Problems · NHTSA complaints

2013 BMW 3 Series problems

Owners filed 344 complaints about the 2013 BMW 3 Series with NHTSA between Dec 2012 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is engine (118).

Complaints
344
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
33
Reported by owners
Fires
8
Reported by owners
Injuries
19
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine118
  2. Electrical system80
  3. Air bags58
  4. Engine and engine cooling46
  5. Power train43
  6. Service brakes35
  7. Fuel/propulsion system26
  8. Vehicle speed control16
  9. Seat belts14
  10. Structure11
  11. Steering10
  12. Exterior lighting8
  13. Seats7
  14. Electronic stability control (esc)6

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20121
201325
201420
20156
201624
201732
201825
201940
202031
202115
202225
202317
202439
202536
20268

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

118 reports4 crashes7 fires
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 12, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11723979

Electrical system

80 reports3 crashes
“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 ???”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 21, 2026Electrical systemODI 11751957

Air bags

58 reports13 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 28, 2026Power train, Air bagsODI 11753235

Engine and engine cooling

46 reports1 related recall
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 9, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Electrical systemODI 11710003

Power train

43 reports1 crash
“Engine Timing Chain and Oil pump drive chain modules failed. I found this from BMW website that Defect Code: SI B11 03 17: For this vehicle the timing chain and the oil pump drive chain modules (N20, N26 engines) limited Warranty for in defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 7 years / 70000 miles as determined from the original in-service date. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusions that apply to the BMW New vehicle limited warranty for passenger cars and light trucks. for eligible vehicles that are beyond this 7/70 coverage, please refer to SI B11 02 21 for additional coverage that may also apply. I filed a case directly with BMW of NA - they told me get it towed to BMW dealership and get it diagnosed, I followed the instructions and got it diagnosed. BMW dealership confirmed the main cause was the Timing chain broke and engine seized. but BMW declined to do anything about it. please see the link by BMW below: [XXX] $”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 24, 2024Power train, EngineODI 11621686

Service brakes

35 reports18 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 2, 2026Service brakesODI 11754330
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.