2013 Bmw 528i: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Bmw 528i? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 73 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2013 Bmw 528i Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2013 Bmw 528i trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2013 Bmw 528i Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Bmw 528i has 73 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Minor Issues.
- Make
- Bmw
- Model
- 528i
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 73
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Minor Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 33
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Bmw 528i Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Bmw 528i?
The 2013 Bmw 528i looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Bmw 528i
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Bmw 528i, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2013 BMW 528i are concentrated in engine problems, which account for the majority of reports. Electrical faults and airbag malfunctions are also notable, though the overall confidence in the data is low due to the limited sample size.
- Engine problems dominate the complaint data for the 2013 model year.
- Electrical faults and airbag malfunctions each account for a significant number of complaints.
- There is only one crash-related complaint among the 73 total complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2013 Bmw 528i Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Bmw 528i. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 48 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Bmw 528i. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
On [XXX], Century West BMW in North Hollywood, CA performed recall 20E-A01 B120921 (DME reprogram/connector update) on my 2013 BMW 528i. Within 30 minutes of leaving the dealership, the car displayed a red “engine overheating – stop immediately” warning while I was in a crowded i…
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle, the contact smelled an abnormal burning odor. The contact stated the burning odor occurred frequently. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle w…
Hello my name is [XXX] and I am (was) the owner of a 2013 BMW 528i VIN [XXX] . It was a secondary vehicle for me for until I sustained an injury and it being my primary vehicle. I took it through emissions, updated the registration, and I noticed smoke coming from under the hood…
Unrepaired recall. No remedy available for over 8 months, with manufacturer acknowledging that there could a vehicle fire in some cases.
Unknown
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaig…
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine and entering the cabin through the vents. The engine warning light was illuminated. There were unknown messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to a…
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000(Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact noticed smo…
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable am…
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that th…
The electrical connector of the engine coolanta pump could become damaged. Small drops of liquid from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system could drip down onto the electrical connector of the pump.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable am…
20k miles??? I haven't even driven 5k miles and according to my vehicle service rep at the dealership all tires are defective as the belt has shifted in them and it's like pulling teeth trying to rectify the issue between the distributor and manufacturer all 4 tires are bad as 1 …
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable am…
The contact owns a 2013 BMV 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle stall…
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not availabl…
Recently, in the last 30 days multiple critical safety components of my BMW vehicle have malfunctioned without warning, posing significant risks to my safety and that of other road users 1. **Horn System Failure**: The horn system of my BMW has ceased to function across all d…
While driving in the toll of 130 my sunroof window busted out of nowhere. No 18 wheeler or big truck was in front that could have cause the glass to burst, when it happened it sounded like an explosion. Luckily my sunroof cover was closed shielding the inside of my vehicle otherw…
Horn stopped working and error code says airbag error
I AM 70 YEARS OLD, DRIVING IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA AND MY VEHICLE STOPPED! I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A TIMING CHAIN ISSUE AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR COST IS VERY EXPENSIVE. THERE WAS A LAWSUIT SETTLED ABOUT FAULY TIMING CHAINS IN 2021. MY …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Bmw 528i.
2013 Bmw 528i Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Bmw 528i. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Bmw 528i Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Bmw 528i reliable?▾
Minor Issues. NHTSA currently shows 73 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Bmw 528i looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Bmw 528i?▾
#1: Engine Problems (48 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (14 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (14 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Bmw 528i?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Bmw 528i?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Bmw 528i, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 73 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Bmw 528i have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Bmw 528i. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Bmw 528i?▾
The 2013 Bmw 528i looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Bmw 528i reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Bmw 528i based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.