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
- 36
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2013
Opened by NHTSA
67% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 36 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 18 |
| 2009 | 26 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2011 | 50 |
| 2012 | 31 |
| 2013 | 36 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
67% · 24 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Front passenger air bag seat occupancy sensor (OC3) mat warning "Passenger restraint system.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-16
"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, 2017-11-05
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, 2017-10-30
Engine and engine cooling
11% · 4 reportsShow 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, 2022-05-25
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-29
Also filed under Power train
Engine
11% · 4 reportsStructure
8% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Show 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, 2013-05-21
Also filed under Electrical system
Service brakes
6% · 2 reportsShow 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, 2014-12-03
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2016-11-01Air bags16V071000 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.
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2020-03-11Air bags20V017000 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.
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I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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2022-07-22Engine and engine cooling22V119000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2013 BMW 128I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 24 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V071000 · Air bags
- Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
- Recall 22V119000 · Engine and engine cooling
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.