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 bmw x6. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, it spontaneously caught fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not…

Engine · received Feb 11, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11395697

Issues: both front thrust arm bushings worn, oil leaking from vehicle, replacement of microfilter needed, brake fluid flush service and sunroof not initialized. Comments: i took the vehicle in to be serviced as i was getting a driver stability malfunction error and when driving over potholes or any…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Jan 6, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11386880

Takata recall

Air Bags · received May 28, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11210452

Other BMW X6 years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW X6?

Owners most often report air bags, engine, power train problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 14 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2013 BMW X6?

Yes, 5 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2013 BMW X6 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other X6 model years, the 2013 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.