2013 Bmw 528I: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
73 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
89,560 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2013 model year. Data snapshot: . 52 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 37 of 73 complaints (50.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 14 | 19.2% |
| Engine operation | 6 | 8.2% |
| Braking behavior | 6 | 8.2% |
| Steering behavior | 5 | 6.8% |
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 4.1% |
| Fuel system concerns | 2 | 2.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 37 |
| Air Bags | 14 |
| Electrical System | 14 |
| Power Train | 13 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 11 |
| Unknown Or Other | 6 |
| Seat Belts | 4 |
| Steering | 4 |
Engine: 37; Air Bags: 14; Electrical System: 14; Power Train: 13; Engine And Engine Cooling: 11; Unknown Or Other: 6; Seat Belts: 4; Steering: 4
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 11 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 18 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 18 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 11; 75,000 to 99,999: 18; 100,000 to 149,999: 18; 150,000 and above: 0
75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (18). 21 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 7 |
2015: 1; 2016: 3; 2017: 7; 2018: 11; 2019: 12; 2020: 9; 2021: 6; 2022: 3; 2023: 3; 2024: 11; 2025: 7
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 14 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10788047 · 2015-11-03 (November 3, 2015)
DRIVER RESTRAINT /AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ON TO NO APPARENT REASON. DEALER STATES THAT THE CAR MUST HAVE BEEN IN ACCIDENT ,BUT ONLY A MINOR SCUFF ON THE REAR NUMBER WAS OBSERVED. DEALER STATED THE MINOR SCUFF HAS CAUSED THE SYSTEM LIGHTS TO STAY ON AND WILL NOT COVER THE COST UNDER THE WARRANTEE . CAR ENGINE ON ,LIGHT REMAINS ON WHEN STOPPED AND MOVING.
Owner-reported narrative. 19,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10788047 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10859851 · 2016-04-16 (April 16, 2016)
MY CAR ONLY HAS 53,791 MILES AND THE SHUT DOWN TWICE WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. THE WARNING POPPED UP ON MY SCREEN DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION. AND I COULDN'T RESTART MY CAR. I WAS LUCKY TO BE BY THE STOP SIGN WHEN IT DIED AND NOT ON THE 50 MPH ROAD OR FREEWAY. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK SHOWED UP AN HOUR LATER MY BMW STARTED JUST FINE. SO, I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THE RECALL ON THE THERMOSTAT. DROVE IT TO BMW AND THEY JUST REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT. AND ON MY SCREEN SAYS ALL SYSTEMS ARE OK. I DROVE MY BMW HOME AND THE CAR DEAD AGAIN. WHEN I CALLED BMW SAYS THAT…
Owner-reported narrative. 53,757 miles reported. Look up ODI 10859851 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10887855 · 2016-07-22 (July 22, 2016)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 528I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY EXPLODED WITHOUT IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE BRUISES TO BOTH ARMS AND LEGS. THERE WAS ALSO UPPER ABDOMINAL BRUISING AND STOMACH SWELLING THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILAB…
Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10887855 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10929611 · 2016-12-02 (December 2, 2016)
I HAVE AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK WHERE AT RANDOM TIMES (ABOUT 2X PER MONTH) THE DOORS MAKE A RATCHETING SOUND LIKE THE MOTOR IS TRYING TO LOCK AND UNLOCK DOOR IN VERY QUICK SEQUENCE. IT HAPPENS RIGHT AFTER I OPEN THE DOOR COMING INTO THE CAR FROM THE OUTSIDE. I UNLOCK VIA THE REMOTE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE LOCK ON DOOR MOVES INTO A POSITION IT IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE IN SO WHEN YOU CLOSE THE DOOR YOU CAN HEAR METAL ON METAL HITTING. FOR NOW THE DOOR SEEMS TO LOCK AND SECURE- I AM CONCERNED THIS WILL GET W…
Owner-reported narrative. 31,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10929611 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10955118 · 2017-02-16 (February 16, 2017)
VEHICLE PART # BMW 61319354047 WILL FAIL CAUSING ABS AND ALL AIRBAG SYSTEMS TO BE DISABLED. VEHICLES MANUFACTURED USING THIS ASSEMBLY OF POOR QUALITY CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH, FAILURE OF AIRBAGS,SEAT BELTS RESTRAIN & ABS SAFETY SYSTEMS, MAKING THE CAR UNSAFE FOR OPERATION UNDER ANY FEDERAL ROAD OR CONDITION. COMPLETE AIR BAG SYSTEM DISABLING
Owner-reported narrative. 10 miles reported. Look up ODI 10955118 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10965855 · 2017-03-14 (March 14, 2017)
MY 2013 BMW HORN WENT OUT A WEEK AGO, I PAID ALMOST 300 DOLLARS TO HAVE IT FIX AND MY BRAKE FLUID CHANGED. A WEEK LATER MY HORN WENT OUT AGAIN ONCE MY DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON. ONCE THIS LIGHT CAME ON MY CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON STOPPED WORKING AS WELL AS MY HORN. WHICH IS EVERYTHING CONNECTED TO THE STEERING WHEEL THIS COULD BE AN AIRBAG PROBLEM BMW HAS CALLED CERTAIN MODELS OF THESE CARS ON RECALL WHICH MINE DOESN'T FALL UNDER THIS RECALL. THIS ISSUE IS A COMMON ISSUE AMONG BMW 5 SERIES MODELS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED THESE ARE IMPORTANT…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10965855 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10966456 · 2017-03-17 (March 17, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 528I. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO AIR BAG RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 09/27/17*LJ *AS
Owner-reported narrative. 75,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10966456 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10985722 · 2017-05-15 (May 15, 2017)
THIS CAR HAS A PUSH-BUTTON START/STOP ON THE DASH AND NOT A KEY INSERT. TWICE, I HAVE SOMEHOW, WITH THE CAR IN "PARK" EXITED-CAR NOT MOVING-ON A LEVEL SURFACED PARKING LOT- AND LOCKED THE CAR ONLY TO DISCOVER THE CAR ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. LAST FRIDAY THIS HAPPENED AND I TOOK MY KEY FOB INTO MY OFFICE MORE THAN 100 YARDS FROM MY CAR. MY FIANCE (WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH THE PUSH-BUTTON SYSTEM DID THE SAME THING AT OUR HOUSE. THE CAR RAN IN OUR GARAGE FOR THREE HOURS. WE ARE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. WHEN I CALLED MY DEALER, THE SERVICE MANAGER …
Owner-reported narrative. 44,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10985722 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
13V454000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum
Reported: 2013-09-26 (September 26, 2013)
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V627000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum
Reported: 2014-10-07 (October 7, 2014)
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V188000 · Exterior Lighting
Reported: 2015-03-31 (March 31, 2015)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V608000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Connectors/Plugs/Receptacles | Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Pump
Reported: 2024-08-13 (August 13, 2024)
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗