2013 BMW 3 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Owner complaints
21 complaints2 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
The door lock actuators have failed. This makes it so that the doors do not open when you are inside the vehicle attempting to get out by pulling the door handle. This IS a safety issue not allowing me to get out of my vehicle. If this issue IS not resolved by paying the $1500 to fix the issue the…
The door lock actuators have failed. This makes it so that the doors do not open when you are inside the vehicle attempting to get out by pulling the door handle. This IS a safety issue not allowing me to get out of my vehicle. If this issue IS not resolved by paying the $1500 to fix the issue the doors will stop opening completely making this even more of a safety issue over time. This issue only gets worse and IS directly related to the functionality of the car. This door lock actuator should be recalled on all vehicles BMW makes that are having this same issue. This IS a known long-standing issue with these vehicles and has yet to be recalled even though it IS absolutely a safety issue. BMW should not be able to profit off of their poor safety manufacturing mistakes.
- Electrical system
Driver and passenger trapped in car after parking at as gas pump. Doors would unlock but not open resulting in the potential of killing its passengers in a crash. There IS a video on youtube of a similar incident.
- Wheels
Two wheel rims cracked, only 38,000 miles on vehicle. Rims won't withstand normal road conditions. They are a safety hazard never know when they will crack and causing loosing control while driving.
- Electrical system
When I try to open the drivers side door by pulling the handle it does not unlock automatically. The only way to exit the vehicle IS through another door or by using the central lock/unlock button. My fear IS that in the case of an emergency or accident if the electrical system IS compromised I…
When I try to open the drivers side door by pulling the handle it does not unlock automatically. The only way to exit the vehicle IS through another door or by using the central lock/unlock button. My fear IS that in the case of an emergency or accident if the electrical system IS compromised I could possibly be trapped in the vehicle. I attempted to have this repaired at the BMW dealership but they claim that the problem being mechanical IS not covered by the warranty. On the BMW internet forums there are multiple posts across vehicle models complaining of the same faulty "door actuator" and bmw's unwillingness to repair it free of charge. I was quoted over $950 to replace the part. This IS a serious life safety issue I believe needs to be investigated. thank you very much!
- Air bags
Takata recall: I received a letter from BMW on march 2016 notifying me of the driver's front air bag module recall, campaign no. 16V-071. BMW did not have any parts available at the time of notification and indicated they would notify me as soon as they are able to perform the recall on my…
Takata recall: I received a letter from BMW on march 2016 notifying me of the driver's front air bag module recall, campaign no. 16V-071. BMW did not have any parts available at the time of notification and indicated they would notify me as soon as they are able to perform the recall on my vehicle. I am concerned for my safety and I think waiting for the airbag to be fixed since march IS a reasonable amount of time, considering the seriousness of this matter. if there IS anything I can do to speed up this process, please let me know.
- Air bags
Takata recall. I have been attempting to work with BMW corporate and the local dealership in ridgefield ct where I leased the vehicle for the past 3 months and I have yet to successfully resolve the situation. I have 4 months left on my lease and I want BMW to take the vehicle back early as it IS…
Takata recall. I have been attempting to work with BMW corporate and the local dealership in ridgefield ct where I leased the vehicle for the past 3 months and I have yet to successfully resolve the situation. I have 4 months left on my lease and I want BMW to take the vehicle back early as it IS unsafe to drive. I survived a train crash in ny just over a year ago where 5 people were killed in the front car I was seated in and I'm not going to risk getting killed by a faulty airbag.
- Service brakes
I was driving down I-5 south on june 6 at about 6.30 pm with 2 of my friends. There was traffic on the highway and I applied my brakes after seeing the vehicle in front of me slowing down to a complete stop. My car slowed down but it would not come to a complete stop. It kept rolling. I pressed the…
I was driving down I-5 south on june 6 at about 6.30 pm with 2 of my friends. There was traffic on the highway and I applied my brakes after seeing the vehicle in front of me slowing down to a complete stop. My car slowed down but it would not come to a complete stop. It kept rolling. I pressed the brakes hard but I could feel a squealing feeling in the brakes and it just would not stop.it kept rolling. I released pressure on the brakes for a moment and applied full pressure again but still it would not stop. I felt like something was leaking as I pressed down on the brakes and the the complete hold and stop that happens after the brakes are pushed to the floor did not happen this time. I pulled the hand brakes but by that time it was too late. My car then rolled on bumped into the car in front of me which made it come to a stop. I would like to add that this has happened previously in the past. The first time it happened I had sent my car to BMW seattle when my car shifted to neutral by itself because of an engine failure and as it was rolling down I pressed the brakes but could not push it down. I hit a pavement by the right to make it stop .BMW seattle said that they could not find any fault even after me repeatedly telling them that it did happen and something was wrong. This issue resurfaced a few weeks back but luckily there was no one in front of me and after repeatedly releasing the brakes and pressing it hard with full force I made it come to a complete stop. unfortunately this time I met with an accident because of this issue. I am now really unsure of driving my car anymore.moreover my trust on BMW IS compromised as they told me that this issue cannot and did not happen. If the service team cannot find a genuine fault with their system that IS happening repeatedly I dont think they can be trusted with the safety of the car.
- Visibility/wiper
We have had some snow here in new york this past winter. It seems as if there may be a design flaw with the windshield wiper. For whatever reason the windshield wiper on the right hand side popped. Per the dealer this outside influence voided the guarantee as there was ice under the cowl where the…
We have had some snow here in new york this past winter. It seems as if there may be a design flaw with the windshield wiper. For whatever reason the windshield wiper on the right hand side popped. Per the dealer this outside influence voided the guarantee as there was ice under the cowl where the arm IS connected to the motor. The photo in the attachment shows the area in question. What gets me IS the "ice buildup" that caused this to happen most likely came from the defroster. The snow melts and drains down into the area in question. I'm enclosing a copy of my correspondence with the BMW dealer. 1 attachment (1307.1 kb) click for options view slide show (1) download as zip add to onedrive hi [xxx], here's a picture of my car. I'm letting mother nature get rid of the ice. The design might work in florida. It's a design defect that, if you ask me, should be covered! regards, information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system
My husband was refueling our 2013 BMW 335I and I was in the passenger seat. during that process, a pickup truck backed up and was close to hitting our car. from the passenger seat, I tried to warn the other driver with our car's horn, but it did not work, so I resorted to screaming as loud as…
My husband was refueling our 2013 BMW 335I and I was in the passenger seat. during that process, a pickup truck backed up and was close to hitting our car. from the passenger seat, I tried to warn the other driver with our car's horn, but it did not work, so I resorted to screaming as loud as possible since the windows were also closed. fortunately, my husband heard me and realized what was happening and got the trucks attention and prevented a potentially catastrophic collision right next to a gas pump. it never even crossed our minds at the time that a horn did not operate when the car's electrical system was switched off with the ignition key, which one must do for fire safety reasons when refueling. nevertheless, after we got home we tried the bmw's horn when the car was off and there was no response. we tried our 2005 subaru outback's horn with its ignition switched off, and its horn worked just fine. I searched on '2013 BMW horn does not work's' on the internet and the system returned 18,200 results. while I did not read all of them, I found numerous postings about BMW horns not working when the car IS off, as far back as 2006. some internet postings advised having the key in the ignition. I placed the key in the ignition and the dashboard display and I drive screen activated, but the horn did not. next, I pushed the start button, without engaging the engine, and only then did the horn work. I contacted BMW assist for technical assistance and spoke to a BMW customer service representative in columbus, oh. he confirmed that the horn IS operating as designed. He said he would enter my concern into the customer feedback database. we think being unable to warn distracted drivers about to crash into your occupied but parked car IS a hazard at least worthy of prominent warnings to drivers of bmws and any other vehicle with this "feature". *js
- Engine · Power train
The car has displayed "drivetrain malfunction, drive moderately" twice now in less than one year of ownership. when this display has occurred, the car goes into "limp mode" and can only be driven at low speeds or with very sluggish acceleration. this IS a safety hazard, as it becomes easy to be rear-ended by another driver when it slows substantially. *tr
- Engine · Power train
Second problem with drivetrain malfunction, first problem back in nov 2013 bought the car in august 2013. *tr
- Engine · Power train
My car started shaking vigorously, and a message was displayed (drivetrain malfunction). *tr
- Engine
The car would shake at idle and slow speeds. The drivetrain malfunction indicator came on. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Had similar problem as previously reported incident (09/30/2013), the loss power. this was the second time for me. the first incident occurred on october 29, 2013. when I put foot on gas, the car would not accelerate. I took car to dealer and two days later was told the auxiliary power supply…
Had similar problem as previously reported incident (09/30/2013), the loss power. this was the second time for me. the first incident occurred on october 29, 2013. when I put foot on gas, the car would not accelerate. I took car to dealer and two days later was told the auxiliary power supply needed to be replaced, but the replacement part was unavailable: there were no parts in the country nor could they tell me when the part would be available. I was told I could continue operate the car and I should not be concerned. The loss of power occurred again november 15. I also noticed similar to the previously reported incident a change in the engine temperature - the temperature dropped from about 250 deg to about 205 deg. *tr
- Engine · Power train · Vehicle speed control
Transmission problem resulting in violent shuddering of the vehicle body and abrupt engine stops resulting in dangerous driving conditions. Fluctuations in the tachometer when the car attempted to stop and the car would automatically change gears to neutral or park. *tr
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
As I was approaching the on ramp for the highway, I sped up in order to merge into oncoming traffic. I depressed the gas pedal completely to the floor but the car picked up extremely slowly as if it did not have any power. I also noticed at the same time that my engine temperature seemed to be…
As I was approaching the on ramp for the highway, I sped up in order to merge into oncoming traffic. I depressed the gas pedal completely to the floor but the car picked up extremely slowly as if it did not have any power. I also noticed at the same time that my engine temperature seemed to be unusually low for a vehicle that had been running for over an hour. There had also been an extremely loud fan noise that would come on every 2 minutes or so. As a result of the lack of power, I nearly caused a collision between myself and the vehicle behind me because the oncoming vehicle did not anticipate someone merging onto the highway at such a slow pace. I continued to drive without power for about 20 minutes as if the car was a naturally aspirated vehicle even though it was clearly turbo charged but the turbo never kicked in. When I got off of the highway and was able to pull over to restart my vehicle, the car started to run as normal. *tr
- Air bags · Electrical system · Structure › Body
I was rearended, on the freeway, on the passenger side, by an SUV going about 40mph, I slammed in to another SUV in front of me. my vehicle IS totaled. the display indicated that there was an airbag deploy error. also, the reason my car was totaled was because all of the electrical wires for the…
I was rearended, on the freeway, on the passenger side, by an SUV going about 40mph, I slammed in to another SUV in front of me. my vehicle IS totaled. the display indicated that there was an airbag deploy error. also, the reason my car was totaled was because all of the electrical wires for the computer system are behind the rear tail light, and they were melted after impact. this IS concerning because this IS also where the fuel tank IS. luckily, I walked away with a sore neck and few bruises, but it IS concerning that the airbags did not deploy, when they were clearly suppose to. I had the car for less than 2 months prior to the accident, and bought it brand new. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
Auto start/stop function has malfunctioned before where when I take my foot off the brake, the car doesn't start again. Normally I can just press the start button and put it in drive. This time, however, I went to start it again after it had an "auto start/stop malfunction", and it wouldn't turn…
Auto start/stop function has malfunctioned before where when I take my foot off the brake, the car doesn't start again. Normally I can just press the start button and put it in drive. This time, however, I went to start it again after it had an "auto start/stop malfunction", and it wouldn't turn back on. An error popped up saying "ignition malfunction -- do not turn engine off. Car will not start again." currently waiting to hear back from the dealership after I had to flatbed it. Also the car wouldn't go into neutral so they had to drag it on the flatbed. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
Heard noise and the car starting shaking and then car died on me and service on middle of nowhere and I starts the car back but it got stalled many times and it was shifting the gear to neutral it was a bad experience I could had an accident brand new BMW. *Tr
- Power train · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
The subject vehicle accelerated unexpectedly when the car was slowly turning into a parking space in a parking lot. the driver had to suddenly press very hard on the brake in order to stop the car. *tr
- Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages
As my wife open the door and sits , she pulled the door to close but it wont lock up try several times to do it with the remote but wont lock up. afraid to drive car!!! *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
- Loss of power assist braking
In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with…
In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (NHTSA Recall 13V-454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft may result in blocking of the oil supply to the vacuum pump, resulting in improper pump operation and loss of power assist braking.On July 11, 2013, BMW initiated a change to the camshaft geometry that prevented the seal disk from blocking the oil port.BMW has not received any braking complaints related to loss of power assist after the design change was implemented in production.The owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer who will install a locking ring into the camshaft to keep the seal disk in its proper location.BMW expects to begin dealer and owner notification in November 2013 and complete dealer and owner notification in December when the remedy is expected to be available.Based on the actions taken by BMW, this investigation is closed.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11008105Only fuel nozzles with the recommended specified diameter for diesel engine passenger vehicles can beinserted into the filler neck. Most fuel stations have their diesel fuel pumps fitted with this recommendeddiameter fuel nozzle. However, if the vehicles filler-neck misfuelling protection system has been disabled, or the incorrectdiameter fuel nozzle has been installed on the diesel fuel pump, the vehicles diesel fuel system can becontaminated by filling the diesel engine vehicle with gasoline. If the diesel fuel system has been contaminated with gasoline, follow the repair guidelines below:
- 11000627Radio R/C with FEM Return
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027The 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. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 10240305Spl Parts, Inc. communications index accompanying MCP uploads 23mc40464 & 23mc40471
- 10240273This is the companion to SPL Parts, Inc.'s SB 23-01 mailed by private label independent distributor Turner Motorsports.
- 10240266SPL Parts, Inc. manufacturers and distributes aftermarket lower control arms for dedicated competition vehicles and "track day" cars some of which may be used on both track and highway. SB 23-01 adresses proper installation torque of cap bolt fasteners attaching SPL's aftermarket lower control arms, recurring inspection and confirmation of torque setting and removal and replacement of damaged or under torqued fasteners to reduce risk of premature failure and accident. SB-23-01 was mailed, emailed and posted on SPL website to known resellers, race teams and users of the affected parts and is being submitted here as required by part 579.5. Vehicle Applications include: BMW series 1,2,3,& 4, 2008-2023; Chevrolet Camaro 26-2023, Cadillac ATS, CTS 2016-2019; Ford Mustang 2015-2023; Toyota Supra 2020-2023.
- 10215025Shipping specific non-deployed vehicle safety devices to lighting resources, llc. This service Information bulletin provides information on shipping "specific" noin-deployed vehicle safety devices that are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) to Lighting resources, LLC
- 10215024The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
- 10215023Visual Inspection of Brake discs/Rotors for new car deliveries
- 10193495The customer complains of rattling noises from the rear window when driving on rough roads.
- 10193494Butt connector for repairing a plug connection. The ?top up coolant? message is displayed in the central display (CC message ID 166). When checking the cooling system there are no leaks found and the expansion tank is filled to the proper level.
- 10059092BMW: improper routing of the bowden cable causes the driver or passenger front door not to open occasionally when temperature IS below 37 degrees.
- 10059089BMW - brake booster vacuum might reduce if temperature gets below 14 degrees
- 10059088BMW: cautioning light in the instrument cluster or a check control message in the display indicate the power-assisted steering has fail.
- 10059011On the transmission side, there IS a transmission fluid leak around the oil cooler lines.
- 10058974Due to software error both front parking lights IS deactivated and check control message doesn't display.
- 10058551BMW: on transmission side, in some vehicles, the transmission fluid IS leaking around the area of the oil cooler lines causing unfavorable cooling line connection tolerances to damage o rings. Model E84 (X1), E89 (Z4), F22 & 23 (2 series), F30 & 31 (3 series), F32 & 33 (4 series), F34 (gran turismo), F36 (gran coupe).
- 10058490During the dme's time limits engine coolant does not reach operating temperature cause by faulty thermostat inside transmission
- 10058476BMW: due to transmission oil heat exchanger's faulty thermostat or engine faulty characteristic map thermostat, engine coolant fails to reach operating temperature, with low heat output and service engine soon light comes on. No model years listed.
- 10058467BMW: fuel gauge fails to show correct level of fuel when filling fuel tank but would update itself after driving awhile and illumination of engine malfunction lamp (mil) comes on, due to software error in instrument cluster. Model 2011-15.
- 10057568BMW: on some vehicles, when starting, low beam, with 0552 option, would briefly flashes, due to a faulty led main light module that needs replacing. Model 2008-14 F01, F02, F06, F07, F10, F12, F13, F25.
- 10057531BMW: in check control message or instrument cluster, a failure with power assisted steering IS illuminated, due to software related issues.
- 10057527BMW: selective catalyst reduction module (scr) has a stored fault, pressure build up IS low, causing service engine soon light to illuminate. *
- 10057341BMW: malfunction warning light for engine IS illuminated due to purge air system micro leakage and ventilation of fuel tank from contamination.
- 10057340BMW: calculation error by scr module software of def line pressure causing service engine soon light (mil) to illuminate.
- 10057337BMW: due to debris entering oil passage of engine, it will knock and lose power, during cylinder head mating surfaces and cleaning of engine block after repair to engine.
- 10056099BMW: when using iphone, various connectivity failures occur, such as disconnection of call, list of contacts incomplete, due to the variants and software used. Model 2008-2014.
- 10054642BMW: rear deck lid opens, when convertible top compartment cover IS in an intermediate position due to software of car access system (cas) being incorrect, which causes convertible top cover to collide with rear deck lid. Model F12. No years listed.
- 10054641BMW: an erroneous message, from oil level sensor, indicating oil service IS due, after traveling a short distance. Model F15, F13, F12, F10, F07, F06, F02, F01. No years listed.
- 10053498BMW: on the trunk lid, the tail lamp IS loose and not properly attached, on some vehicles. Models 2011-2013 3 series (F30).
- 10052105BMW: the driver must activate rear view camera, using idrive controller, due to rear view camera failing to automatically turn, when reverse gear IS selected. Model 2012-2013 F30.
- 10052012BMW: battery has an increased demand due to developemental process of the electrical system. This IS causing the batter to need to undergo an energy diagnosis.
- 10049739BMW: trunk lid fails to open, hazard lights flashes permanently, vehicle will lock and unlock on its own, all interior lights, by themselves, will turn on and when ignition IS turned off, wipers continue to operate. Model 2011-2012 F30.
- 10049719BMW: on some vehicles, led on headlight switch, flashes. The power mirrors and windows become inoperative, due to possible water in both headlights or right and left stepper box are defective. Model 2012 E90.
- 10049680BMW: the obd (on board diagnosis) experience an error in its data and requires an update on dme software. Model 2012-2013 F30.
- 10049279BMW: in rear of vehicle, various electrical faults are due to rem (rear electronic module) not responding to diagnosis. Models 2011-2012 3 series. Updated 7/10/13.
- 10043862BMW: electronic malfunction and various check control messages are displayed in cid (central information display) and instrument cluster. Models 2009-2012 E70, E71, E72, E82, E88, E90, E91, E92, E93, F01, F02, F04, F07, F10, F12, F13, F25. Updated 11/2/12.
- 10043687BMW: the evaporative system leakage IS found, when using the nvld tank leakage test plan. Updated 1/18/13.
- 10041407BMW: service engine soon light IS on and the engine has reduced power with trouble codes stored. Updated on 4/24/2013.
Every BMW 3 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.