2013 BMW 528i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2013 BMW 528i has 73 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 33, ranking 7th of 10 model years and earning a Good verdict. Engine problems dominate at 66% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 89,560 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 33/100
- #7 of 10 528i years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 73
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 23 city / 32.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2013 BMW 528i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine48 (66%)
- Electrical System16 (22%)
- Airbags14 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain13 (18%)
- Other6 (8%)
- Brakes4 (5%)
- Seat Belts4 (5%)
- Steering4 (5%)
- Structure & Body2 (3%)
- Fuel System1 (1%)
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, emits a pungent odor, and shuts down while driving, in one case followed by an under-hood fire.
- Timing chain stretches and guides separate, sometimes leading to engine compression loss and full engine replacement.
- Drivetrain malfunction warnings appear alongside vehicle vibration or sudden stalling, occasionally requiring a tow.
- Front airbags deploy without any impact while braking at low speed, causing injury to the driver.
- Airbag warning light stays on after a minor scuff, with dealers declining warranty coverage.
- Driver-side door lock makes repeated ratcheting noises and moves into an unusual position after opening the door.
2013 BMW 528i recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V608000Aug 13, 2024Electrical System720,796 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 15V188000Mar 31, 2015Electrical System13,443 vehicles
Exterior lighting
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 14V627000Oct 7, 2014Brakes8,988 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2013 BMW 528i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 32.5 MPG
- Combined
- 26.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,000
- 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 528i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 BMW 528i reliable?
- Compared to other 528i model years, 2013 rates Good with a complaint index of 33 and ranks 7th out of 10 years, meaning it has fewer reported problems than most other 528i years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 BMW 528i?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, making up 66% of the 73 complaints filed with NHTSA, including timing chain failures and stalling at a median mileage of 89,560 miles.
- Does the 2013 BMW 528i have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2013 528i, covering the electrical system (water pump/plug connector), rear reflex reflectors, and two brake-related campaigns involving camshaft seal and vacuum pump lubrication.
- How does the 2013 528i compare to other years?
- The 2013 528i's complaint index of 33 is lower than 2008 (100), 2011 (89), 2012 (78), 2010 (67), and 2015 (56), but higher than 2014 (22) and 2009 (11).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 BMW 528i?
- The 2013 528i gets an EPA-rated 26.5 mpg combined (23 city / 32.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,000.