2013 BMW 128I
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 18 |
| 2009 | 26 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2011 | 50 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2013 | 36 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
67% of complaints: air bags — 24 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Front passenger air bag seat occupancy sensor (OC3) mat warning "Passenger restraint system.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240916
"TAKATA RECALL" I HAVE CALLED TWO DEALERSHIPS TO HAVE MY AIRBAG REPLACE AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALSO ON AND THEY SAY THE PART WOULD HAVE TO BE ORDERED AND IT WOULD BE 2 WEEKS (UNITED BMW GWINNETT) AND I ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE MANAGER AND I LEFT A...
NHTSA ODI report, 20171105
TAKATA RECALL I OWN A BMW SERIES 1 128I YEAR 2013. I RECEIVED A NOTICE ON SEPTEMBER 2017 STATING THAT THERE IS A DEFECT ON MY AIR BAG , AND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE NEAREST BMW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171030
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 128i. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, she smelled a strong burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220525
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240829
11% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I PURCHASE VEHICLE FROM BMW MAY 3,2013,WITH 40 MILES SHOWING. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO JUMP START VEHICLE TO GET IT STARTED AND OFF OF SHOW ROOM FLOOR. I ASKED ABOUT THAT AND WAS TOLD IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130521
6% of complaints: service brakes — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I WAS APPLYING BRAKES TO STOP... I WAS A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF DISTANCE FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I APPLIED BRAKES AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. PRESSED ON BRAKES EVEN HARDER, AND CAR STILL WOULD NOT STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141203
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 16V071000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is,...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.
Campaign 20V017000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan...
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge.
Campaign 22V119000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 BMW 128I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V071000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V017000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V119000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2013 BMW 128I reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW 128I?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 BMW 128I have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.