2013 BMW M3
Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2013
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2013: 13 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 12 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 19 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 40 |
| 2003 | 54 |
| 2004 | 31 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 82 |
| 2009 | 45 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
7 of 13 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact filed the complaint on behalf of her son who owned a 2013 BMW M3.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-23
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 BMW M3. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 16V071000 (Air bags). While driving 40 MPH, the contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-14
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 BMW M3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V071000 (Air bags). The contact stated that the parts needed for the recall remedy were not available.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-15
Engine
4 of 13 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle has 3,100 miles on it. I stopped to get fuel and on the way back home the engine started to misfire heavily, then stall out in heavy traffic almost causing me to get rear ended.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-01-21
Power train
3 of 13 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
I initially experienced abrupt catastrophic clutch failure this past December 2019 when without any prior warning. I depressed the clutch and it failed to release leaving the vehicle in gear.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-06-22
Electrical system
2 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
There is a burning smell when I run my a/c. I took it to mechanic and they stated it's an issue with the blower motor wiring, which is covered under recall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-05-12
Fuel/propulsion system
1 of 13 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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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R
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.
-
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2013 BMW M3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V071000 · Air bags
- Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2013 BMW M3 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 M3?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2013 BMW M3 have?
- 2 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.