VehicleVerdict

2013 BMW 528i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 119 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median 528i year — the 2013 model ranks #4 of 17 528i years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 40% of all reports (48 of 119), far ahead of airbags at 17. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

119

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other 528i years?

528i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted181 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 2 complaints1997: 49 complaints1998: 39 complaints1999: 59 complaints2000: 53 complaints2001: 3 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 181 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 87 complaints2011: 164 complaints2012: 145 complaints2013: 119 complaints2014: 92 complaints2015: 105 complaints2016: 103 complaints
528i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 528i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 BMW 528i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4840%
Airbags1714%
Electrical System1513%
Transmission1311%
Other65%
Lighting43%
Steering43%
Seat Belts43%
Brakes33%
Speed Control11%
Latches & Locks11%
Fuel System11%
Body & Structure11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2013 BMW 528i have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V608000Electrical SystemAugust 13, 2024 · 720,796 units

Defect

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.

15V188000LightingMarch 31, 2015 · 13,443 units

Defect

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.

14V627000BrakesOctober 7, 2014 · 8,988 units

Defect

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.

13V454000BrakesSeptember 26, 2013 · 76,191 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“A VEHICLE(SUV) ENDED MY CAR IN THE REAR IN A PRETTY GOOD SPEED WHEN I WAS IN THE SLOW TRAFFIC ALMOST STATIONARY(5 MPH). CRASH IMPACT WAS HIGH. HAD TO CALL IN AN AMBULANCE AS MY FRIEND SITTING IN PASSENGER SEAT WAS HURT BADLY. AS WE REALIZE AFTER THE CRASH, ENGINE GOT STOPPED & AIRBAGS FAILED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 26, 2019 · crash

“A VEHICLE(SUV) ENDED MY CAR IN THE REAR IN A PRETTY GOOD SPEED WHEN I WAS IN THE SLOW TRAFFIC ALMOST STATIONARY(5 MPH). CRASH IMPACT WAS HIGH. HAD TO CALL IN AN AMBULANCE AS MY FRIEND SITTING IN PASSENGER SEAT WAS HURT BADLY. AS WE REALIZE AFTER THE CRASH, ENGINE GOT STOPPED & AIRBAGS FAILED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 26, 2019 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 17, 2017

“WHILE DRIVING A MESSAGE OF DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION POPS UP ON THE IDRIVE SYSTEM. SPARK PLUGS HAVE BEEN CHANGED ALONG WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES. HAPPENS OCCASIONALY THEN I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND LOCK THEN UNLOCK AND RESTART. SOMETIMES THE MESSAGE WILL POP BACK UP AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 16, 2020

“While driving in the toll of 130 my sunroof window busted out of nowhere. No 18 wheeler or big truck was in front that could have cause the glass to burst, when it happened it sounded like an explosion. Luckily my sunroof cover was closed shielding the inside of my vehicle otherwise it could’ve…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 3, 2024

2013 BMW 528i — common questions

Is the 2013 BMW 528i reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 119 complaints put the 2013 model at #4 of 17 528i years. It is one of the 528i years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 528i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (48 complaints), airbags (17 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints).

Does the 2013 BMW 528i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 BMW 528i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 BMW 528i under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW 528i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 528i years to avoid are 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2014. The cleanest record among 528i years belongs to 2007.

How safe is the 2013 BMW 528i?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 BMW 528i earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.