How many electrical complaints does the 2013 BMW 528xi have?

NHTSA lists 17 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 528xi, which is 30% of the 56 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2013 BMW 528xi's electrical system?

Yes, recall 15V188000 covers the 2013 528xi, but it addresses rear reflex reflectors not reflecting enough light, not the door-lock or headlight condensation problems owners describe in complaints.

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

The median mileage at failure across reported Electrical System complaints is 59,400 miles.

Are the electrical problems linked to crashes or fires?

No. NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the reported Electrical System complaints for this year.

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

The 2013 model's share of Electrical System complaints is 30%, higher than the 2012 model's 19% and the 2014 model's 0%, based on NHTSA data.

2013 BMW 528xi Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 17 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 BMW 528xi, 30% of the 56 total complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure is 59,400. One related recall (15V188000) covers rear reflex reflectors, not the door-lock or headlight issues owners describe.

Electrical System complaints: 17; 30% of 56
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 59,400 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Doors lock and unlock sporadically on their own, sometimes trapping occupants inside even when the vehicle is parked and stopped.
Driver or passenger door locks fail intermittently, causing alarms to trigger even though the door was locked with the key fob.
A driver restraint malfunction warning appears alongside a passenger door that will not unlock or open.
Moisture and condensation build up inside the front headlight housings, shorting internal modules and triggering an adaptive headlight failure warning.
Adaptive headlights, turn signals, daytime running lamps, and headlamp aim malfunction together, sometimes forcing owners to use hand signals.
Owners report a drivetrain malfunction warning that required multiple restart attempts before the engine would crank.

When 2013 BMW 528xi electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 23, 2019, latest Aug 24, 2026.

17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2019 to Aug 2026; peak Mar 2019 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2013 BMW 528xi

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 528xi model year

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

200814 (45%)
20092 (33%)
20104 (40%)
201210 (19%)
201317 (30%)
20140 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does the 2013 BMW 528xi have?: NHTSA lists 17 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 528xi, which is 30% of the 56 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 BMW 528xi's electrical system?: Yes, recall 15V188000 covers the 2013 528xi, but it addresses rear reflex reflectors not reflecting enough light, not the door-lock or headlight condensation problems owners describe in complaints.
At what mileage do electrical problems show up on the 2013 528xi?: The median mileage at failure across reported Electrical System complaints is 59,400 miles.
Are the electrical problems linked to crashes or fires?: No. NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the reported Electrical System complaints for this year.
How does the 2013 528xi compare to other years for electrical complaints?: The 2013 model's share of Electrical System complaints is 30%, higher than the 2012 model's 19% and the 2014 model's 0%, based on NHTSA data.