2013 BMW 335I 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 335I, 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
- Engine1319.1%
- Airbags1217.6%
- Electrical1116.2%
- Powertrain (other)913.2%
- Fuel system710.3%
- Driver assistance45.9%
- Seat belts34.4%
- Interior & seats22.9%
- Steering22.9%
- Heating & air conditioning11.5%
- Brakes11.5%
- Visibility11.5%
- Tires & wheels11.5%
- Exterior lighting11.5%
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
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 335i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, and the battery was replaced for the second time. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic and the battery was replaced a third time, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant pump failure. The contact was informed that the coolant pump had an electrical shortage and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
I have an F30 body style bmw with the N55 engine. After purchasing the car I noticed a very rough idle for a few moments when warming up the car. The idle would be so rough that when in gear to reverse out of my driveway, it would jerk the car further than it should be meant to go. A slight tap of the throttle and the jerking would propel the car forward resulting in a dangerous situation. I almost collided with a couple of cars so far and I have kids in the car. Upon much research and performing car diagnostics, it was found that the cars valvetronic system which controls the idle for fuel efficiency is defective. After looking into this further and joining a few online forum groups with the same vehicle, it has been known that this is a vastly common issue with this vehicle. Thousands of owners had come up with top issues with this engine and this issue is at the top of the list. I do think that bmw should be responsible for this system as it fails very early on. I only have 58,000 miles on my vehicle and thousands of others reported the same issue and low mileage. This system needs to be looked at for safety precautions.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
All BMWs have a defect with passenger seat occupancy mat; airbag will not deploy in accident for passenger because passenger seat restraint system is defective in passenger seat (they call it passenger occupancy mat)- it is a life threatening issue found in my model of car and several other models. Issue Recall and save lives
Out of nowhere, on 6/24, the warning light came on saying that there is an issue with the passenger restraint system. It stays on when there is no one in the seat and then, even if someone is in the seat, it will turn off. I have not had an accident or had the car flooded to warrant a system malfunction like that. I have read that this has happened to other owners of this model and it is a faulty mat sensor that costs over $1000 to repair.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle has a defect with electric water pump, shorted by its factory connector due to unprotected electrical plug on water pump. BMW issued a recall to cover the defect but refusing to pay for repairs performed. Recall 24V-608 water pump electrical connector. Recall information includes same parts with defects which includes mine, exactly same part and same procedure for repairs. 2013 BMW 335i Drive, F30 (3 series sedan) This company must be held responsible for the repairs, can't cover half of the models then leave other half for the expense of owners. Same parts used and same procedures to address the defects, why is not my vehicle not included in this recall ???
The water pump runs all of the time and drains the battery completely overnight. The water pump runs even after the car is shut off. It seems like the water pump is shorted. The water pump connector appears to have the same issue as many other recalled BMWs but for some reason my VIN has not been included in the recall. The photo is of the stream of coolant being pumped by the water pump while the car is turned off. I cannot drive the car. It is sitting with the battery disconnected. I have called the dealer and they said my car is not part of the recall, but it should be.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
This incident happened twice while I was driving. After driving for about 20 minutes my 2013 BMW 335i (Sedan) shifted into neutral as I was making a turn. I was shown a drivetrain malfunction error along with an error that my car was not in Park position and my car's motor suddenly shut off while it was in neutral. I pulled over to the side of the road and I managed to start my car again without any problem. A few weeks later while I was driving on the I-10 driving past Banning, CA. my vehicle shifted into neutral and my motor shut off. I had to make an emergency stop on the side of the freeway and I managed to restart my car and drive to my family's home. My girlfriend and I were in the car at that time and this sudden shut off of my motor could have caused us to get rear ended on the freeway. When I got back home I scanned my car using an OBD II reader and found 0 faults pertaining to the transmission. I did find the following codes: 11A002 Fuel High Pressure, Plausibility Pressure Too Low and 101F01 Throttle Valve Angle-Absolute Pressure Intake Pipe, Comparison Pressure Too High. I had my mechanic inspect and drive my vehicle, but he couldn't determine the cause of the error. He suspects there is something wrong with the fuel pump, but he was hesitant to say that is problem. Car ran fine at full throttle while testing and I have not received another error code since then. My vehicle has an 8-speed automatic transmission and in both instances when it shifted into neutral, my hands were not on the gear selector. My vehicle is available to be inspected and I have been unable to reproduce the problem. Other BMW owners stated they experienced the same problem. I've attached a video of someone driving a 328i who experienced the same problem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNebnchCUVo&list=LL&index=2 .
I LOVED MY BMW UNTIL I REALIZED IT HAS A FAULTY ENGINE. I NOTICED THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT ONCE WHEN I WENT THROUGH A CAR WASH. I TURNED OFF WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR. MY CAR WAS UP TO DATE ON ALL OIL CHANGES ETC, I TAKE IT TO BMW SPECIALIST ONLY. I NOTICED A LIGHT TICK SOUND AND REPORTED IT TO BMW AT MY LAST OIL CHANGE. THEY DISREGARDED IT AND SAID THEY DID NOTICE OIL ON THE GASKET. NO CHANGES REQUESTED AT THAT TIME. MY CAR NEVER SHOWED SIGNS OF LEAKING OIL AND THE OIL PRESSURE AT TIMES SHOWED TO BE LOW BUT WOULD ALWAYS RETURN TO NORMAL. I WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE THE HYBRIDS WORK DIFFERENTLY. ON MY WAY HOME ON THE FRONTAGE ROAD OF I35 MY CAR JUST SHUT DOWN AND NEVER RESTARTED. I WAS ABLE TO GUIDE IT INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED TURNING AND THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT TURNED ON. I HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND THEY BASICALLY SAID THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE. A NEW ENGINE COST $18000 AND A USED IS AROUND 13000. THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE LABOR!!! I HAD TO THEN HAVE MY CAR TOWED HOME TO JUST PARK IT. THIS IS THE ONLY CAR I HAVE, I OWE THOUSANDS ON IT AND THE ENGINE COMPLETELY BROKE! AS I'M DOING RESEARCH I SEE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUES AND SAME RESULT, COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE!!! THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED! FROM WHAT I GATHER IT IS RELATED TO THE DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT SENDING A SIGNAL TO THE ENGINE & STOPPING OIL FROM REACHING THE TOP OF THE MOTOR, LEADING TO VANOS COMPLICATIONS AND LEADING TO METAL IN THE ENGINE LEADING TO A COMPLETE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. CHEAP ISSUE LEADING TO FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. I'VE ALSO GATHERED THERE IS A FAULT WITH THE START/STOP THAT CAUSES THIS ISSUE. I AM LEFT WITH NO CAR, I'M A FULL TIME NURSE AND NOW IN DEBT WITH NO WORKING CAR! THIS COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED HAD A RECALL BEEN DONE A FEW YEARS AGO WITH ALL THE INITIAL COMPLAINTS!! SEVERAL FORUMS INCLUDING ON THIS SITE!!
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car died without warning on highway. Lost control because of no power. Car was towed. no codes found. Car died again on highway, lost control no power to brakes and steering. Car was hit trying to got off into breakdown lane. High pressure fuel pump no good.
Fuel system leaks when full. It emits a strong odor both in the car and in the garage. Visible fuel leak on exterior of tank. This poses health, environmental, and safety concerns. This is, after internet searching, a fairly common issue.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Loss of power/won't Rev over 2500rpms No fault codes displayed on dash Radiator fan goes to max and cuts off consistently every 30sec-45sec Very dangerous situation when pulling out in front of traffic. I've only owned this car for 3 months! I need to get this fixed asap. Also, this problem occurs at random times in all different conditions. It will also "reset" after turning car off and restarting. It has happened to me 7 - 8 times in 3 months!
WHILE PARKING CAR IN USUAL PARKING LOT AT WORK, 8:30 AM, TURNING WHEELS TO LEFT, CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING, CAUSING CAR TO JUMP OVER PARKING BUMPER, THROUGH CONCRETE BLOCK WALL AND CONTINUED TO RAM INTO PRIVATE HOME, MAKING HOME UNSAFE TO ENTER. ALL THIS CAUSED $14000.00, NOW, UPDATED TO $19000.00 DAMAGE TO THE CAR, NOT INCLUDING THE COST OF DAMAGE TO THE WALL AND BUILDING. BMW DEALERSHIP WILL NOT LOOK INTO THE ACCELERATOR CABLES ETC...SAYS IT IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH THIS INCIDENT. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER AS SAFETY OF OCCUPANTS / PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES COULD BE IN JEOPARDY! P.S. WE HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR YET SINCE IT HAS BEEN AT THE BMW BODY SHOP SINCE DECEMBER 8 2015. CAR IS SECOND OWNED BY US. WE BOUGHT CAR AT 6K MILES AND NOW HAS 10K MILES. MY WIFE IS SCARED OF GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL AND DRIVING THE CAR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Out of nowhere, on 6/24, the warning light came on saying that there is an issue with the passenger restraint system. It stays on when there is no one in the seat and then, even if someone is in the seat, it will turn off. I have not had an accident or had the car flooded to warrant a system malfunction like that. I have read that this has happened to other owners of this model and it is a faulty mat sensor that costs over $1000 to repair.
MY VEHICLE SHOWS THE FOLLOWING ERROR MESSAGE "PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION" AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE I AM DRIVING WITHOUT A PASSENGER OR WHENEVER A PASSENGER DECIDES TO MOVE AROUND. THE ERROR WILL ALSO APPEAR AT RANDOM TIMES WHENEVER I HAVE A PASSENGER. I RAN OBD READING AND IT GAVE THE ERROR CODE "930A1C-ODS-SYSTEM: SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR PASSENGER: SENDING SENSOR FAILURE BECAUSE OF WETNESS ,0, ZP." I HAVE NEVER SPILLED LIQUID MATTER ON THE SEATS AND I LIVE IN A DRY DESERT ENVIRONMENT WHERE TEMPERATURES RANGE FROM 80 TO 110 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. THE BMW DEALERSHIP IN PALM SPRINGS TOLD ME I WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER MAT, BUT MY WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER IT. I WAS QUOTED TO PAY $1600 OUT OF POCKET JUST TO FIX A FAULTY SENSOR MAT THAT IS ESSENTIAL IN PROTECTING A PASSENGER'S LIFE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. I AM AFRAID THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CAN BE LETHAL TO A CHILD PASSENGER OR AN ELDERLY ADULT. I CAN NOT FIND A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO CAN REPLACE THE PASSENGER MAT, NOR CAN I BUY THE PART ONLINE FOR MY MODEL. IT IS A BIT INJUSTICE FOR ME TO PAY A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO FIX A DEFECTIVE PART MADE BY BMW AND HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE OTHER THAN TO TAKE IT TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP. JUST TO HAVE THEM INSPECT MY VEHICLE COSTED $175. I HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE AWARE THAT BMW RECALLED 76,565 VEHICLES DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT FOR BMW MODELS 2006 325I, 325XI, 330I AND 330XI SEDANS AND 325XI SPORT WAGONS, THE 2007 328I, 328XI, 335I AND 335XI SEDANS AND 328I AND 328XI SPORT WAGONS, THE 2006-7 525I, 525XI, 530I, 530XI AND 550I SEDANS AND 530XI SPORT WAGONS, THE 2006 760I SEDANS, THE 2006-7 750I, 750LI, AND 760LI SEDANS AND THE 2006 X5 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. IT SEEMS THESE DEFECTS WERE FOUND IN MY 2013 MODEL AND I WILL LIKE BMW TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND FIX IT.
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
All BMWs have a defect with passenger seat occupancy mat; airbag will not deploy in accident for passenger because passenger seat restraint system is defective in passenger seat (they call it passenger occupancy mat)- it is a life threatening issue found in my model of car and several other models. Issue Recall and save lives
MY VEHICLE SHOWS THE FOLLOWING ERROR MESSAGE "PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION" AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE I AM DRIVING WITHOUT A PASSENGER OR WHENEVER A PASSENGER DECIDES TO MOVE AROUND. THE ERROR WILL ALSO APPEAR AT RANDOM TIMES WHENEVER I HAVE A PASSENGER. I RAN OBD READING AND IT GAVE THE ERROR CODE "930A1C-ODS-SYSTEM: SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR PASSENGER: SENDING SENSOR FAILURE BECAUSE OF WETNESS ,0, ZP." I HAVE NEVER SPILLED LIQUID MATTER ON THE SEATS AND I LIVE IN A DRY DESERT ENVIRONMENT WHERE TEMPERATURES RANGE FROM 80 TO 110 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. THE BMW DEALERSHIP IN PALM SPRINGS TOLD ME I WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER MAT, BUT MY WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER IT. I WAS QUOTED TO PAY $1600 OUT OF POCKET JUST TO FIX A FAULTY SENSOR MAT THAT IS ESSENTIAL IN PROTECTING A PASSENGER'S LIFE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. I AM AFRAID THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CAN BE LETHAL TO A CHILD PASSENGER OR AN ELDERLY ADULT. I CAN NOT FIND A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO CAN REPLACE THE PASSENGER MAT, NOR CAN I BUY THE PART ONLINE FOR MY MODEL. IT IS A BIT INJUSTICE FOR ME TO PAY A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO FIX A DEFECTIVE PART MADE BY BMW AND HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE OTHER THAN TO TAKE IT TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP. JUST TO HAVE THEM INSPECT MY VEHICLE COSTED $175. I HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE AWARE THAT BMW RECALLED 76,565 VEHICLES DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT FOR BMW MODELS 2006 325I, 325XI, 330I AND 330XI SEDANS AND 325XI SPORT WAGONS, THE 2007 328I, 328XI, 335I AND 335XI SEDANS AND 328I AND 328XI SPORT WAGONS, THE 2006-7 525I, 525XI, 530I, 530XI AND 550I SEDANS AND 530XI SPORT WAGONS, THE 2006 760I SEDANS, THE 2006-7 750I, 750LI, AND 760LI SEDANS AND THE 2006 X5 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. IT SEEMS THESE DEFECTS WERE FOUND IN MY 2013 MODEL AND I WILL LIKE BMW TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND FIX IT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I haven’t even had my bmw 335i 2013 with 84000 miles on it yet for more than 8 months but somehow for some reason my electronic power steering rack has gone out twice in the span of 5 months.this is a issue. Everytime I’m getting on or off on ramps and taking the turns and curves at 35-40 mph then when you go to let your wheel slide through your hands so you can continue going straight is supposed to be smooth and effortless I shouldn’t have to worry about my life everytime I drive a car because the [XXX] wheel wants to snap back to the center angle at Mach 7 speed. The steering wheel feels loose when I’m driving straight and is heavy when I turn. Even going over bumps it will just start to pull to that side the bump was on its hard to even switch lanes cause I have to fight with my steering wheel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
PROBLEMS WITH EPS RACK. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS. SITS AT 56,000 MILES WITH NO OTHER PROBLEMS. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT AND LEFT THEIR IS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES VERY STIFF. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
SI B64 06 13 ( COMPLAIN OF REDUCED AIR FLOW WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED TIME, USUALLY LONGER THAN ONE HOUR. EVAPORATOR STARTS TO FREEZE UP DUE TO THE POSITION OF THE EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I GOT MY NEW 2013 BMW 335I IN FEB OF THIS YEAR AND SO FAR HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN 2 COLLISIONS DUE TO WHAT I CONSIDER AS A "BRAKE FAILURE". BOTH ACCIDENTS HAPPEN AT SLOW TO MEDIUM SPEED [25 - 40MPH] AND BOTH TIMES THE CAR JUST KEPT ROLLING AND IT FELT LIKE THE ABS SYSTEM WAS JUST NOT WORKING. I WAS TOTALLY SHOCKED AS I HAVE BEEN DRIVING BMW'S FOR THE PAST 6+ YEARS AND NONE OF MY PREVIOUS CARS (2006 330I AND 2008 X5) HAD ANY BRAKING ISSUES AND THEY WOULD STOP WHEN NEEDED. ALTHOUGH THESE ACCIDENTS WEREN'T OF VERY SERIOUS NATURE BUT THEY SCREWED UP MY INSURANCE AND PUT ME INTO A RENTAL CAR FOR MORE THAN 2 MONTHS. ?*TR
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
SI B64 06 13 ( COMPLAIN OF REDUCED AIR FLOW WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED TIME, USUALLY LONGER THAN ONE HOUR. EVAPORATOR STARTS TO FREEZE UP DUE TO THE POSITION OF THE EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
P ZERO RUN FLAT - SIZE: 255/30R19 PARTIALLY DELAMINATED ON FREEWAY CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. TIRE WAS AT PROPER PRESSURE AND CONTINUES TO HOLD AIR PRESSURE EVEN THOUGH TREAD HAS SEPARATED FROM TIRE CARCASS. TIRE DELAMINATION CAUSE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WHEEL WELL LINER AND WIRING HARNESS. ALSO POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGE TO FUEL FILLER SYSTEM AS MANY FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS ARE LOCATED IN THE DAMAGED AREA. NEW TIRE IS BEING ORDERED. OLD TIRE IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED FOR INSPECTION FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHT LENS DEVELOPED CRACKING AND CRAZING IN A SINGLE DAY. XENON LIGHTS APPEAR TO OVERHEAT THE LENS.
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 .