2013 BMW 528xi Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2013 BMW 528xi ranks 2nd-worst among 6 model years, with 56 complaints and a complaint index of 80. Engine problems dominate at 70% of complaints, with failures typically showing up around 80,200 miles, earning it an Avoid verdict.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #2 of 6 528xi years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 56
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- —
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2013 BMW 528xi problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine39 (70%)
- Electrical System17 (30%)
- Transmission & Powertrain16 (29%)
- Other6 (11%)
- Airbags2 (4%)
- Fuel System2 (4%)
- Structure & Body2 (4%)
- Seat Belts1 (2%)
- Steering1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine stalls or seizes suddenly at highway speed, sometimes traced to oil pump failure or a faulty timing chain.
- Drivetrain malfunction warnings appear and the transmission goes into limp mode or refuses to shift out of park.
- Clock spring failure disables the horn and airbag system after a clicking noise from the steering wheel.
- Doors lock or unlock sporadically on their own, sometimes trapping occupants inside despite the alarm being armed.
- Sunroof glass has shattered while driving with no apparent external cause.
- Passenger restraint system malfunction warnings tie to steering angle sensor and seat mat issues.
2013 BMW 528xi recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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.
2013 compared with other 528xi years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 BMW 528xi reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 528xi ranks 2nd-worst out of 6 model years with a complaint index of 80 and 56 complaints, mostly involving the engine.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 BMW 528xi?
- Engine issues make up 70% of complaints, including reports of timing chain failure and oil pump failure leading to stalling, with a median failure mileage of 80,200 miles.
- Does the 2013 BMW 528xi have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 15V188000) for rear reflex reflectors that may not reflect enough light; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2013 528xi compare to other years?
- The 2012 528xi has a higher complaint index of 100, while 2009 and 2010 score much lower at 20 and 40 with Good verdicts, making 2013 one of the worse years for this model.