2013 BMW X3 power train problems
60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2013 BMW X3 — 27% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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 now has the issue per the dealership snd indicated it is approximately a 20k…”
filed Jan 4, 2026
“I am submitting this report to highlight a serious safety defect involving premature timing chain failures in BMW vehicles. The case relates to a 2013 BMW X3, but the problem is widely documented across multiple BMW models from this production era. The timing chain is intended to last the lifetime…”
filed Aug 25, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other X3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 X3 | 3 | 9% |
| 2024 X3 | 3 | 9% |
| 2022 X3 | 7 | 10% |
| 2021 X3 | 5 | 5% |
| 2020 X3 | 14 | 13% |
| 2019 X3 | 7 | 4% |
| 2018 X3 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 X3 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 X3 | 9 | 11% |
| 2015 X3 | 9 | 9% |
| 2014 X3 | 5 | 6% |
| 2012 X3 | 7 | 17% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2013 BMW X3
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.