2013 BMW X3 fuel/propulsion system problems
16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the fuel/propulsion system on the 2013 BMW X3 — 7% 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 had a terrible BMW X3 (2013) Engine timing chain failure leading to Engine failure (known BMW X3 N20 engine time chain and engine coolant pump defect). The Car is non drivable and had to be towed to BMW Cleveland dealership and should be available for inspection. While driving on busy [XXX] …”
filed Oct 28, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Only fuel nozzles with the recommended “specified” diameter for diesel engine passenger vehicles can beinserted into the filler neck. Most fuel stations have their diesel fuel pumps fitted with this recommendeddiameter…
B131110 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 16, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System problems in other X3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 X3 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 X3 | 2 | 3% |
| 2021 X3 | 5 | 5% |
| 2020 X3 | 6 | 6% |
| 2019 X3 | 3 | 2% |
| 2017 X3 | 13 | 14% |
| 2016 X3 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 X3 | 13 | 12% |
| 2014 X3 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 X3 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 X3 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 X3 | 2 | 3% |
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.