repaired · 2026 Q3
Wiring: connectors/plugs/receptacles
Risk. An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
2013 BMW 528iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 73 owner complaints about the 2013 BMW 528i, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-608 the manufacturer reports only 40% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 13, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 BMW 528i has problems
73 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
37Engine2 crash/fire/injury
14Electrical system
14Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
13Power train
11Engine and engine cooling
4Seat belts
4Exterior lighting
4Steering
3Service brakes
66 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 37 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 14 | 0 |
| Air bags | 14 | 2 |
| Power train | 13 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 11 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 6 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2013 BMW 528i 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 · 2018 Q4
Exterior lighting
Risk. The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2016 Q1
Power assist: vacuum
Risk. A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2015 Q2
Power assist: vacuum
Risk. A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
91kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 30 engine complaints. 60% were reported before 100,000 miles.
0under 30k miles18under 100k miles12100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other 528i 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 528i median. How we score
'97'98'99'00'01'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 BMW 528i safety ratings
2013 BMW 528 I 4 DR RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 BMW 528i, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of power assist brakingLed to recall 13V-454
In owners' words
What 528i owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
On [XXX], Century West BMW in North Hollywood, CA performed recall 20E-A01 B120921 (DME reprogram/connector update) on my 2013 BMW 528i. Within 30 minutes of leaving the dealership, the car displayed a red “engine overheating – stop immediately” warning while I was in a crowded intersection with my…
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine and entering the cabin through the vents. The engine warning light was illuminated. There were unknown messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
The electrical connector of the engine coolanta pump could become damaged. Small drops of liquid from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system could drip down onto the electrical connector of the pump.
Own a 2013 528i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.