2013 BMW 528xi Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#2 most-complained of 4 528xi years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2013 BMW 528xi has 56 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 67, and ranks 2nd worst among 4 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 70% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 80,200.
- Complaints
- 56
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2013 BMW 528xi problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Engine stalls or loses power suddenly at highway speeds, sometimes tied to oil pump or timing chain failure.
- Drivetrain malfunction warnings appear and the car goes into limp mode, occasionally while accelerating from a stop.
- Clock spring failures disable the horn and airbag function after a clicking noise from the steering wheel.
- Door locks behave erratically, locking or unlocking on their own even when the car is parked and stopped.
- Sunroof glass has shattered while driving with no apparent external cause.
- Passenger restraint warning lights appear, linked to steering angle sensor or 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?
- NHTSA lists 56 complaints and a complaint index of 67 for the 2013 528xi, ranking 2nd worst out of 4 model years tracked, with a Caution verdict relative to other years of this model.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 BMW 528xi?
- Engine problems are the top complaint area, making up 70% of complaints (39 of 56), with issues reported at a median mileage of 80,200.
- Does the 2013 BMW 528xi have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 15V188000) was issued for rear reflex reflectors on the electrical system that may not reflect enough light.
- How does the 2013 528xi compare to other years?
- The 2013 model has a complaint index of 67, worse than the 2010 528xi (index 33, Good verdict) but better than the 2012 528xi (index 100, Avoid verdict).