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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-BMW-128I
2013 · bmw

bmw 128i problems

2 safety recalls. 39 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.4 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

1
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
27 reports · avg $1,100
moderate
engine
6 reports · avg $3,100
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 128i · airbags
TAKATA RECALL I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE TIMELINESS OF THIS RECALL ON MY CAR. I WAS INFORMED OF THIS RECALL AT THE BEGINNING OF FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR. IT HAS BEEN OVER 10 MONTHS I HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING BACK ABOUT THE STATUS OF WHEN THIS RECALL IS GOING TO BE FIXED…
12/09/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10934276.0
2013 128i · electrical
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK/LATCH (ACTUATOR) OCCASIONALLY WILL NOT UNLOCK USING NORMAL PHYSICAL FORCE, ONLY UNLOCKS WITH ELECTRICAL ASSISTANCE FROM UNLOCK BUTTON ON DASHBOARD OR KEY FOB. COULD BE DANGEROUS IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE BATTERY POWER IS CUT OFF (BY DESIGN) - THE OCCUPANT IS…
12/08/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11157048.0
2013 128i · brakes Crash
I WAS APPLYING BRAKES TO STOP... I WAS A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF DISTANCE FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I APPLIED BRAKES AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. PRESSED ON BRAKES EVEN HARDER, AND CAR STILL WOULD NOT STOP. CAR GLIDED INTO SUV IN FRONT OF ME, CAUSING A CRASH. IT WAS BRAKE…
12/03/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10662107.0
2013 128i · airbags
"TAKATA RECALL" I HAVE CALLED TWO DEALERSHIPS TO HAVE MY AIRBAG REPLACE AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALSO ON AND THEY SAY THE PART WOULD HAVE TO BE ORDERED AND IT WOULD BE 2 WEEKS (UNITED BMW GWINNETT) AND I ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE MANAGER AND I LEFT A MESSAGE AND IT HAS BEEN A WEEK…
11/05/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11043596.0

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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

critical NHTSA 16V071000 05/02/2016

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
severe NHTSA 22V119000 02/03/2022

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3

An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

Fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Common questions

Is the 2013 BMW 128i reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 BMW 128i is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 BMW 128i?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 27 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my BMW 128i has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 BMW 128i?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 39 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 11 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with bmw. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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