2013 BMW 528XI

1 recalls, 85 complaints - 14 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

15V188000 Mar 31, 2015
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
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 Sa... Read more
Consequence
The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
13,443 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Complaint Statistics

85 total complaints 1 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE25
POWER TRAIN16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
AIR BAGS3
STEERING3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
SEATS2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
SERVICE BRAKES2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 20, 2026
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
On March 19, 2026, at approximately 1003 hours, I was traveling north on the [XXX] located in [XXX] . I was traveling in the number two lane and my speed was approximately 78 MPH when all of a sudden I had a loss acceleration power and my Kia EV9 began to decelerate rapidly and my dashboard began t... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Sep 8, 2025
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
The console back up screen malfunctioning
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL Sep 8, 2025
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the alarm on the display was continuously sounding. There was an abnormal beeping sound for the hydraulic control unit and ABS system. Addition... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Sep 8, 2025
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
The console back up screen malfunctioning
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Aug 8, 2025
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine was slow to turn over, and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that coolant was leaking into the engine, but there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact rel... Read more
POWER TRAIN Aug 8, 2025
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS Jun 14, 2025
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
On [XXX], while driving through a common roadway puddle at a safe speed, the front bumper on my BZ4X detached from the undercarriage shield and tore away from the clips. This type of damage is clearly disproportionate to the conditions and reflects a deficiency in structural design. After researchin... Read more
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING May 20, 2025
Incident date: May 20, 2025
My car has started braking when objects arnt there almost causing a crash Mazda denies this
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING May 20, 2025
Incident date: May 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact pulled off the roadway and heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from underneath the ... Read more
STEERING Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 65 MPH and driving over a pothole, the vehicle started violent shake and the steering wheel seized. The contact pulled over, came to a complete stop and was able to continue driving. There was no warning light ... Read more
AIR BAGS Apr 28, 2025
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time f... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Apr 25, 2025
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact was informed by a neighbor that the driver's side headlight was dim. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the headlights failed to provide adequate lighting. The contact drove the vehicle with the high-beam headlights. There w... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 22, 2025
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Jaguar Land Rover North America (JLR) continues to neglect its federal recall obligations for the 2019 I-PACE under recalls H441, H514, and H536, exposing owners to serious fire risks. Despite multiple recall efforts, thermal overload incidents persist, proving JLR’s interim remedies—software up... Read more
ENGINE Apr 22, 2025
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Jaguar Land Rover North America (JLR) continues to neglect its federal recall obligations for the 2019 I-PACE under recalls H441, H514, and H536, exposing owners to serious fire risks. Despite multiple recall efforts, thermal overload incidents persist, proving JLR’s interim remedies—software up... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL Mar 27, 2025
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The man... Read more
STEERING Mar 27, 2025
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud clanking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that both sides of the suspension arms ... Read more
ENGINE Jan 22, 2025
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
The engine failure in my 2017 Lincoln MKC was caused by coolant intrusion, a known design flaw affecting thousands of 2015-2019 models. This serious issue presents a severe safety risk to drivers and passengers. Symptoms Engine light illumination Shakiness and sputtering at startup Misfire on cyli... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 22, 2025
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while his wife was attempting to close the trunk manual, there was an electrical shock where her hand came in contact with the trunk. As a result, the contact's wife sustained a minor burn to her left hand. The contact was a physician... Read more
1 injured
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT Jan 21, 2025
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s seats headrests failed to remain in an upright position. The contact stated that the headrests were not able to be raised into positions and locked to accommodate passenger's necks and back of the heads. The co... Read more
POWER TRAIN Jan 21, 2025
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
Was on the interstate driving 75 mph, with my daughter, her friend, my wife. And the car cut off, and dealership said engine locked. 45 minutes prior i was on a snowy mountain road, and this vehicle has 939 miles on it, one month old. Now i am reading about the investigation, and feel this is neglig... Read more
SEATS Aug 20, 2024
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
The AHR system for the passenger seat failed. While sitting in the school line for one of my kids, the passenger headrest (AHR system) malfunctioned and protruded forward. If the force behind the protrusion would have hit someone it could have caused a concussion, if it would have been the driver, c... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Jul 12, 2024
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
- During one of my rides my rear brake malfunctioned. - If needed, yes it is available for inspection. - Due to the malfunction of the brake I almost crashed. Luckily I was able to stop my scooter (Vespa) using only front brake. - Yes the problem was confirmed by independent service. - Problem wa... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Jan 27, 2024
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
It won't catch up speed it slips on the freeway. Once I pass 60 miles per hour it excelerates very high and rpm get stuck after I hit 50 miles per hour. There's a knocking noise coming from the engine and burns oil fast.
POWER TRAIN Oct 30, 2023
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
Vehicle stops accelerating randomly and loses power. Service electronic throttle control light comes on and engine light and traction control light and vehicle will not accelerate or stalls. Had vehicle towed to dealership and the code is saying the PTU is bad and needs to be replaced. This happens ... Read more
POWER TRAIN Sep 2, 2023
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
On approximately July 23, 2023, I noticed the vehicle transmission shifting hard from 1st to 2nd gear and then during the following week, this began to occur every time I drove the vehicle. There were no warning indicators appearing on the vehicle for this problem during vehicle operation. Then at h... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Sep 2, 2023
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
The brakes on my 2023 Chevy Trailblazer LT. At slow speeds the brakes sound like they are metal on metal and make horrible noise. I have only had this vehicle for 6 months. I did notify the dealer they said they can grease them and they would do it again. And that the only recall fix was for 2021 an... Read more
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER May 15, 2023
Incident date: May 11, 2023
The air conditioning system has failed. Safety is at risk due to elevated temperatures. Thousands of people have complained about these issues. HSB 19-091 does not go far enough, Honda needs to recall the entire a/c system and repair these manufacturer defects.
POWER TRAIN Apr 16, 2023
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
I am losing engine power. My OBD2 gives me P2138 and P0700 codes. I have changed the accelerator and knock sensors.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 16, 2023
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
Car has a hard time starting mutiple times. Battery is fine and starter is fine.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 16, 2023
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
Car has a hard time starting mutiple times. Battery is fine and starter is fine.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 8, 2023
Incident date: Feb 26, 2023
Car stalled at stoplight. Loud tone sound with ‘power steering low’ indicator with check engine light on. Wheel locked. Needed to put in park and restart car. Very scary and unsafe! Multiple people on Reddit and YouTube have reported this!
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK Feb 4, 2023
Incident date: Feb 4, 2023
Both door locks freeze up in temps below 20 F. I cannot enter the vehicle and am stuck with no transportation.
POWER TRAIN Dec 7, 2022
Incident date: Aug 28, 2022
I have a 2013 BMW 528I with 160,299 miles. I bought it 4 months prior to the incident with 145,000-150,000 miles on it. First the beginning of the month, the blower motor from the ac/heating stopped working. This was not covered under the extended service warranty I purchased. Then last that mon... Read more
ENGINE Aug 12, 2022
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The engine timing chain failed due to faulty plastic guide around the timing chain which gets brittle and brakes in the engine causing catastrophic engine failure. Our safety and the safety of others on the Parkway was put at HIGH RISK because the car goes into some safe mode and puts itself into ... Read more
POWER TRAIN Aug 12, 2022
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The engine timing chain failed due to faulty plastic guide around the timing chain which gets brittle and brakes in the engine causing catastrophic engine failure. Our safety and the safety of others on the Parkway was put at HIGH RISK because the car goes into some safe mode and puts itself into ... Read more
ENGINE Jan 21, 2022
Incident date: Jan 9, 2022
Driving as normal, and came to stoplight at intersection of busy highway. Stopped for red light, and call stalled, and couldn't be restarted. Just as the car shut off, I got a Drivetrain Malfunction warning. Had to have a tow company tow vehicle to my BMW dealer 50+ miles away. Being at a busy i... Read more
POWER TRAIN Jan 13, 2022
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
While driving with my children, the u-joint on my BMW 528xi failed, causing the driveshaft to break. There was no warning lights or other system indicators. Because the car was moving, the driveshaft continued to spin, smashing the oil and pan and other components in the car. Thankfully I was d... Read more
ENGINE Dec 4, 2021
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
Driving on highway got Low Oil Pressure light followed by Drivetrain Malfunction. Engine failed, managed to pull over on shoulder because road was deserted. Could have been rear ended or crashed into another vehicle if any cars were on road. Also dangerous to be stranded on the shoulder of a deserte... Read more
ENGINE Mar 30, 2021
Incident date: Mar 22, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 528XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE HAD EXPERIENCED A CA... Read more
ENGINE Feb 3, 2021
Incident date: Apr 8, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY TWICE AND THE ENGINE FAILED THE SAME WAY BOTH TIMES IT WENT FROM 55MPH TO 20 BEGIN TO JERK PROMPTED ME TO PULL OVER AND STOPPED ABOUT 10 SECONDS AFTER
ENGINE Jan 12, 2021
Incident date: Jan 2, 2021
DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION, CAR IS SHUTTING OFF WHILE IN DRIVE AND VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. VEHICLE IS ONLY AT 66K MILES.
POWER TRAIN Jan 12, 2021
Incident date: Jan 2, 2021
DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION, CAR IS SHUTTING OFF WHILE IN DRIVE AND VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. VEHICLE IS ONLY AT 66K MILES.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Jan 12, 2021
Incident date: Jan 2, 2021
DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION, CAR IS SHUTTING OFF WHILE IN DRIVE AND VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. VEHICLE IS ONLY AT 66K MILES.
POWER TRAIN Nov 6, 2020
Incident date: Nov 5, 2020
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF REST (30MINS-1HR) AND A COUPLE TIMES ON EXTENDED DRIVES(2+ HOURS) CAR STALLS OUT THE FIRST 6 TIMES CAME UP WITH POWER TRAIN AND FUEL MODULE CODES TOOK TO DEALER. DEALER REPLACED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND TIMING CHAIN ISSUE APPE... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Nov 6, 2020
Incident date: Nov 5, 2020
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF REST (30MINS-1HR) AND A COUPLE TIMES ON EXTENDED DRIVES(2+ HOURS) CAR STALLS OUT THE FIRST 6 TIMES CAME UP WITH POWER TRAIN AND FUEL MODULE CODES TOOK TO DEALER. DEALER REPLACED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND TIMING CHAIN ISSUE APPE... Read more
ENGINE Nov 6, 2020
Incident date: Nov 5, 2020
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF REST (30MINS-1HR) AND A COUPLE TIMES ON EXTENDED DRIVES(2+ HOURS) CAR STALLS OUT THE FIRST 6 TIMES CAME UP WITH POWER TRAIN AND FUEL MODULE CODES TOOK TO DEALER. DEALER REPLACED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND TIMING CHAIN ISSUE APPE... Read more
ENGINE Oct 19, 2020
Incident date: Oct 10, 2020
I AM HAVING THE SAME DRIVETRAIN ISSUES THAT OTHER EARLIER MODEL BMW'S BETWEEN 2011 TO 2015 THAT WAS RECALLED. MY OIL PUMP CHAIN MODULE AND TIMING CHAIN MODULE NEEDS REPLACING. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY FOR ABOUT A MONTH OFF AND ON. I STARTED MY CAR AND DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION APPEARED ON DASH. I'VE DRIV... Read more
POWER TRAIN Jun 23, 2020
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
CAR WAS GIVING THE POWERTRAIN SERVICE MESSAGE, WHILE DRIVING IT WOULD START TO POWER DOWN THE CAR APART OF BUILT IN MECHANISM. TOOK TO BMW DEALERSHIP TO HAVE LOOKED AT. THEY CAME BACK TO ME AND INFORMED ME THAT THE TIMING CHAIN LINKS WERE FOLDING OVER ON ITSELF, AND THE CHAIN WAS CONFIRMED TO HAV... Read more
ENGINE Jun 23, 2020
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
CAR WAS GIVING THE POWERTRAIN SERVICE MESSAGE, WHILE DRIVING IT WOULD START TO POWER DOWN THE CAR APART OF BUILT IN MECHANISM. TOOK TO BMW DEALERSHIP TO HAVE LOOKED AT. THEY CAME BACK TO ME AND INFORMED ME THAT THE TIMING CHAIN LINKS WERE FOLDING OVER ON ITSELF, AND THE CHAIN WAS CONFIRMED TO HAV... Read more
POWER TRAIN May 29, 2020
Incident date: Apr 23, 2020
BMW ENGINE N20B20 KNOWN TIMING CHAIN ISSUE. THE CAR IN QUESTION IS 2013 BMW 528I XDRIVE, 4 CYL. TURBO ENGINE, AUTOMATIC, ALL WHEEL DRIVE, SEDAN. I WAS AT WORK AND STARTED DRIVING HOME, GOT OUT ON THE HIGHWAY, HIT 65 MPH AND IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIED BY THE INSTRUMENT DISPLAY THAT THERE IS POWERTRAIN ISS... Read more

Showing 50 of 85 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2013 BMW 528XI

2013 BMW 528 XI 4 DR AWD

CategoryRating
Overall Rating 5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash 4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver 4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger 4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash 5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver 5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger 5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover 5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover Risk 9.3%

Safety Technology

FeatureStatus
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Forward Collision WarningNo
Lane Departure WarningNo

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2013 BMW 528XI

14 manufacturer communications from 11 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
350000 EQUIPMENT2
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
121300 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH1
130000 VISIBILITY1
030000 BRAKES (PWS)1
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
B510819 Jan 16, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819 Jan 16, 2024
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B611305 Jan 11, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on ho
B160623 Dec 20, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pre
B160623 Dec 20, 2023
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pre
B653423 Nov 22, 2023
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle??A?A?s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) i
B653423 Nov 22, 2023
350000 EQUIPMENT
Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle??A?A?s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) i
B170318 Aug 1, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Butt connector for repairing a plug connection. The ?top up coolant? message is displayed in the central display (CC message ID 166). When checking the cooling system there are no leaks found and the expansion tank is filled to the proper l
SIM010617 Jun 1, 2017
030000 BRAKES (PWS)
Visual Inspection of Brake discs/Rotors for new car deliveries
SIM010717 Jun 1, 2017
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
SIM010917 Jun 1, 2017
350000 EQUIPMENT
Shipping specific non-deployed vehicle safety devices to lighting resources, llc. This service Information bulletin provides information on shipping "specific" noin-deployed vehicle safety devices that are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG)
B510415 Apr 6, 2015
130000 VISIBILITY
The customer complains of rattling noises from the rear window when driving on rough roads.
SIB-63-10-14 Oct 1, 2014
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
BMW: SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCING VARIOUS MESSAGE DISPLAYED REGARDING MALFUNCTION OF LED HEADLIGHT, WITH OPTIONS 0552 AND 0524. *PE
SIB-63-11-14 Oct 1, 2014
121300 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH
BMW: ON SOME VEHICLES, WHEN STARTING, LOW BEAM, WITH 0552 OPTION, WOULD BRIEFLY FLASHES, DUE TO A FAULTY LED MAIN LIGHT MODULE THAT NEEDS REPLACING. MODEL 2008-14 F01, F02, F06, F07, F10, F12, F13, F25. *PE

BMW 528XI - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the BMW 528XI across all model years (2013, 2014).

2 Total Recalls
237 Total Complaints
0 Investigations
5 Reported Crashes
7 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

BMW 528XI - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2014 1 1 View
2013 (current) 1 85
2012 0 87 View
2010 0 12 View
2009 0 9 View
2008 0 43 View

Other BMW Models

Model Recalls Complaints
X5 223 4,349 View
X3 155 2,661 View
330I 122 1,050 View
X6 110 293 View
328I 108 3,743 View
M3 95 550 View
325I 83 1,809 View
Z4 83 1,439 View