How common are electrical problems on the 2013 BMW 528i?

NHTSA lists 16 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 528i, which is 22% of the 73 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2013 BMW 528i?

Yes. NHTSA recall 24V608000 covers the water pump, plug connector, and a protective shield on the 2013 528i, and recall 15V188000 covers rear reflex reflectors on the same model year.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2013 528i?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this Electrical System category is 91,500 miles.

Did the 2013 528i electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA data for this component and year shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.

How does the 2013 528i compare to other years for electrical complaints?

The 2013 528i's electrical complaints are 22% of its total complaints, lower than the 2014 (51%), 2015 (58%), and 2016 (59%) model years but higher than 2011 (9%) and 2012 (14%).

2013 BMW 528i Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 16 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 BMW 528i, 22% of its 73 total complaints for the year. No crashes, fires, or injuries were reported, and two recalls (24V608000 and 15V188000) touch electrical components. Median mileage at failure is 91,500.

Electrical System complaints: 16; 22% of 73
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 91,500 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Driver's side door handle or actuator fails to open the door from inside, requiring use of the dash unlock button instead.
Door locks make a repeated ratcheting sound as the lock motor cycles quickly, often right after entering the car.
Water enters the headlight housings and reaches internal electronics, disrupting leveling, adjusting, and turn signal functions, especially after rain.
Headlight modules lose their seal, letting water in and causing components inside the headlight assembly to malfunction.
Owners notified of recall 24V608000 reported the replacement part was unavailable, leaving the underlying water pump and electrical connector issue unresolved, in some cases alongside engine overheating or smoke.

When 2013 BMW 528i electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 2, 2016, latest Aug 14, 2025.

16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2016 to Aug 2025; peak Dec 2024 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2013 BMW 528i

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.

Electrical System complaints by 528i model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201012 (18%)
201110 (9%)
201213 (14%)
201316 (22%)
201429 (51%)
201538 (58%)
201635 (59%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2013 BMW 528i?: NHTSA lists 16 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 528i, which is 22% of the 73 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2013 BMW 528i?: Yes. NHTSA recall 24V608000 covers the water pump, plug connector, and a protective shield on the 2013 528i, and recall 15V188000 covers rear reflex reflectors on the same model year.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2013 528i?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this Electrical System category is 91,500 miles.
Did the 2013 528i electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA data for this component and year shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.
How does the 2013 528i compare to other years for electrical complaints?: The 2013 528i's electrical complaints are 22% of its total complaints, lower than the 2014 (51%), 2015 (58%), and 2016 (59%) model years but higher than 2011 (9%) and 2012 (14%).