Is the 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 3 Series?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 BMW 3 Series have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

2013 BMW 3 Series

○ Not enough data

2013 BMW 3 Series
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:56:33.583Z

Only 21 complaints on file — too few 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.

Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 21
Recalls: 0
Investigations: 2
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2013: 21 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1986	1
1992	0
1993	0
1994	1
1995	3
1996	2
1997	5
1998	3
1999	6
2000	88
2001	36
2002	26
2003	51
2004	77
2005	25
2006	202
2007	115
2008	68
2009	53
2010	30
2011	1
2012	7
2013	21
2023	0

Known problem areas

Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine

7 of 21 total reports mention: engine.

Electrical system

7 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

I was rearended, on the freeway, on the passenger side, by an SUV going about 40MPH, I slammed in to another SUV in front of me. My vehicle is totaled. The display indicated that there was an airbag deploy error.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-22

Also filed under Air bags and structure

Driver and passenger trapped in car after parking at as gas pump. Doors would unlock but not open resulting in the potential of killing its passengers in a crash. There is a video on youtube of a similar incident.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-14

When I try to open the drivers side door by pulling the handle it does not unlock automatically. The only way to exit the vehicle is through another door or by using the central lock/unlock button.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-08

Power train

6 of 21 total reports mention: power train.

Vehicle speed control

4 of 21 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

Air bags

3 of 21 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASH

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2013-09-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-10-25 Loss of power assist braking
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2013 BMW 3 Series — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 7 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 3 Series?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 BMW 3 Series have?: No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.