VehicleVerdict

2013 BMW 528xi problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 85 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median 528xi year — the 2013 model ranks #1 of 6 528xi years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 42% of all reports (36 of 85), far ahead of transmission at 16. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

85

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other 528xi years?

528xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted85 complaints2008: 45 complaints2009: 9 complaints2010: 12 complaints2012: 85 complaints2013: 85 complaints2014: 1 complaints
528xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 528xi years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 BMW 528xi problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3642%
Transmission1619%
Electrical System1214%
Other67%
Lighting56%
Airbags34%
Fuel System22%
Seat Belts11%
Seats11%
Speed Control11%
Steering11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2013 BMW 528xi have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I AM HAVING THE SAME DRIVETRAIN ISSUES THAT OTHER EARLIER MODEL BMW'S BETWEEN 2011 TO 2015 THAT WAS RECALLED. MY OIL PUMP CHAIN MODULE AND TIMING CHAIN MODULE NEEDS REPLACING. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY FOR ABOUT A MONTH OFF AND ON. I STARTED MY CAR AND DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION APPEARED ON DASH. I'VE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 10, 2020

“A CATASTROPHIC PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH MY BMW, A 2013 528I MODEL, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY EXPRESSWAY. A WARNING MESSAGE INDICATED THE OIL PRESSURE WAS LOW. AS I ATTEMPTED TO NAVIGATE TO THE SHOULDER, ANOTHER MESSAGE STATED THERE WAS A DRIVE-TRAIN MALFUNCTION. THE CAR PROCEEDED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 20, 2020

“The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 21, 2025

“A CATASTROPHIC PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH MY BMW, A 2013 528I MODEL, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY EXPRESSWAY. A WARNING MESSAGE INDICATED THE OIL PRESSURE WAS LOW. AS I ATTEMPTED TO NAVIGATE TO THE SHOULDER, ANOTHER MESSAGE STATED THERE WAS A DRIVE-TRAIN MALFUNCTION. THE CAR PROCEEDED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 20, 2020

“The vehicle has had no accidents or front impacts but has extensive moisture/condensation build up in both front headlamp housings. I intermittently receive a "adaptive headlight failure "warning in cold temperatures until the vehicle warms up. Night driving visibility is being affected as a result…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 1, 2023

2013 BMW 528xi — common questions

Is the 2013 BMW 528xi reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 85 complaints put the 2013 model at #1 of 6 528xi years. It is one of the 528xi years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 528xi problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (36 complaints), transmission (16 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints).

Does the 2013 BMW 528xi have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 BMW 528xi. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 528xi years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 528xi years to avoid are 2013, 2012, 2008, 2014. The cleanest record among 528xi years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2013 BMW 528xi?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 BMW 528xi 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.