After an automatic engine start (MSA start), the transmission intermittently goes into the Park "P" or Neutral "N" position without any customer influence.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 BMW 328i powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 BMW 328i have filed 30 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 56,800 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 328i | 25 |
| 2012 328i | 20 |
| 2013 328i (this page) | 30 |
| 2014 328i | 9 |
| 2015 328i | 12 |
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 30 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 BMW 328i, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of BMW 328i we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 30.
Owners have filed 30 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗N20 and N26 Differential Pressure Sensor Fault: 195002 Stored in DME: The Service Engine Soon (MIL) light is on with the following differential pressure sensor fault stored: 195002 - Differential pressure sensor, tank vent valve, electrical: Short circuit to ground During engine operation, vibration and movement of the sensor can damage the pin contacts of the harness connector, or cause a break in the wiring.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗EPS STEERING ELECTRIC MOTOR MOUNTING BOLTS LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION: There are front end noises when turning the steering wheel and/or there is limited power steering assist when maneuvering or parking the vehicle. For the basic steering gears, one possible cause is that the mounting bolts for the electric motor may become loose, missing and/or broken due to corrosion.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗EPS STEERING ELECTRIC MOTOR MOUNTING BOLTS - LTD WTY EXT TO 10 YRS/120000 MILES: There are front end noises when turning the steering wheel and/or there is limited power steering assist when maneuvering or parking the vehicle. For the basic steering gears one possible cause is that the mounting bolts for the electric motor may become loose missing and/or broken due to corrosion.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 BMW 328i models describe catastrophic timing chain and oil pump drive chain failures that occur without clear warning. The N20 engine's timing chain guide assembly fails—in some cases jumping a tooth—leading to seized engines, loss of motive power, and complete engine failure requiring replacement at costs ranging from $10,000 to $16,000.
Failure patterns emerge both gradually and suddenly. Some owners report escalating symptoms months before catastrophic loss: elevated operating temperature, consistent overheating, intermittent oil pressure warnings under load at highway speeds, and loss of power. Others experience no warning, then face sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings accompanied by violent shuddering, engine stalling, and power loss.
Once failure begins, the vehicle enters limp mode, restricting acceleration to dangerously low speeds—creating hazards in traffic. Smoke from the hood and oil leaks appear in some cases. Restarting after a shutdown attempt often fails entirely.
Owners note the failures occur at surprisingly low mileage—some under 70,000 miles, others under 100,000 miles—on vehicles that showed regular maintenance records and received BMW recalls for unrelated water pump issues. Several cite Service Bulletin SI B11 03 17, a known defect warranty extension (7 years/70,000 miles from in-service date) that BMW denies applying post-expiration, even when dealerships had prior notice of symptoms or when maintenance records show gaps despite seller claims of compliance.
Same BMW 328i powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Timing chain and oil pump drive chain failure
Timing chain guide assembly fails catastrophically, causing the timing chain to jump or snap, leading to engine seizure and complete loss of motive power. Oil pump drive chain also fails in conjunction.
When: Most failures reported between 67,000 and 172,000 miles; several under 100,000 miles. Some occur within months of purchase on used cars, others after 4-6 years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light illumination under load, especially at highway speeds above 70 mph; Drivetrain malfunction warning displayed on dashboard; Engine overheating and running hotter than normal; Loss of power and significant deceleration; Violent grinding noise from engine; Engine will not restart after shutdown; Violent shuddering and jerking of vehicle body; Complete loss of motive power requiring towing
Codes mentioned: Oil pressure warning, Drivetrain malfunction (multiple owners cite this exact message), Check engine light, Engine code (unspecified in some reports)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; costs cited as $10,000 to $16,000. One owner reports timing chain component failure requiring 24-hour engine teardown to remove pistons and inspect internals. One case required timing chain replacement only (mileage 172,000). Oil pan and fuel pump replacement cited in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BMW Service Bulletin SI B11 03 17 provides limited warranty extension to 7 years/70,000 miles for timing chain and oil pump drive chain defects on N20/N26 engines from original in-service date. Owners beyond this window report BMW declining responsibility. Dealerships initially misdiagnosed failures or claimed symptoms were normal (elevated temperature claimed as 'optimal'). One dealership reportedly falsified inspection records stating no signs of issue. BMW of North America advised some owners to file NHTSA complaints rather than provide coverage. No recalls issued specifically for this failure mode despite class action litigation and owner complaints spanning years.
Drivetrain malfunction warnings and limp mode
Vehicle enters limp mode with drivetrain malfunction warnings, restricting power and acceleration to dangerously low speeds. Some instances resolve temporarily upon restart; others persist or lead to complete stalling.
When: Can occur very early in ownership (one case at 250 miles, repeated at 6,000 miles; another at 2 months old). Also occurs on older vehicles. Multiple instances sometimes occur within months of each other on same vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Drivetrain malfunction warning message: 'Drive moderately' or 'Maximum output not available, consult service center'; Dramatic power loss while accelerating or at highway speeds; Vehicle enters limp mode with sluggish acceleration; Gear shifting to neutral involuntarily during driving; Engine stalling or shutdown; Loss of ability to merge safely in traffic
Codes mentioned: Drivetrain malfunction warning (exact message)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair costs cited because diagnosis remains unclear in many cases. One technician suspected bad oil filter; another cited unknown internal engine failure. Some owners report temporary resolution upon restart.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships and BMW of North America have been unhelpful; manufacturer advised one owner to file NHTSA complaint. No corrective action documented.
Engine oil pressure loss and oil leakage
Oil pressure warnings accompany timing chain failures. In one case, oil dripped onto catalytic converter creating burning smell and smoke from hood, posing fire risk.
When: Oil pressure warnings intermittent under load at highway speeds above 70 mph (months before catastrophic failure in one case). Acute oil leakage and smoke reported in at least one incident.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light illumination; Smoke and burning smell from hood; Oil dripping onto catalytic converter; Risk of engine fire
Codes mentioned: Oil pressure warning light
Repairs/costs cited: One case required towing due to fire risk. Oil pan replacement cited in one comprehensive engine failure repair estimate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Transmission mechanical failure (transfer case cracking)
Transfer case cracked while driving, causing grinding noise and oil loss.
When: At 35 mph during normal street driving
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise while driving; Oil dripping from under vehicle; Visible hole in transfer case upon inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Owner inspected themselves; no repair costs or professional diagnosis cited.
Smoke from exhaust and overheating
Vehicle produces excessive smoke from exhaust at higher speeds; engine runs hot. May precede catastrophic timing chain failure.
When: One case at highway speeds (over 50 mph); appears intermittent and may indicate progressive engine degradation.
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive smoke from exhaust at speeds over 50 mph; Smoke does not evaporate immediately; Engine running hotter than normal, persistent overheating; Smoke from hood upon startup
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cited; one owner called dealership for appointment after observing heavy smoke at startup.
Inability to shift transmission into neutral after stalling
After powertrain failure/stalling, vehicle cannot be manually shifted into neutral using either external manual procedure or tow truck driver assistance, complicating roadside recovery.
When: Following stalling events
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot shift into neutral using manual procedure described in owner's manual; Tow truck driver also unable to shift into neutral; Vehicle stuck in drive gear, blocking movement
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented. Owner questioned why no manual interior release exists for this scenario.
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I had a powertrain malfunction light come up the first weekend after I leased the car, with barely 250 miles on the odometer! Repairs were done at a BMW authorized service center, the car now has 6000 miles, and the issue is back! This is the 2nd time within the last 6 months this car has had powertrain warnings pop up. Its christmas day, and I have a brand new car (barely 6months old that…
UNKNOWN/ my car came up with an engine code . Trouble accelerating, tends to runs hot ( drive train malfunction
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 BMW 328i?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 BMW 328i?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 30 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 6,120 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 56,800. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,120; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/BMW/328i.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.