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BMW 328i 2013 — Reported problems

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote. 🇺🇸 Local data

40 owners reported problems with the 2013 BMW 328i to NHTSA, most often about electrical system.

All reports

40
SERVICE BRAKES 2026-08-02 · NHTSA 11754330

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.

POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS 2026-07-28 · NHTSA 11753235

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.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 2026-03-12 · NHTSA 11723979

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, GASOLINE 2026-01-26 · NHTSA 11713400

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-12-11 · NHTSA 11704595

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-11-14 · NHTSA 11699384

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.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS 2025-09-10 · NHTSA 11686437

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2025-07-23 · NHTSA 11675730

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact’s daughter stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to have the water pump replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer after the repaired that the valve cover gasket had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2025-07-16 · NHTSA 11673873

See attached document for complaint.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-07-02 · NHTSA 11670705

Recall was issued in August 2024 and there is yet to be a fix/remedy

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-07-02 · NHTSA 11670802

See attached document for complaint.

ENGINE 2025-06-23 · NHTSA 11668570

MY 2013 BMW 328 NON TURBO experienced an all of a sudden warning that the temperature was high even though the temp gauge did not show. Car was pulled over and towed to repair shop. Broken VANOS bolts were discovered and car made a load noise when run.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-06-20 · NHTSA 11668136

Dropped off my BMW on June 17 for a water pump recall 24V-608 for wiring harness connector issue and the dealer did indeed discover corrosion and damage to the water pump which could cause a thermal event or a fire. However, they repaired 1 single strand of wire by replacing a pin and not the entire connector or the water pump. Furthermore, I was charged $197 for that damaged wire saying even though the wire was corroded, I had to pay to repair that to do the recall which was to put a plastic sheath over the wiring.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-05-13 · NHTSA 11660726

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2025-05-02 · NHTSA 11658579

Fuel leak from factory fuel pump housing

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-04-25 · NHTSA 11656683

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328i. 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-04-09 · NHTSA 11653715

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-04-09 · NHTSA 11653726

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2025-04-07 · NHTSA 11653084

It has been over a year since I received the first recall notice for my vehicle, and I am continuing to receive notices from BMW that state there is no remedy available. This recall has the potential to create premature depreciating damage to my financial asset as well as serious safety risks myself and my family. I would like to know what kind of alternative remedy BMW has to offer me, since no repair has been offered in a timely manner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-04-07 · NHTSA 11653092

BMW has not provided a timely solution for the latest recall dated 8/2024.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-04-02 · NHTSA 11652325

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-03-28 · NHTSA 11651328

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump and water pump connector. The contact was advised to discontinue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was 201,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2025-03-26 · NHTSA 11650665

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)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 2025-03-21 · NHTSA 11649665

The vehicle's manufacturer (BMW) has failed to remedy a potentially lethal safety recall in a timely manner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-03-11 · NHTSA 11647604

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started running rough with the temperature gauge rising. The stabilizer warning light was illuminated. On another occasion, while driving to the residence at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that a message related to the fuel was displayed. The vehicle was under warranty and was repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion, the stabilizer warning light illuminated while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that after several minutes the vehicle was restarted and taken to the local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-03-07 · NHTSA 11647066

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-03-06 · NHTSA 11646760

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was smoke and vapors emerging from underneath the hood and the engine became hot. The low oil warning light was illuminated. The oil level was extremely low. The contact added oil, but the oil dissipated. 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 57,592. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-03-05 · NHTSA 11646550

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated there was smoke entering the vehicle through the vents. In addition, the contact stated that smoke was coming from under the hood. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available. 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 amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 2025-02-27 · NHTSA 11645370

Car has been recalled since August for a fire risk and there is no ETA on any repairs

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-02-11 · NHTSA 11642053

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-02-05 · NHTSA 11640918

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from under the hood into the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 206,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-02-03 · NHTSA 11640352

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact was notified 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 made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-01-28 · NHTSA 11639146

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-01-22 · NHTSA 11637798

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated while driving approximately 25-60 MPH, the engine overheated with smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact would pull over and allow the engine to cool down before resuming to drive. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with engine coolant pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-01-07 · NHTSA 11634619

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-01-06 · NHTSA 11634288

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-01-06 · NHTSA 11634451

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-01-03 · NHTSA 11633921

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-01-02 · NHTSA 11633735

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE Fire 2024-12-30 · NHTSA 11633163

The contact owned a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle on the sidewalk in front of his driveway, it caught on fire. The vehicle was unoccupied during the fire. The origin of the fire was unknown. The location of the fire was the front engine compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police department report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. There were no injuries. The contact also noted that no warning lights had been illuminated prior, and received notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and believed the recall as probable cause for the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Specifications, safety and listings for this car

Questions

What do owners report most on the 2013 BMW 328i?
Problems with electrical system: 30 reports of 40 on record at NHTSA.
How many owner reports mention a crash or a fire?
Out of 40 reports: a crash is mentioned in 0 and a fire in 1. These are what owners wrote, not confirmed findings.