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Exterior lightingPart report

2013 BMW 528XI Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
9%of 56 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2013 BMW 528XI, 9% of the 56 complaints for this model year. 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.

“The vehicle has had no accidents or front impacts but has extensive moisture/condensation build up in both front headlamp housings. I intermittently receive a adaptive headlight failure warning in cold temperatures until the vehicle warms up. Night driving visibility is being affected as a result of the lens being covered with said moisture/condensation. I see many 5 series vehicles with the same problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11568146, filed 2024-01

“Something isn’t right with how water travels to and gets into the Front Headlights of these cars weaking the seals and damaging the multiple modules of these headlights my front passenger headlight out of nowhere started forming condensation in the headlight which shorted almost every module in there it barely works now. I have a coworker with with same exact model and year as mines and he said he just had to have his replaced too. My repair guy says he replaces 2 a week on BMW’s at his shop. …”

NHTSA complaint #11505518, filed 2023-02

“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 and I keep getting a drivetrain malfunction warning. I am not getting a real answer as to why this is occuring.”

NHTSA complaint #11679386, filed 2025-08

“Adaptive headlight, turn signals, daytime/parking lamp and headlamp vehicle aim malfunctions. it is available for inspection. Hand signals are required due to the front signals inoperability. It is reason to be aware certain enviromental conditions can prevent hands signals and or other to see the signals. an inability to signal as vehicles are mandated to provide, potentially can be a dire situation for all involved. The actual subject company confirmed the issue upon inspection. Along with two independent mechanic shops. Inspected by manufacturer. There were not any pre-warning alerts. …”

NHTSA complaint #11517294, filed 2023-04

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201359%
201259%
2010220%
2009117%
2008826%

Other parts of the 2013 BMW 528XI

Engine
32 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
16 complaints
Electrical system
13 complaints
Engine cooling
6 complaints
Other or unknown
6 complaints
Air bags
2 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints
Steering
1 complaints
Body and structure
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 BMW 528XI

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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