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Model year record

2013 BMW 528i recalls & problems

The 2013 BMW 528i has 4 safety recalls and 73 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (37 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints73filed by owners
Crashes · fires1 · 1reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2013 BMW 528i in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Electrical systemAug 13, 2024

Wiring › Connectors/plugs/receptacles

Recall 24V608000720,796 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.

Components: Electrical system › Wiring › Connectors/plugs/receptacles; Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Pump

Exterior lightingMar 31, 2015

Exterior lighting

Recall 15V18800013,443 vehicles

Problem
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. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Service brakes, hydraulicOct 7, 2014

Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 14V6270008,988 vehicles

Problem
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 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
Risk
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Components: Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum

Service brakes, hydraulicSep 26, 2013

Power assist › Vacuum

Recall 13V45400076,191 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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 and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Risk
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
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. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Components: Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum; Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2013 BMW 528 I 4 DR RWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk9.3%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2013 BMW 528 Xdrive I 4 DR AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk9.3%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2013 BMW 528i NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2013 BMW 528i NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

528i

27mpg combined
City / highway24 / 33 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

528i xDrive

26mpg combined
City / highway22 / 32 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,150/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine3711291,032 mi
Air bagsFrontal › Driver clockspring/spiral cassette; Sensor › Occupant classification1710362,500 mi
Electrical system1400087,000 mi
Power train1300090,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling11000107,500 mi
Unknown or other6000—
Seat belts400019,500 mi
Steering4000—
Exterior lightingHeadlights400096,000 mi
Service brakes3000—
Latches/locks/linkages1000—
Electronic stability control (esc)1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations