2013 BMW 528I Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 19%of 73 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 BMW 528I, 19% of the 73 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have an ongoing issue with the drivers side door lock where at random times (about 2x per month) the doors make a ratcheting sound like the motor is trying to lock and unlock door in very quick sequence. It happens right after I open the door coming into the car from the outside. I unlock via the remote when this happens. I have noticed that the lock on door moves into a position it is not supposed to be in so when you close the door you can hear metal on metal hitting. …”
NHTSA complaint #10929611, filed 2016-12, 31,000 miles“I bought a 2013 Bmw 528 I a year ago with no warranty but I've been having problems with it. Right now its in the shop. I've taken it too two shop (Bmw) both shops say I have to replace the engine along with the other problems am having. The first shop says it will cost me 10000.00 the 7000.00. I believe that dealer that sold me the was a bad car. Cany prove it. I was on my way to the shop when the vehicle stopped working. What legal action can I take an can I stop paying on the vehicle. Because its not working an I'm not driving it.”
NHTSA complaint #11083346, filed 2018-04, 75,000 miles“Condensation in headlights, common in the vehicle with now fix. Water seeps through and destroys electronics, including leveling, adjusting, and turn signals. Each time it rains it becomes worse and makes visibility difficult. When the vehicle was bought it was stated to the sales department and was told it is no issue. Seen many other 5 series with same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11359895, filed 2020-09, 61,200 miles“The driver's side door handle and/or actuator fails and does not open from the inside without pressing the electric button on the dash to unlock all doors. Upon pulling the inside door handle, the door lock pin slowly moves up and then recedes back down into the lock position when releasing the handle. In an emergency where an occupant would need to exit the vehicle quickly, or where the electronics have failed in the car, this could present a significant safety hazard, ultimately trapping an occupant in the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11064802, filed 2018-01, 35,000 miles“Recently, in the last 30 days multiple critical safety components of my BMW vehicle have malfunctioned without warning, posing significant risks to my safety and that of other road users 1. **Horn System Failure**: The horn system of my BMW has ceased to function across all driving conditions, including park, reverse, drive, and when the vehicle is stationary. This abrupt failure indicates a potential electrical and mechanical malfunction, as there have been NO accidents and airbag deployments. This is very alarming and confusing how does a the horn on my vehicle just STOP working. 2. …”
NHTSA complaint #11572144, filed 2024-02Related recalls
- 24V608000Aug 13, 2024BMW 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…Covers: BMW 528I 2012–2016, 328I 2012–2016, X3 2013–2017 +8 more
Related service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery…
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or…
- 10238090May 1, 2023After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.
- 10214990May 1, 2022The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map…
- 10179009Jul 1, 2020NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best…
- 10174320Apr 1, 2020CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B84 02 14 dated May 2019. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features…
- 10162457Jul 12, 2019Radio and Air Conditioning Functions Inoperative, When Vehicle is Moving. All audio and heating/air conditioning functions cannot be controlled when the vehicle is moving. After…
- 10153643Jan 1, 2019BLACK SPOT IN THE CENTRAL INFORMATION. This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B62 11 18 dated January 2019. Whats New: â?¢ Warranty section - Programming information…
- 10149540Oct 1, 2018RAIN/LIGHT SENSOR (RLS): OIL LEAKAGE FROM GEL PAD. ??Oil leaking from the Rain/Light Sensor (RLS). Note: This oil serves as a separation medium between the RLS mounting gel pad…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 33 | 56% |
| 2015 | 36 | 55% |
| 2014 | 26 | 46% |
| 2013 | 14 | 19% |
| 2012 | 12 | 13% |
| 2011 | 9 | 8% |
| 2010 | 11 | 17% |
| 2009 | 5 | 22% |
| 2008 | 30 | 25% |
| 2000 | 3 | 7% |
| 1999 | 3 | 7% |
| 1998 | 3 | 9% |
| 1997 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2013 BMW 528I
37 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 BMW 528I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology