repaired · 2024 Q2
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
Risk. An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
2013 BMW 128iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 36 owner complaints about the 2013 BMW 128i, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-119 the manufacturer reports only 27% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 30, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 BMW 128i has problems
36 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
24Air bags
4Engine
4Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
3Structure1 crash/fire/injury
2Electrical system
2Service brakes
1Vehicle speed control
1Visibility/wiper
1Fuel/propulsion system
33 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 24 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 1 |
| Structure | 3 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2013 BMW 128i recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other 128i year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 128i median. How we score
'08'09'10'11'12'13
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 BMW 128i safety ratings
2013 BMW 128 I 2 DR RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 BMW 128i, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What 128i owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 128I. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was a recurring failure, and the vehicle was parked and no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer…
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 128I. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while his wife was seated in the front passenger’s seat, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the…
Front passenger air bag seat occupancy sensor (OC3) mat warning "Passenger restraint system. Fault in passenger restraint system affecting airbag" BMW has an extended warranty for this exact issue on several other models, but not the 1 series which should be included. This is a huge safety issue…
Own a 2013 128i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.