2013 BMW 135i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2013 BMW 135i ranks 6th out of 7 model years with a complaint index of 17, earning a Best verdict among 135i years. NHTSA lists 12 complaints, 2 recalls (both Takata airbags), and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths tied to this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 17/100
- #6 of 7 135i years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 12
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18.5 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2013 BMW 135i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags7 (58%)
- Engine4 (33%)
- Other2 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (17%)
- Steering1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report a 2-3 second delay in acceleration from a rolling stop, especially with the dual clutch transmission, which some describe as dangerous when pulling into traffic.
- Several owners report receiving Takata airbag recall notices but were told replacement parts were unavailable for an extended period.
- One owner reported the vehicle stalling with the check engine light on and was told the transmission needed replacement, with the problem recurring after repair.
- One owner reported warning messages appearing on the dashboard after several miles of highway driving.
2013 BMW 135i recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 16V071000Feb 5, 2016Airbags840,000 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2013 BMW 135i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18.5 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,825
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other 135i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 BMW 135i reliable?
- Among 135i model years, 2013 has the second-lowest complaint index (17) and ranks 6th out of 7 years by complaint volume, earning a Best verdict relative to other 135i years.
- What problems does the 2013 BMW 135i have?
- NHTSA complaints most often cite airbags (7 complaints, 58% share) and engine issues (4 complaints, 33% share), including reports of acceleration delay and stalling with transmission failure.
- Does the 2013 BMW 135i have a recall?
- Yes, two recalls affect this year, both involving Takata driver airbag inflators (campaigns 20V017000 and 16V071000), with no do-not-drive or park-outside orders.
- How does the 2013 135i compare to other 135i years?
- The 2013 has a complaint index of 17, far below the 2008 model's index of 100 (Avoid) and the 2011 model's index of 83 (Avoid), making 2013 one of the better years for this model.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 BMW 135i?
- EPA rates the 2013 135i at 21 mpg combined (18.5 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,825.