BMW X6 · model year

2013 BMW X6

36 NHTSA complaints, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013BMWX6 carries 36 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 1 fire, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 X6 is air bags with 14 filings, followed by engine (7) and power train (6). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 34 investigation files overlapping the 2013 X6. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

36
Complaints
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

36 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS14
ENGINE7
POWER TRAIN6
STEERING3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
SUSPENSION1

Recalls (5)

20V01700015/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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,

19V01700014/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 c

12V26700013/06/2012

STEERING

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.

18V03000009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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, Lou

17V13800002/03/2017

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. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive

Recent Complaints

20240701ENGINE

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 by mechanic that it was leaking all engine oil and power steering fluid

20231114POWER TRAIN

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 where it was diagnosed and determined that the front driveshaft needed to be replaced, and that the transmission was leaking and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 17V138000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Mileage: 67,000

20210211FireENGINE

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 DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

Mileage: 107,000

20210106FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 UNEVEN STREET/HIGHWAY, WHEEL WOULD JERK EXTREMELY HARD CAUSING ME TO ENTER OTHER LANES. VEHICLE WAS PULLING HARD AND I HEARD NOISE EVERY TIME I DROVE OVER UNEVEN ROADS. I WAS ALSO GETTING AN ANTI-TRAP MALFUNCTION FOR SUNROOF ERROR MESSAGE. ISSUES: VEHICLE SPUTTERED, SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND WOULD NOT START, VEHICLE STILL PULLING AND NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TWO FRONT TIRES. COMMENTS: DUE TO THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONING, SPUTTERING AND NOT STARTING, I WAS STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT. OTHER MOTORISTS HELPED PUSH THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO GET ME OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. ISSUES: 2ND OCCURRE

Mileage: 55,000

20210106STEERING

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 UNEVEN STREET/HIGHWAY, WHEEL WOULD JERK EXTREMELY HARD CAUSING ME TO ENTER OTHER LANES. VEHICLE WAS PULLING HARD AND I HEARD NOISE EVERY TIME I DROVE OVER UNEVEN ROADS. I WAS ALSO GETTING AN ANTI-TRAP MALFUNCTION FOR SUNROOF ERROR MESSAGE. ISSUES: VEHICLE SPUTTERED, SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND WOULD NOT START, VEHICLE STILL PULLING AND NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TWO FRONT TIRES. COMMENTS: DUE TO THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONING, SPUTTERING AND NOT STARTING, I WAS STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT. OTHER MOTORISTS HELPED PUSH THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO GET ME OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. ISSUES: 2ND OCCURRE

Mileage: 55,000

20210106SUSPENSION

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 UNEVEN STREET/HIGHWAY, WHEEL WOULD JERK EXTREMELY HARD CAUSING ME TO ENTER OTHER LANES. VEHICLE WAS PULLING HARD AND I HEARD NOISE EVERY TIME I DROVE OVER UNEVEN ROADS. I WAS ALSO GETTING AN ANTI-TRAP MALFUNCTION FOR SUNROOF ERROR MESSAGE. ISSUES: VEHICLE SPUTTERED, SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND WOULD NOT START, VEHICLE STILL PULLING AND NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TWO FRONT TIRES. COMMENTS: DUE TO THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONING, SPUTTERING AND NOT STARTING, I WAS STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT. OTHER MOTORISTS HELPED PUSH THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO GET ME OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. ISSUES: 2ND OCCURRE

Mileage: 55,000

20190528AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL

20181212ENGINE

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, I SHIFTED INTO MANUAL MODE, DOWNSHIFTING I ORDER TO EVADE AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER. I THEN SHIFTED BACK TO AUTOMATIC, AT APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH, AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE CUT OUT , THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STEERING WAS NON POWERED. THE CAR ALSO SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL. I RECEIVED AN ERROR ABOUT STABILITY AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR FOR SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE CAR DID THIS 3 TIMES BEFORE I REACHED MY DESTINATION AND WAS ABLE TO ALLOW IT TO SIT. IT WASN'T UNTIL LATER THAT EVENING THAT IT WAS ABLE TO BE STARTED AND DRIVE SUCCESSFULLY HOME.

Mileage: 80,000

20180719ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (PASSPORT BMW, 4730 AUTH PLACE, CAMP SPRINGS, MARYLAND 20746) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

20180209AIR BAGS

BMW DEALERSHIP IN GEORGIA, TBILISI IS LIAR. I VISITED THEM FOR CUSTOMER CAR PACKAGE. UNDER THIS CCP MUST BE REPLACED SOME PARTS WITHOUT CHECKING AND SOME OF THEM AFTER CHECKING. THAT DEALERSHIP CHAMGED ME ONLY AIR MASS SENSORS WHEN BMW AG STATES THAT VENT PIPE BANK 1 AND 2, CONNECTING LINE BANK 1 AND 2, AOR MASS SENSORS, INTAKE AIR DUCT MUST BE REPLACED ON EVERY N63S. INJECTORS, VACUUM PUMP, CHAIN AND SOME ORHER PARTS MUST BE REPLACED AFTER CHECKING IF THEY ARE FAULTY. THAT DEALERSHIP LIED ME THAT THEY RECEIVED NEW DOCUMENTATIONS FROM BMW AND ONLY AIR MASS SENNSORS MUST BE CHANGED. THEY ARE LIARS. MY CAR IS UNDER BURNING RISK BECAUSE THEY CHANGED ONLY AIR MASS SENSORS AND DID NOT PERFORMED THE CCP PROPERLY. THEY DID NOT CHECK MY TIMING CHAIN TOO. MY CONTACT NUMBER +995 591227222

20180209ENGINE

BMW DEALERSHIP IN GEORGIA, TBILISI IS LIAR. I VISITED THEM FOR CUSTOMER CAR PACKAGE. UNDER THIS CCP MUST BE REPLACED SOME PARTS WITHOUT CHECKING AND SOME OF THEM AFTER CHECKING. THAT DEALERSHIP CHAMGED ME ONLY AIR MASS SENSORS WHEN BMW AG STATES THAT VENT PIPE BANK 1 AND 2, CONNECTING LINE BANK 1 AND 2, AOR MASS SENSORS, INTAKE AIR DUCT MUST BE REPLACED ON EVERY N63S. INJECTORS, VACUUM PUMP, CHAIN AND SOME ORHER PARTS MUST BE REPLACED AFTER CHECKING IF THEY ARE FAULTY. THAT DEALERSHIP LIED ME THAT THEY RECEIVED NEW DOCUMENTATIONS FROM BMW AND ONLY AIR MASS SENNSORS MUST BE CHANGED. THEY ARE LIARS. MY CAR IS UNDER BURNING RISK BECAUSE THEY CHANGED ONLY AIR MASS SENSORS AND DID NOT PERFORMED THE CCP PROPERLY. THEY DID NOT CHECK MY TIMING CHAIN TOO. MY CONTACT NUMBER +995 591227222

20171012AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V071000 AND 17V138000 (AIR BAGS, POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

20171012POWER TRAIN

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V071000 AND 17V138000 (AIR BAGS, POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

20171005AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BMW MONROVIA (1425 MOUNTAIN AVE, MONROVIA, CA) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

20170907ENGINE

VEHICLE DEMONSTRATES TURBO LAG. IN THE STATIONARY POSITION WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL, THE VEHICLE PAUSES FOR QUITE SOME TIME BUT THE RPM RISES THAN THE VEHICLE WILL MOVE FORWARD. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING AS ONE TRIES TO ENTER HEAVY FAST MOVING TRAFFIC. ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHEN THE VEHICLE WILL MOVE FORWARD AS THE TURBO DECIDES TO KICK IN. BECAUSE OF THE LAG, I'VE PLACED MYSELF AND OTHERS AT RISK OF INJURY AS I ATTEMPT TO ENTER TRAFFIC. WHEN YOU SEE AN OPENING TO ENTER TRAFFIC, THAT OPENING IS GONE AS THE LAG PREVENTS THE CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD AT THE TIME REQUIRED TO ENTER TRAFFIC SAFELY. INSTEAD YOUR PROPELLED INTO TRAFFIC, CUTTING OFF OTHER DRIVERS THAT HAVE TO BREAK TO AVOID A COLLISION. THIS IS A DAILY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED.

Mileage: 1

20170830AIR BAGS

" TAKATA RECALL " I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON MY BMW X6, AND CALLED BMW OF CONCORD, CALIFORNIA TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN. WE ALSO RECEIVED A SETTLEMENT NOTICE

Mileage: 28,500

20170824UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MISFIRE CYLINDER 7

20170818AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V071000 AND 17V138000 (AIR BAGS, POWER TRAIN). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (BMW OF ATLANTIC CITY, LOCATED AT 6807 TILTON RD EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ 08234) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

20170818POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V071000 AND 17V138000 (AIR BAGS, POWER TRAIN). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (BMW OF ATLANTIC CITY, LOCATED AT 6807 TILTON RD EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ 08234) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

20170809AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BMW OF MORRISTOWN IN MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND AGREED WITH THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Compare 2013BMWX6 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 BMW X6 have?
The 2013 BMW X6 has 36 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 BMW X6?
Yes, the 2013 BMW X6 has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW X6?
The most-complained component for the 2013 BMW X6 is AIR BAGS with 14 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2013 BMW X6 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.