2013 BMW 328i Airbags Problems
NHTSA lists 39 airbag complaints for the 2013 BMW 328i, 15% of all complaints that year, linked to 12 crashes and 12 injuries plus 1 fire. Median mileage at failure was 48,000. A related recall (20V017000) covers driver airbag inflator replacement.
- Airbags complaints
- 39
- 15% of 257
- Crashes reported
- 12
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 12
- Median mileage
- 48,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Airbags fail to deploy in low- to moderate-speed rear-end or frontal collisions, leaving occupants unprotected.
- Some deployed airbags release powder or fragments that burn or injure the driver, consistent with the Takata inflator issue named in owner reports.
- Several complaints describe sudden loss of brake response or steering control just before the crash in which airbags then failed to deploy.
- Owners with dashboard passenger-restraint warning lights say they were told no recall applied to their car despite similar issues on other BMW models.
- One report describes an airbag deploying alongside a fire after a low-speed rear impact.
When 2013 BMW 328i airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 12, 2013, latest Jul 28, 2026.
Airbags recalls for the 2013 BMW 328i
- 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.
Airbags complaints by 328i model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many airbag complaints does the 2013 BMW 328i have?
- NHTSA lists 39 airbag-related complaints for the 2013 328i, which is 15% of the 257 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an airbag recall for the 2013 BMW 328i?
- Yes. Recall 20V017000, reported January 15, 2020, covers driver airbag replacement (or inflator replacement on certain other BMW models in the same campaign).
- At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on this model year is 48,000 miles.
- Have airbag issues caused injuries or crashes on this model year?
- NHTSA data shows 12 crashes, 12 injuries, and 1 fire associated with airbag complaints on the 2013 328i.