Is the 2013 BMW 528I reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 BMW 528I is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW 528I?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 BMW 528I have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 BMW 528I

● Typical for this model

2013 BMW 528I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:25.435Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 73
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2013: 73 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	2
1997	41
1998	33
1999	46
2000	42
2001	2
2007	1
2008	118
2009	23
2010	65
2011	118
2012	90
2013	73
2014	56
2015	63
2016	59

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

51% · 37 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. While driving approximately 55 MPH, a pungent odor was perceived in the vehicle. Approximately twenty seconds later, the transmission kicked out of gear and the parking brake warning indicator illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-08

Air bags

23% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette and occupant classification.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

A vehicle(SUV) ended my car in the rear in a pretty good speed when I was in the slow traffic almost stationary(5 MPH). Crash impact was high. Had to call in an ambulance as my friend sitting in passenger seat was hurt badly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-20

Also filed under Structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. While driving approximately 2 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the front driver side air bag inadvertently exploded without impact to the vehicle. The driver sustained severe bruises to both arms and legs.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-07-22

Horn stopped working and error code says airbag error

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-18

Electrical system

19% · 14 reports

Power train

18% · 13 reports

Engine and engine cooling

15% · 11 reports

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · 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
R

2014-01-31Service brakes, hydraulic13V454000 BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-12-02Service brakes, hydraulic14V627000 BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-07-27Exterior lighting15V188000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2025-03-28Electrical system, engine and engine cooling24V608000 BMW of North America, LLC.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 BMW 528I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 37 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 17 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V454000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 14V627000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 15V188000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 24V608000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 BMW 528I reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 BMW 528I is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW 528I?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 BMW 528I have?: 4 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.