NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 127 owner complaints for the 2013 BMW 5 Series. Most complaints involve engine (55) and electrical system (28). The EPA rates it 17–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
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."
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each 5 Series model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 69 |
| 1998 | 59 |
| 1999 | 70 |
| 2000 | 75 |
| 2001 | 65 |
| 2011 | 479 |
| 2012 | 194 |
| 2013 | 127 |
| 2014 | 151 |
| 2015 | 100 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2019 | 40 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2024 | 13 |
“UKNOWN EXACT PROBLEM. 2013 BMW 535i with the same N55 motor with the [XXX] recall. Similar symptoms: Drivetrain malfunction and "camshaft stuck" code with loud metallic clanking in upper front of engine bay. Incident happened at rough 5-10mph pulling out of a parking lot just at 160,000 miles. Oil spilling everywhere and car was losing power.”
“My 2013 BMW 535i (VIN [XXX] ) caught fire spontaneously while parked, turned off, and unoccupied on 11/18/2025 in Westbury, NY. A passerby saw smoke and called 911. Nassau County Police and the Westbury Fire Department responded. Firefighters informed me at the scene that the fire was mechanical in origin. The vehicle was completely off and had been parked for about 20 minutes. I was not in or near the car. The fire originated under the hood. This matches known fire patterns in BMW 5-series models from this generation involving electrical/engine components, even though my VIN shows no open recalls. The previous owner did not register the car, so any recall notices may not have reached them. The vehicle is a total loss.”
“Heard a clicking noise behind the steering wheel for a few days then I’ll the sudden the horn stopped working and all the controls on the steering wheel stopped working. I’m a mechanic so I took apart the clock spring stealing wheel compartment to find all of the wire broken and very very brittle. Cause for concern due to airbag malfunction and is no longer connected properly!!!I’ve been hearing a clicking noise behind the steering wheel for a few days. Then, suddenly, the horn stopped working, and all the controls on the steering wheel stopped working as well. Since I’m a mechanic, I disassembled the clock spring and the steering wheel compartment to find that all the wires were broken and extremely brittle. This is concerning because it could cause an airbag malfunction, and the wires are no longer connected properly.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 528i Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,850 | 327 |
| 535i Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 24 | $3,200 | 375 |
| 535i Gran Turismo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 24 | $3,200 | 375 |
| 535i Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,350 | 387 |
| 550i Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,850 | 454 |
| 550i Gran Turismo Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,050 | 480 |
| 550i Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,550 | 510 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 127 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (55), electrical system (28), air bags (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 BMW 5 Series at 17–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 BMW 5 Series 5 out of 5 stars overall.