YearToAvoid

2013 BMW 335xi Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2013 BMW 335xi has a Complaint Index of 56 and ranks 5th of 10 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 9 complaints, 1 recall, and 2 crashes, with Engine problems the top concern at a median 2,993 miles.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
56/100
#5 of 10 335xi years
Verdict
Caution
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
9
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
2
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2014
rated Good

Top 2013 BMW 335xi problems

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

  1. Engine3 (33%)
  2. Airbags2 (22%)
  3. Brakes2 (22%)
  4. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (22%)
  5. Fuel System1 (11%)
  6. Other1 (11%)
  7. Seat Belts1 (11%)

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

What owners report

  • Engine loses power and will not rev past 3,000 RPM with no fault codes displayed, reported at low mileage.
  • Auto start-stop feature causes the engine to stall and drop into neutral at stoplights, throwing an error code and requiring a manual restart.
  • Runflat tires develop bubbles and injuries on the sidewall within a few thousand miles of delivery.
  • Front suspension can collapse suddenly at low speed, triggering a drive-slow warning light without a prior collision.
  • Brakes squeal loudly at low speeds from the time the car was new, despite repeated dealer service visits.
  • Airbags reportedly failed to deploy properly in a rear-end crash, with smoke coming from the dash and seat belts locking up.
2013 BMW 335xi complaints: complaints filed per month1Jun 2013Nov 2013Sep 2015Apr 2017May 2018
9 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2013 to May 2018; peak Jun 2013 (1).

2013 BMW 335xi recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 15V520000Aug 17, 2015Electrical System7,727 vehicles

    Exterior lighting

    BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Risk: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at [email protected].

2013 compared with other 335xi years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002006200720082009201020112012201320142015
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2011Avoid89233—
2012No verdict1121—
2013Caution5691—
2014Good4472—
2015No verdict2221—

All BMW 335xi years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 BMW 335xi reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 335xi has a Complaint Index of 56 and ranks 5th out of 10 model years, giving it a Caution verdict rather than Good or Avoid.
What is the top problem area for the 2013 BMW 335xi?
Engine complaints are most common, making up 33% of reported issues, with a median failure mileage of 2,993 miles.
Does the 2013 BMW 335xi have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 335xi, covering the electrical system, for which BMW issued revised software free of charge.
How does the 2013 335xi compare to other BMW 335xi years?
Its Complaint Index of 56 is lower than the 2008 (100), 2011 (89), and 2009 (78) model years, all rated Avoid, but higher than the 2010 (33) and 2014 (44) model years, both rated Good.
Were there any crashes or injuries reported for the 2013 335xi?
NHTSA lists 2 crashes and 2 injuries among the 9 complaints filed for the 2013 335xi, with no reported fires or deaths.

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.