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

NHTSA lists 39 engine complaints for the 2013 528xi, which makes up 70% of the 56 total complaints filed for this model year.

Is there a recall for the 2013 BMW 528xi engine issue?

No. NHTSA records show no related recalls tied to this engine complaint pattern.

At what mileage do 2013 BMW 528xi engines typically fail?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 80,200 miles.

What are the main symptoms of engine failure in this car?

Owners describe a low oil pressure warning followed by a drivetrain malfunction message, timing chain failure, and in some cases oil pump failure leading to engine seizure.

Were any crashes or injuries linked to these engine complaints?

NHTSA records list 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the 39 engine complaints for this model year.

2013 BMW 528xi Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 39 engine complaints for the 2013 BMW 528xi, 70% of all 56 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 80,200. No related recall covers this engine issue.

Engine complaints: 39; 70% of 56
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 80,200 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Vehicle loses power or stalls at highway speed after an oil pressure warning appears, followed by a drivetrain malfunction message.
Owners report the timing chain stretching, folding, or breaking, which throws the camshaft timing off and leads to major engine damage.
Some owners describe the oil pump failing outright, causing the engine to seize completely.
Drivetrain malfunction warnings sometimes appear repeatedly before a full shutdown, with the engine cranking multiple times before restarting.
Several complaints describe metal debris found in the oil system after the engine failed, pointing to internal component breakdown.
Failures are reported at highway speeds as well as during low-speed neighborhood driving, with the engine locking up or shutting off mid-drive.

When 2013 BMW 528xi engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 3, 2018, latest Aug 24, 2026.

39 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2018 to Aug 2026; peak Feb 2020 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2013 BMW 528xi

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by 528xi model year

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

20102 (20%)
201233 (61%)
201339 (70%)
20140 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2013 BMW 528xi?: NHTSA lists 39 engine complaints for the 2013 528xi, which makes up 70% of the 56 total complaints filed for this model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 BMW 528xi engine issue?: No. NHTSA records show no related recalls tied to this engine complaint pattern.
At what mileage do 2013 BMW 528xi engines typically fail?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 80,200 miles.
What are the main symptoms of engine failure in this car?: Owners describe a low oil pressure warning followed by a drivetrain malfunction message, timing chain failure, and in some cases oil pump failure leading to engine seizure.
Were any crashes or injuries linked to these engine complaints?: NHTSA records list 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the 39 engine complaints for this model year.