Every 2013 BMW 128I recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 22V119000
Feb 3, 2022Engine and Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)
- Problem
- 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 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Risk
- 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.
Full recall details for 22V119000 →Air Bags · NHTSA 20V017000
Jan 15, 2020Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i
xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full recall details for 20V017000 →Air Bags · NHTSA 16V071000
May 2, 2016Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
- Problem
- 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. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- 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.
Full recall details for 16V071000 →
2013 BMW 128I complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 36 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 BMW 128I, reporting 1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries. BMW has issued at least 15 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Air Bags24
- Engine4
- Engine and Engine Cooling4
- Structure3
- Electrical System2
- Service Brakes2
Service bulletins by component
- Electrical System (5)
- Equipment (5)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (3)
- Engine (1)
- Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (1)
- Service Brakes (1)
Read BMW 128I owner complaints and bulletins, every year
NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2013 BMW 128I
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in one investigation. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.
What people reported
Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 BMW 128I. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
Injury reported
“The contact owns a 2013 BMW 128i. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, she smelled a strong burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving.”
2013 BMW 128IMay 25, 2022
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11466120
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.”
2013 BMW 128IDec 3, 2014
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 10662107
Fire
“I PURCHASE VEHICLE FROM BMW MAY 3,2013,WITH 40 MILES SHOWING. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO JUMP START VEHICLE TO GET IT STARTED AND OFF OF SHOW ROOM FLOOR. I ASKED ABOUT THAT AND WAS TOLD IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. AFTER TEST DRIVE AND PURCHASE I DROVE VEHICLE HOME 220 MILE.”
2013 BMW 128IMay 21, 2013
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 10513017
“The contact owns a 2013 BMW 128I. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was a recurring failure, and the vehicle was parked and no longer driven due to safety concerns.”
2013 BMW 128IOct 30, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11696560
“On or about 2022 I was given notice of recall which told me to go to any BMW dealer for repair. I went to Niello BMW in Sacramento. I was getting car processed and then told to summarily leave. They refused to repair my car per recall notice”
2013 BMW 128ISep 19, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11688526
Check your 128I by VIN
Not every 2013 BMW 128I is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any BMW dealer.
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