How common are engine problems in the 2013 BMW 528i?

NHTSA lists 48 engine complaints for the 2013 528i, which is 66% of all 73 complaints filed for this model year, the highest share among the years shown in the data.

Is there a recall for the 2013 BMW 528i engine?

No related recalls are listed in the NHTSA data for this engine issue.

At what mileage do 528i engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 97,000 miles.

What is the main engine failure owners report?

The most frequently described failure is timing chain stretching or the guides coming apart, which owners say leads to stalling, drivetrain warnings, and in some cases full engine replacement.

Has the engine problem caused any fires or crashes?

NHTSA data for this engine issue on the 2013 528i lists 1 fire, 1 crash, and 2 injuries among the reported complaints.

2013 BMW 528i Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 48 engine complaints for the 2013 BMW 528i, 66% of the 73 total complaints filed for this model year. The dominant pattern is timing chain failure leading to stalling and engine replacement, with a median failure mileage of 97,000. There are no related recalls listed for this issue.

Engine complaints: 48; 66% of 73
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 97,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report the timing chain stretching or the guides breaking apart, triggering a drivetrain malfunction warning and vibration.
Some describe the engine stalling or cutting off while driving, then failing to restart, sometimes accompanied by a low oil pressure warning.
Several report the vehicle entering limp mode in traffic, with dashboard alerts telling them to pull over because the car was inoperable.
One owner reported a burning odor followed by the transmission kicking out of gear and an engine fire.
Multiple owners state that BMW technicians diagnosed timing chain failure as the cause of full engine damage, requiring engine replacement.
One case reported front drive axle and turbocharger replacement alongside engine problems at 118,000 miles.

When 2013 BMW 528i engine complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 14, 2017, latest Sep 13, 2025.

48 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2017 to Sep 2025; peak May 2018 (4).

Engine recalls for the 2013 BMW 528i

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by 528i model year

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

201034 (52%)
201167 (57%)
201249 (54%)
201348 (66%)
201434 (60%)
201547 (72%)
201644 (75%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2013 BMW 528i?: NHTSA lists 48 engine complaints for the 2013 528i, which is 66% of all 73 complaints filed for this model year, the highest share among the years shown in the data.
Is there a recall for the 2013 BMW 528i engine?: No related recalls are listed in the NHTSA data for this engine issue.
At what mileage do 528i engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 97,000 miles.
What is the main engine failure owners report?: The most frequently described failure is timing chain stretching or the guides coming apart, which owners say leads to stalling, drivetrain warnings, and in some cases full engine replacement.
Has the engine problem caused any fires or crashes?: NHTSA data for this engine issue on the 2013 528i lists 1 fire, 1 crash, and 2 injuries among the reported complaints.