2013 Bmw 528xi Problems

Minor Issues

Shopping for a used 2013 Bmw 528xi? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 54 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.

Before you buy

This 2013 Bmw 528xi has 54 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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54
Complaints
β€”
Crashes
β€”
Fires
β€”
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
1
Recalls

2013 Bmw 528xi Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

5/5

9.3% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

5/5

9.3% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Bmw 528xi has 54 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Minor Issues.

2013 Bmw 528xi β€” key reliability facts
Make
Bmw
Model
528xi
Model year
2013
NHTSA owner complaints
54
Crash-related complaints
0
Safety recall campaigns
1
Top reported component
Engine Problems
Reliability signal
Minor Issues
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

Common problems

Most common 2013 Bmw 528xi problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
36
complaints

Engine Problems

#2
16
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

#3
12
complaints

Electrical Faults

Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2013 Bmw 528xi?

The 2013 Bmw 528xi 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.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2013 Bmw 528xi

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the engine for any reported issues, such as unusual noises or performance problems.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for transmission and electrical system repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect the engine for any reported issues, such as unusual noises or performance problems.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for transmission and electrical system repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2013 Bmw 528xi, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

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

Based on 54 NHTSA complaints for the 2013 BMW 528xi, the data suggests that engine problems and transmission/drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported concerns. There is one recall, but no crash-related complaints. The confidence level is low due to the limited sample size.

Key Findings
  • Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
  • Transmission/drivetrain issues are the second most reported category.
  • Electrical faults and headlight/taillight failures are also notable concerns.
Top Concerns
  • Engine Problems
  • Transmission / Drivetrain
  • Electrical Faults
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The low confidence level reflects the small number of complaints for a single model year.

Full breakdown

All 2013 Bmw 528xi complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Bmw 528xi. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems36β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain16β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults12β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues6β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures5β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System2β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions2β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems1β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects1β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration1β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Bmw 528xi. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 54 most recent complaints

Electrical FaultsMar 20, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 BMW 528XI. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Drivetrain Malfunction - Drive Moderately" and "Contact the Service Center" were displayed. The vehicle was towed ba…

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 8, 2025

My 2013 BMW 528i was serviced under recall 24V-608 (Coolant Pump Electrical Connector / DME). After the recall was marked complete, the car developed several serious failures: Coolant Pump / Connector (Recall Item) – The dealer refused to replace the coolant pump even though the…

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 8, 2025

Both of my headlights had moisture. I replaced the driverside first because you could literally see water sitting in the headlamp. Then I replaced the passengerside a year later because it was doing the same thing that the driver side started doing. I have not had any accidents n…

Headlight/Taillight FailuresJun 14, 2025

the head lights are frequently burn out although there is no break in the light covers. It is unpredictable and unsafe especially because alot of my driving is at night.

Engine ProblemsMay 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. 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 contacted. The contact stated that the ma…

Engine ProblemsApr 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. 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 a…

Engine ProblemsApr 25, 2025

The timing chain became stretched so that the valve timing with the pistons had been altered so that a valve face almost hit the top of a piston(one more tooth on the intake camshaft gear would have caused an impact between the piston top and a valve face causing the motor to sta…

Engine ProblemsApr 22, 2025

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 contacted and confirmed that parts were no…

Engine ProblemsMar 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. 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 contacted. The contact stated that the ma…

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 22, 2025

-Drivetrain warning message was displayed, indicated to drive moderately, and moments later car sputtered and ceased to operate. Mechanic inspected and reported the timing chain failed and is to blame. Also, the engine may be impacted due to fraying parts that may have entered e…

Electrical FaultsJan 21, 2025

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 contacted. The contact stated that the manu…

Engine ProblemsAug 20, 2024

See attached document for complaint.

Engine ProblemsJul 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be restarted and was towed to a local dealer. The local dealer diagnosed the vehicle …

Headlight/Taillight FailuresJan 27, 2024

The vehicle has had no accidents or front impacts but has extensive moisture/condensation build up in both front headlamp housings. I intermittently receive a "adaptive headlight failure "warning in cold temperatures until the vehicle warms up. Night driving visibility is being a…

Engine ProblemsOct 30, 2023

Engine failure due to faulty timing chain or oil pump while driving

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 2, 2023

BMW 528i xdrive purchased new in 2013. Currently has 103k miles. While driving on hi-way at 65 mph, received "low oil pressure" alarm on instrument panel. Pulled on hi-way, engine shut-down. Initial diagnosis by local mechanic is timing chain failure. Have read COUNTLESS blog…

Uncategorized IssuesMay 15, 2023

The headrest deployed while parked in the dealer ship and was subsequently replaced. The vehicle was parked and not running

Electrical FaultsApr 16, 2023

Adaptive headlight, turn signals, daytime/parking lamp and headlamp vehicle aim malfunctions. it is available for inspection. Hand signals are required due to the front signals inoperability. It is reason to be aware certain enviromental conditions can prevent hands signals and o…

Engine ProblemsMar 8, 2023

The 2013 BMW 528xi had impeccable maintenance up to this catastrophic event. The mileage was just over 80,000 miles at the time of detonation. The four-cylinder N20's plastic timing chain guide experienced catastrophic failure upon placing the car in drive, obstructing the oil …

Headlight/Taillight FailuresFeb 4, 2023

Something isn’t right with how water travels to and gets into the Front Headlights of these cars weaking the seals and damaging the multiple modules of these headlights my front passenger headlight out of nowhere started forming condensation in the headlight which shorted almost…

Page 1 of 3

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Bmw 528xi.

Safety recalls

2013 Bmw 528xi recalls

1 campaign

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Bmw 528xi. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#15V188000EXTERIOR LIGHTING31/03/2015

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2013 Bmw 528xi buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2013 Bmw 528xi reliable?β–Ύ

Minor Issues. NHTSA currently shows 54 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2013 Bmw 528xi 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 528xi?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (36 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (16 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (12 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Bmw 528xi?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2013 Bmw 528xi?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Bmw 528xi, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 54 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2013 Bmw 528xi have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2013 Bmw 528xi. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2013 Bmw 528xi?β–Ύ

The 2013 Bmw 528xi 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 528xi reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2013 Bmw 528xi based on your ownership experience.

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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

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.