YearToAvoid

2013 BMW 328 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2013 BMW 328 has a Complaint Index of 71 and ranks 3rd worst of 8 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems account for half of its 10 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 51,000, plus one airbag recall.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
71/100
#3 of 8 328 years
Verdict
Caution
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
10
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
1
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2012
rated Good

Top 2013 BMW 328 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine5 (50%)
  2. Other2 (20%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain2 (20%)
  4. Airbags1 (10%)
  5. Electrical System1 (10%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Engine unexpectedly revs to high RPM or surges while stopped or in traffic, leading to loss of control.
  • Engine drops to idle with no throttle response while driving at speed, sometimes during turns across traffic.
  • Some owners report the engine hydrolocking after driving through shallow standing water.
  • Transmission can become stuck and unable to shift into neutral, even with the tow truck unable to force it.
  • Vehicle spontaneously shifts into neutral while driving, showing a drivetrain malfunction warning on the dash.
  • Driver and passenger doors sometimes fail to unlock from inside using the interior handles.
2013 BMW 328 complaints: complaints filed per month3Mar 2016Jul 2016Nov 2016Jun 2017Oct 2017Oct 2018Nov 2018Mar 2019
10 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2016 to Mar 2019; peak Oct 2018 (3).

2013 BMW 328 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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 compared with other 328 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020062007200820092010201120122013
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2011Avoid100371—
2012Good2971—
2013Caution71101—

All BMW 328 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 BMW 328 reliable?
It ranks 3rd worst out of 8 model years for this model based on NHTSA owner complaints, with a Complaint Index of 71 and a Caution verdict. Engine issues make up half of its reported complaints.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW 328?
Engine problems are the top complaint area, making up 5 of 10 complaints (50%), with a median failure mileage of 51,000. Transmission and powertrain issues follow at 20% of complaints.
Does the 2013 BMW 328 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 16V071000, covering a Takata airbag module or inflator replacement.
How does the 2013 328 compare to other years?
The 2013 model's Complaint Index of 71 is worse than the 2007, 2008, and 2012 model years, which are rated Good or Caution, but better than the 2011 and 2009 model years, both rated Avoid with indexes of 100 and 86.
Were there any crashes or injuries reported for the 2013 BMW 328?
NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury among the 10 complaints filed for this model year, with no fires or deaths reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.