2013 BMW 328I Fuel system Problems

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a hole on top of the fuel tank. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had previously initiated an extended warranty coverage for similar vehicles; however, the repair was not covered under the Extended Warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 56,910.

NHTSA ID

11713400

Incident

Dec 26, 2025

Mileage

56,910 mi

Fuel leak from factory fuel pump housing

NHTSA ID

11658579

Incident

Sep 10, 2024

Dear NHTSA, I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my [Your BMW Model & Year]. My vehicle was recalled due to an issue with the engine coolant pump, which could lead to a short circuit and, in rare cases, a fire. •The recall was issued over a month ago, but BMW has not provided a solution or a repair date. •On March 26th, 2025, I visited an authorized BMW service center for an oil change and to address the recall, but they informed me that the necessary parts were not available and gave no timeline for the repair. •For the past three weeks, white smoke has been coming from the hood, and there is a noticeable burning smell. •I have a video documenting this issue. •My vehicle is in active use, and the problem is getting worse daily, increasing the risk of engine failure or fire. BMW’s delay in addressing this recall is putting my safety and the safety of others at risk. I request immediate action to ensure that BMW prioritizes this repair and prevents further damage to my vehicle. I would appreciate your urgent attention to this matter. Please let me know how I can proceed with this complaint. Best regards, Name: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Vin Number : [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11650665

Incident

Aug 30, 1999

Unknown, Over time, this could lead to a short circuit and, in rare cases, a thermal event or a fire.

NHTSA ID

11629780

Incident

Dec 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328i. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, a parking lot attendant advised the contact that the vehicle could not be parked in the lot because fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel injection system. The contact was informed that the fuel injection system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer advised the contact not to drive the vehicle because the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the significant fuel leak that could cause a fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 113,439.

NHTSA ID

11623593

Incident

Feb 8, 2023

Mileage

113,439 mi

I checked the car history report for this car, it said that it had all of the scheduled maintenance. I have not driven this car hard, I used the best gas I could. I had this car for only 4 months - I took it in to Carmax to get checked out about 2 weeks after I got it back in October. They ran tests, and told me everything was fine that "it could've been a loose fuel cap". 3 months later, well before even an oil change was required - my car gave me the same error message only now it would turn off everytime I put it in drive. If this happened on the road I definitely could've been killed. This car showed 0 signs of any type of malfunction and did not give me any indication that anything was wrong. Fast forward to taking it to the Mins Auto (BMW recommended) they informed me that this car did not in fact seem it had regular oil changes contrasting what was in the carafe report. the timing chain seems to be the culprit and now I'm stuck with a $10,000 bill on a car before it's first oil change, on top of the dealership (carmax) not being helpful at all - when I did everything right with this car. When MinsAuto ran tests they found so many errors - I don't understand, neither can they - understand how Carmax could miss any of these. I was also told by them that because this happens EXTREMELY frequently on these 3-series models, they are pretty familiar with the process and it takes exactly 24 hours to remove the engine, the pistons and take these things apart. so I think this should be investigated and taken seriously. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11512781

Incident

Feb 28, 2023

I filled tank up with gas and developed a gas leak with strong gas odor and gas dripping onto the roadway. My safety was put at risk because gasoline was dripping past my hot exhaust piping which has the potential to catch on fire. My independent service center has confirmed this issue. The manufacturer has denied that their is a systemic failure that could result in a gasoline fire. There were no warning lamps or messages indicating a problem.

NHTSA ID

11458774

Incident

Mar 27, 2022

I started smelling burning oil from my engine and brought it to the mechanic. He confirmed that my car has a valve cover leak and a electrical issue. The Car dies after being left off for more then 12 hours. The car miss fire and have ruff idle. Warning lights power train came on after I had the miss fire. Had P0171 and 02 sensor code.

NHTSA ID

11456966

Incident

Jan 3, 2022

I recently had my car serviced and the oil changed over the summer, so there were no warning indicators or service issues prior to this incident. I left for work and had no indications of any problems. I drove for about 10-15 minutes when a warning notification popped up stating engine oil pressure low. A few seconds later, the check engine light came on with a notification there was a "drivetrain malfunction". The car started to decrease speed significantly and I pulled over as soon as I could. I turned the car off and waited a couple minutes, then tried to turn it on. The car power/battery was still working properly, but the engine did not start. I had the car towed to the dealership that I use. I was notified that the drivetrain malfunction is due to "timing chain components failure" and the cost is approximately $16,000. I have taken care of any previous recalls and there are no open recalls that exist currently. In 2014, the same situation occurred, in the same car, where I also received a "drivetrain malfunction" and check engine light. During this time my vehicle also stopped working while I was driving it. Both of these incidents happened very quickly, and I am EXTREMELY lucky that no one was injured in either situation. This issue is extremely unsafe and clearly has not been fixed by the required recalls so far. I urge you to look into this further.

NHTSA ID

11456692

Incident

Mar 10, 2022

i was told by couple shops the my timing chain as a problem. Car will not start.....stalled out on a major intersection while my son was driving.... the car just stop working had to get it towed back to the house another expense...the car has been parked for four months and still paying the car note ..I see a drivetrains malfunction on the display... Please help me and keep my son safe.. BMW the ultimate driving machine plz make the safest driving machine.

NHTSA ID

11437042

Incident

Jul 21, 2021

MY CAR IS A 2013 AND WAS PURCHASED IN 2016; WITH MILAGE AT 78,700. ON A COLD START, A HUGE CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE RIGHT EXHAUST PIPE. I TOOK IT TO BMW FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE SMOKE. I WAS TOLD IT IS A TURBO FEED LINE AND IF THAT IS NOT IT THEN IT IS THE TURBO CHARGER ENGINE AS A WHOLE. I WAS QUOTE $5000 FOR THE FULL REPAIR ON A CAR. I FOUND A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON THE SAME MODEL OF CAR, AND I SPOKE WITH BMW ABOUT IT. THE RECALL IS FOR THE N26 ENGINE AND NOT THE N20 ENGINE WHICH IS ON MY CAR, EVEN IF IT IS THE SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE TURBO CHARGER. THE RECALL NEEDS TO COVER ALL ENGINE STYLES FROM THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL BECAUSE THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. MY VIN WAS NOT ACCEPTED AND I WAS DENIED SERVICE HELP. PLEASE I WOULD LIKE TOO ATTACHED TO THIS VEHICLE VIN TO A RECALL FOR A TURBO CHARGER FAILURE. THE RECALL WAS FOR 8 YEARS/ 80,000 MILES AND MY CAR MEETS THOSE REQUIREMENTS.

NHTSA ID

11340114

Incident

Jul 2, 2020

Mileage

78,700 mi

I BOUGHT THE 2013 BMW 328XI BRAND NEW IN 2012. LAST YEAR, I SPENT $2,000 REPLACING THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AFTER MY CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. WHEN I WAS GOING IN FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION, MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THE COST IS VERY EXPENSIVE. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A PREVALENT ISSUE WITH BMW OWNERS, ESPECIALLY WITH THE N20/N26 ENGINE. I EVEN FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A PENDING CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT CLAIMING THAT THE TIMING CHAIN BMW USED WAS KNOWINGLY DEFECTIVE! AS OF NOW, MY CAR IS WORTH ABOUT $10,000 AND THE COST TO FIX THIS ISSUE IS ALMOST HALF THE VALUE OF THE CAR. I HAVE NOT GOTTEN THE TIMING CHAIN REPAIRED YET. *TR

NHTSA ID

11329467

Incident

Jun 16, 2020

Mileage

82,000 mi

SMELLING FUEL WHEN I FILL MY TANK AND ALSO NOTICED FUEL ON THE GROUND IF PARKED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD. TOOK MY CAR IN AND THEY STATED THE FUEL TANK HAS A HAIRLINE CRACK AND BMW HAS SINCE REINFORCED THE PART. SEEMS LIKE THEY KNOW IT IS PRONE TO CRACKING AND HAVE MADE THE FIX BUT NOT ISSUED A RECALL

NHTSA ID

11299266

Incident

Dec 26, 2019

Mileage

62,000 mi

WHITE SMOKE COME OUT FROM TAILPIPE AFTER THE COLD STARTS. AFTER RESEARCH, I FOUND IT IS WILL KNOWN ISSUE FOR THIS YEAR'S MODEL. IT IS DEFECTED TURBOCHARGE OIL SUPPLY LINE.THEY HAVE TO DO EMISSION RECALL

NHTSA ID

11252443

Incident

Aug 1, 2018

ON 2016 I WAS DRIVING ON A VERY BUSY PARKWAY IN THE AFTERNOON AT ABOUT 45 MPH (WHICH IS A LEGAL SPEED LIMIT) WHEN MY CAR STARTED SHUDDERING, SHAKING AND SLOWING DOWN AND A MESSAGE CAME ON SAYING "DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION." I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY HUSBAND WHO TOLD ME TO PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF THE CAR FOR 5 MINUTES. HE MANAGED TO CALM ME DOWN. WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR, THE CAR COULD NOT START I WAS VERY SCARED THE CAR WAS TOW TO BMW AND THEY STATE IT WAS RHE STARTER THAT WHEN BAD. I HAD RETURN THE CARE SEVERAL TIME TO BMW FOR THE SAME NOISE I WAS TOLD THE HAVE A TECH FROM THE HEAD QUARTER CAME OUT AND THE CAR IS PERFECTLY FINE .THE SAME HING HAPPEN 2 YEAR LATER AND I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DURING THE INCIDENT. BMW SERVICE TOLD ME THE ENGINE FAIL AND I NEED A NEW ENGINE WHICH WOULD COST ME $10,000 WE WERE READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND PRIMARILY THEY ARE ABOUT THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION - IT HAS A FAULTY PLASTIC PART, WHICH SINCE 2015 WAS REPLACED BY A METAL PART. I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED O). WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR BMW OR NHTSA TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM - A DEATH OR FEW? THERE IS NO WAY A 5 YEAR OLD CAR ENGINE SHOULD HAVE FAIL WITH JUST 70,000 MILES.

NHTSA ID

11102346

Incident

Jun 14, 2018

Mileage

70,000 mi

ARRIVED AT HOME, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM HOOD AND SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING. OPENED THE HOOD, AND SAW THAT THE SMOKE WAS DUE TO OIL DRIPPING ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THERE WAS NO FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO DEALER DUE TO RISK OF FIRE. VIDEO IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED; PLEASE CONTACT ME.

NHTSA ID

11074690

Incident

Feb 23, 2018

Mileage

53,000 mi

HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE CAUSED CAR TO CEASE OPERATING. CAR SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY WHILE IN MOTION. I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING STRUCTURE AT THE TIME. ULTIMATELY, THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR.

NHTSA ID

10991248

Incident

Apr 20, 2017

Mileage

57,943 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT SMELLED STRONG FUEL ODORS IN THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR WAS ALSO PRESENT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING FUELED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED AT TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,000.

NHTSA ID

10978502

Incident

Apr 4, 2017

Mileage

44,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT FILLED THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL AND PARKED THE VEHICLE IN HER GARAGE OVERNIGHT. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR AND A FUEL LEAK ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAL ABOVE THE FUEL TANK FRACTURED AND WOULD RECUR IF THE FUEL TANK SYSTEM WAS NOT UPGRADED. THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

NHTSA ID

10906072

Incident

Sep 2, 2016

Mileage

125,000 mi

OIL SEEPING INTO THE TURBO SYSTEM CAUSING MODERATE TO HEAVY WHITE SMOKE FROM EXHAUST AT COLD START UP ONLY.

NHTSA ID

10717822

Incident

Mar 30, 2015

Mileage

64,523 mi