Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: running costs are the problem rather than the car itself.
Owners have filed 226 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 BMW X3 xDrive35i, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 87 | 38% |
| Power train | 30 | 13% |
| Power train | 11 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 9 | 4% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 9 | 4% |
| Unknown or other | 6 | 3% |
| Air bags | 6 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 5 | 2% |
| Power train | 4 | 2% |
| Power train | 4 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
My Brake Vacuum Pump is broken, with oil leaking into the vacuum reservoir. The brake distance is much longer. I searched the web and found out a lot of people had the same issue.
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light and drivetrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle faile
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
BMW knows there is a problem with the 2013 x3 timing chain. I have continuously had my BMW serviced at there shops. Never once when my car was in for service did they mention the issue or proactively check. My vehicle
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact's daughter owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer f
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
While driving my 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i under normal conditions, a “drivetrain malfunction” warning suddenly appeared, immediately followed by a “low oil pressure” warning. Within seconds, the engine lost all power and sh
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The car experienced major issues and nearly stalled while driving. It was pulled off a road into a driveway where it caught fire and burned to the ground. No recall information was ever sent to my house. Very dangerous o
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
I own a 2013 BMW X3 equipped with the N20 engine. After approximately 17 months of ownership and only around 11,000 miles of normal driving, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete engine failure without warning. The
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, smoke was noticed leaking from under the hood. The contact stated that after she opened the hood, the vehicle caught on fire. No warning
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
| Reliability raw | 54 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 61 | average |
| Maintenance | 50 | average |
| Depreciation | 37 | below average |
| Performance | 72 | good |
| Efficiency | 37 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 226 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 87 of them (38%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 54/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 61/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2013 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: skip unless cheap, because running costs are the problem rather than the car itself. Its overall ownership score is 52/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.