2013 BMW 528XI problems, complaints & recalls

2013 BMW 528XI recalls (1)

• Recall 15V188000Mar 31, 201513,443 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

  Risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recent 2013 BMW 528XI complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Aug 24, 2026TNTowedElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that due to an unrelated failure with the steering column, the vehicle was towed to a dealer for service. The contact stated that the tow truck driver disconnected the battery prior to the vehicle being towed to the dealer. The contact stated that after the recall repair, the vehicle was towed to an…

   NHTSA complaint #11759052 · source
2. Filed Jul 29, 2026ILEngine

   I am submitting this report to notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of a safety‑related defect involving the BMW N20/N26 engine timing chain assembly. My vehicle experienced a sudden and complete engine failure at highway speed due to a timing chain malfunction. This failure occurred without warning and created an immediate safety hazard for my [XXX] son, who was driving at the time. Loss of engine power at speed eliminated the ability to accelerate,…

   NHTSA complaint #11753542 · source
3. Filed Mar 20, 2026117,217 miVATowedElectrical System

   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 back to the dealer where it was purchased; however, the dealer refused to honor the warranty and refused to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. Upon searching…

   NHTSA complaint #11725807 · source
4. Filed Sep 8, 2025NJElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 recall notice from the government includes both the pump and connector. Shortly after, the water pump failed completely, causing “High Temperature” warnings and putting me at risk of sudden…

   NHTSA complaint #11685652 · source
5. Filed Aug 8, 2025VALightingTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 nor has there been any damage to the front of the car. It appears that this is a known problem. My adaptive part is still not working, but the headlights are working. I have replaced my timinig chain…

   NHTSA complaint #11679386 · source
6. Filed Jun 14, 2025NJLighting

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11666894 · source
7. Filed May 20, 2025MOElectrical SystemEngine

   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 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…

   NHTSA complaint #11662067 · source
8. Filed Apr 28, 2025NJElectrical SystemEngine

   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 amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.…

   NHTSA complaint #11657270 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology