2013 BMW 328I Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 BMW 328I, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine13336.4%
- Electrical6116.7%
- Airbags3910.7%
- Brakes318.5%
- Powertrain (other)236.3%
- Fuel system205.5%
- Driver assistance133.6%
- Seat belts102.7%
- Body & structure82.2%
- Steering82.2%
- Exterior lighting61.6%
- Interior & seats51.4%
- Other / unspecified41.1%
- Suspension20.5%
- Visibility20.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
2013 BMW 328i, N20 engine. Timing chain guide assembly and oil pump drive chain failed catastrophically. Vehicle is available for inspection, however the authorized BMW dealership has already made clear they will accept no responsibility, and I would bear the expense of towing it two hours to their facility. The failure is a known issue with a class action case, but BMW took no responsibility, and falsified information stating the vehicle showed no signs of an issue when I brought my vehicle in for inspection. Eighteen months before failure, steam came from the engine compartment on a humid day, later connected to the water pump electrical connector recall. Following this, the vehicle ran consistently hotter than normal and lost noticeable power. Twelve months before failure, an intermittent oil pressure warning began triggering under load at highway speeds, particularly on inclines above 70mph. I brought the vehicle to Sandia BMW in Albuquerque, NM and reported all symptoms when I was contacted by them for the recall. The service advisor falsely claimed elevated operating temperature was optimal, suspected a faulty sensor, and returned the vehicle without offering further diagnosis or making me aware of the impending issue, all classic signs of the engine faults. Eight weeks later, the oil pressure light activated on a highway, followed immediately by a drivetrain malfunction warning, a violent grinding sound, and complete loss of power. The vehicle was towed and has not restarted since. I contacted BMW of North America's recall line. A case was opened and an advocate stated BMW would accept no responsibility because the class action was closed and I'mpast 70K miles. I raised the dealership's direct culpability. The advocate stated a dealership representative would contact me. No call was ever received. This failure is consistent with BMW Service Bulletin SI B11 03 17. A engine safety recall is warranted regardless of age to protect the public.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated, and multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact then stated that the vehicle lost power and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the water pump and electrical plug connector had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact requested reimbursement for the cost of the repair that was performed prior to the safety recall, but the dealer informed the contact that the reimbursement claim was denied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the manufacturer also denied the reimbursement claim. The approximate failure mileage was 89,565.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated, and multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact then stated that the vehicle lost power and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the water pump and electrical plug connector had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact requested reimbursement for the cost of the repair that was performed prior to the safety recall, but the dealer informed the contact that the reimbursement claim was denied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the manufacturer also denied the reimbursement claim. The approximate failure mileage was 89,565.
See attached document for complaint. I am writing in reference to the recall on my 2013 BMW-328xi. The vin number is. The recall is for the water pump electrical connector. My water pump failed May 2024. I went to an independent repair service center that specializes in BMW repair, which in turn was the closest service center to where the vehicle broke down. I paid out of pocket for the repair. Now there is a recall on this part, I would appreciate reimbursement for the charges. I am enclosing a copy of the invoice.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The drivetrain and passenger’s side air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 MPH and the vehicle was shaking erratically. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,775.
Passenger Restraint system malfunction for the front passenger seat. This may not trigger the airbag for a passenger sitting in the front if a collision occurs and can seriously injure someone. This problem appears to be very common with BMW models within this timeframe. All over car forums and youtube videos, some videos with over 100k views per video. I am not sure how BMW has not recalled this safety issue as it seems to linger throughout many of their models for many years. As soon as the malfuction occured\, the warning sign and lamp lights did flash on.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was at the John Wayne Airport, going from the arrivals to departures. I had a lot of stop and go traffic, and when I was going down toward the bottom, my brakes failed. I kept pumping them to try and stop but they were not working. I saw an empty area where the car rental returns were and I was able to pull over and come to a stop. I was very lucky that there was a spot to pull over, I used the emergency brake as well when I finally came to a stop. I want the brake system to be looked into. After seeing the other complaints regarding the exact situation, I do not understand why this was not looked into before I got this car.
I stated on another form about my other safety issue. My son was in an accident in 2013 328I xdrive this website states this vehicle does not have an open recall or any recalls on it. I say bull crap not only did my son lose break, accessibility and crash into a tree doing 54 miles an hour. He also had the airbags deploy and burned him. Air bag dust literally ate right through his pants. I still have the severely burned up his hands We purchased this vehicle for Son last year, because BMWs are known to be safe. My 16-year-old son was almost killed in his car because of BMWs negligence.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The drivetrain and passenger’s side air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 MPH and the vehicle was shaking erratically. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,775.
2013 BMW 328i, N20 engine. Timing chain guide assembly and oil pump drive chain failed catastrophically. Vehicle is available for inspection, however the authorized BMW dealership has already made clear they will accept no responsibility, and I would bear the expense of towing it two hours to their facility. The failure is a known issue with a class action case, but BMW took no responsibility, and falsified information stating the vehicle showed no signs of an issue when I brought my vehicle in for inspection. Eighteen months before failure, steam came from the engine compartment on a humid day, later connected to the water pump electrical connector recall. Following this, the vehicle ran consistently hotter than normal and lost noticeable power. Twelve months before failure, an intermittent oil pressure warning began triggering under load at highway speeds, particularly on inclines above 70mph. I brought the vehicle to Sandia BMW in Albuquerque, NM and reported all symptoms when I was contacted by them for the recall. The service advisor falsely claimed elevated operating temperature was optimal, suspected a faulty sensor, and returned the vehicle without offering further diagnosis or making me aware of the impending issue, all classic signs of the engine faults. Eight weeks later, the oil pressure light activated on a highway, followed immediately by a drivetrain malfunction warning, a violent grinding sound, and complete loss of power. The vehicle was towed and has not restarted since. I contacted BMW of North America's recall line. A case was opened and an advocate stated BMW would accept no responsibility because the class action was closed and I'mpast 70K miles. I raised the dealership's direct culpability. The advocate stated a dealership representative would contact me. No call was ever received. This failure is consistent with BMW Service Bulletin SI B11 03 17. A engine safety recall is warranted regardless of age to protect the public.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Fuel leak from factory fuel pump housing
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was making a right hand turn my car started to lose breaking a ability and my car went in to a ditch and the air bags deployed the dust from the air bags practically disolved a hole in my jeans
SUSPENSION FAULT WHEN DRIVE FEELS LIKE THE CAR ITS LOWERED AND FEEEL EVERITHYNG WITH NO REASON AND THE STAVILITY ITS WEAR I ALMOST KILL MYSELF BMW HAVE TO CHECK THIS ERROR ON SUSPENSION OXNARD CALIFORNIA 93033
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger Restraint system malfunction for the front passenger seat. This may not trigger the airbag for a passenger sitting in the front if a collision occurs and can seriously injure someone. This problem appears to be very common with BMW models within this timeframe. All over car forums and youtube videos, some videos with over 100k views per video. I am not sure how BMW has not recalled this safety issue as it seems to linger throughout many of their models for many years. As soon as the malfuction occured\, the warning sign and lamp lights did flash on.
Passenger-restraint system This light has turned on and I see that certain BMW’s had recalls on this exact issue. Not sure why my 2013 328i was not included in the recall.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger door lock failed and does not allow the door to be opened in an emergency. The door is designed to be unlocked by the first pull of the door handle then unlatched with the second pull of the handle, however after the first handle pull the lock immediately locks again preventing the second pull from unlatching the door. The system would be available for inspection. This problem has been reproduced and confirmed by manufacturer's dealer, but has not been inspected The electric door lock actuator had failed about a year ago, but still allowed the door lock to be used manually without any disruption to being able to open the door.
INTERMITTENT ISSUE WHERE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WON'T UNLOCK FROM THE INTERIOR USING THE DOOR HANDLE. DOOR WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL IT'S UNLOCKED. DOOR CAN BE UNLOCKED USING THE ELECTRIC CENTRAL LOCKING, AND THEN OPENED USING THE HANDLE.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT TWO HOURS I DROVE ONTO A HIGHWAY. AS THE VEHICLE APPROACHED SPEEDS OVER 65 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME "NOTCHY" ALMOST AS IF IT WAS JUMPING FROM 15-20 DEGREES BUT NOT SMOOTH. IT BECAME INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AND CHANGE LANES. IT SEEMED ALMOST LIKE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND NOT MECHANICAL. ONCE I EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND WENT BELOW 40MPH THE STEERING RETURNED BACK TO NORMAL SMOOTH OPERATION.
POWER STEERING FAILURE RESULTED IN SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN ADDRESSED BY BMW BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL OR SERVICE NOTICE. UPON RESEARCH, THIS IS A COMMON SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD CAUSE CRASH AND INJURY. BMW HAS ADMITTED ISSUES WITH BOLTS THAT SUPPORT THE POWER STEERING FAILING, WHICH CAN DAMAGE AND BREAK THE POWER STEERING. YET THERE IS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED. I HAVE LINKED THE NHTSA SERVICE BULLETIN: HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2019/MC-10153729-9999.PDF
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAIL LIGHT CARRIER BURNED. I HAD CHANGED TAIL LIGHT BULBS SEVERAL TIMES. BUT THEY KEEP BURNING OUT. I EVEN GOT A TICKET FOR BROKEN TAIL LIGHT. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A DEFECT AND RECALLED/REPAIRED.
ELECTRICAL ISSUES ,BRAKE LIGHTS , PARKING LIGHT , OIL LIGHTS , AND ETC , PURCHASED SEVERAL LIGHT HAD THEM INSTALLED , CONSTANTLY BLOWING OUT AND OTHER LIGHT CUTTING ON AND OFF . SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE HAS BEEN HAPPENING OVER A YEAR NOW OFF AND ON . NOW SURE IF THE RECALL IN 2015 WAS TAKING CARE . 2ND COMPLAINT FILED .
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger Restraint system malfunction for the front passenger seat. This may not trigger the airbag for a passenger sitting in the front if a collision occurs and can seriously injure someone. This problem appears to be very common with BMW models within this timeframe. All over car forums and youtube videos, some videos with over 100k views per video. I am not sure how BMW has not recalled this safety issue as it seems to linger throughout many of their models for many years. As soon as the malfuction occured\, the warning sign and lamp lights did flash on.
UNKNOWN/ my car came up with an engine code . Trouble accelerating, tends to runs hot ( drive train malfunction
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2013 BMW 328i. The contact stated that after her boyfriend parked the vehicle, it caught fire. No injury was sustained and no medical attention was received. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent an engineer to inspect the vehicle. The engineer concluded that there was thermal damage to the engine compartment; however, the PCV valve heater did not display signs of electrical or thermal activity which excluded the failure from NHTSA Campaign Number 22V119 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and the origin of the incident, but the exact cause remained undetermined. The manufacturer offered the contact a credit toward the purchase of another vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V119 (Engine and Engine Cooling) associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DRIFTED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEELS NEEDED TO BE ALIGNED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER A THIRD TIME, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V454000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING OIL ODOR AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VACUUM PUMP FAILED, WAS LEAKING, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
My front axle support has extensively rusted, even though the vehicle is only approximately nine (9) years old. During installation of my Winter tires, a dealership technician found this component rusted through on the passenger side of the vehicle. The technician described this as severe damage to the suspension system, that is not repaired, could result in an accident. I have had the component replaced by my independent BMW specialist. The cost of this repair to me was approximately $1,900.00. I have retained the component and it is available for inspection. I believe that the protective coating applied to the component did not provide adequate protection from road salt and water, allowing it to rust. Much of this component is covered by underbody cladding, hiding it from view.
SUSPENSION FAULT WHEN DRIVE FEELS LIKE THE CAR ITS LOWERED AND FEEEL EVERITHYNG WITH NO REASON AND THE STAVILITY ITS WEAR I ALMOST KILL MYSELF BMW HAVE TO CHECK THIS ERROR ON SUSPENSION OXNARD CALIFORNIA 93033
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY SUNROOF SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE TO WORK WHICH CAUSED A LOUD NOISE AND SHARDS OF GLASS TO ENTER MY CAR. I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING THAT WOULD HAVE HIT THE SUNROOF TO CAUSE IT TO SHATTER. I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT EXPLODING SUNROOFS AND I WANTED TO SHARE MY STORY AS WELL. FORTUNATELY MY SON WAS NOT IN MY CAR OR HE WOULD HAVE LIKELY HAD GLASS HIT HIM SINCE MOST OF WHAT ENTERED THE CAR LANDED IN THE BACKSEAT.
THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND WENT IS TO SLEEP MODE. IT WAS A VERY HEAVY AND STEADY RAIN. WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OF THE BRAKE THE CAR STARTED UP AGAIN BUT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE IN MID STROKE ACROSS THE GLASS. THEY FROZE. I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THEM OFF AND ON AGAIN. I PULLED OVER INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED THE CAR OFF, ATTEMPTED TO MANUALLY RESET/MOVE THE WIPERS AND THEY WOULD NOT MOVE. AFTER SITTING FOR TWO HOURS WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK THE WIPERS STARTED TO MOVE AGAIN. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .