This page covers 3 recalls, 255 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 BMW 328i.
21–26 mpg combined
9–11.2 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2013 BMW 328i, engine and electrical complaints dominate the picture. On the engine side, owners frequently report timing chain and oil pump chain failures on the turbocharged four-cylinder, often describing sudden loss of power, warning lights, and engines that won't restart. Water pump failures come up repeatedly as well, with owners noting the repair cost falls entirely on them. Cooling-related issues, including overheating and associated warning lights, appear across multiple reports. The electrical system draws the second-largest share of complaints, covering a range of warning light activations and component faults. Rounding out the top concerns, owners report the front passenger seat sensor malfunctioning, the recurring description is that the system fails to properly detect an occupied seat, which owners say could affect whether the airbag deploys for that position.
255
Total Complaints
24
Crash-Related
8
Fire-Related
14
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 BMW 328i has 3 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, and an electrical connector that can short and start a fire.
The airbag inflator defect affects the driver's side frontal airbag: in a crash, the inflator can rupture rather than deploy normally, throwing sharp metal pieces toward the driver and other occupants. The electrical short in the wiring connector system raises the risk of a vehicle fire. There is also a lighting recall: the side marker lights may fail to illuminate, making the car harder to see at night and raising the risk of a collision.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical connector on the water pump may not be properly sealed, allowing water to enter and cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the water pump, replace it and the connector if needed, and install a protective shield.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 3 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Replace the driver air bag inflator. On X5 and X6 models, only the inflator is replaced. Repair is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front side marker lights may not work when the parking lights or headlights are on due to incorrect software programming.
What the fix does
BMW dealers will upload corrected software to restore proper marker light operation at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
