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2013 Bmw 335i Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Bmw 335i carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module and exterior lighting. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Electric power steering rack failure.” BMW vehicles use Condition-Based Service (CBS) — the dashboard shows each service item with its own remaining mileage and time, calculated by sensors. The schedule below shows BMW's underlying targets. BMW Ultimate Care covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of factory-scheduled maintenance on most new vehicles.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #20V017000 · Jan 15, 2020

Issue: 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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Campaign #15V520000 · Aug 17, 2015

Issue: BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Bmw 335i.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    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 200…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Electric power steering rack failure

STEERING

2 NHTSA complaints · 2020-06 → 2025-09

“I haven’t even had my bmw 335i 2013 with 84000 miles on it yet for more than 8 months but somehow for some reason my electronic power steering rack has gone out twice in the span of 5 months.this is a issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11690282
“PROBLEMS WITH EPS RACK. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS. SITS AT 56,000 MILES WITH NO OTHER PROBLEMS. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT AND LEFT THEIR IS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES VERY STIFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11329754

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric water pump connector electrical short

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01 → 2026-07

“My vehicle has a defect with electric water pump, shorted by its factory connector due to unprotected electrical plug on water pump. BMW issued a recall to cover the defect but refusing to pay for repairs performed. Recall 24V-608 water pump electrical connector”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11751957
“The water pump runs all of the time and drains the battery completely overnight. The water pump runs even after the car is shut off. It seems like the water pump is shorted”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718597
“The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant pump failure. The contact was informed that the coolant pump had an electrical shortage and needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710003

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Drivetrain malfunction warning and limp-mode power loss

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

16 NHTSA complaints · 2013-09 → 2021-11

“"LIMP MODE" IS A VERY WELL KNOWN ISSUE AFFECTING 2012-2014 BMW 335I MODELS WITH THE M SPORT PACKAGE. AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A STOP TO 60-65 MPH, AND MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, I EXPERIENCED LIMP MODE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10565341
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10569337
“Loss of power/won't Rev over 2500rpms No fault codes displayed on dash Radiator fan goes to max and cuts off consistently every 30sec-45sec Very dangerous situation when pulling out in front of traffic”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11439216

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-pressure fuel pump failure causing stall

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-11 → 2026-02

“The car died without warning on highway. Lost control because of no power. Car was towed. no codes found. Car died again on highway, lost control no power to brakes and steering. Car was hit trying to got off into breakdown lane. High pressure fuel pump no good”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718453
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING TO WORK, AROUND 5:30 IN THE MORNING, THE POWER TRAIN WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THE SCREEN.., WHILE ON SPORT MODE SELECTED I NOTICED THAT MY RPM WAS CLOSE TO 3K DOING 65 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10926503
“THIS VEHICLE'S FUEL PUMP HAD AN ISSUE WHICH WOULD CAUSE A STALL, AND IT WAS EVENTUALLY REPLACED BY BMW JUST LIKE A RECALL, BUT THEY MADE SURE TO EMPHASIZE THAT IT WAS A "LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION" AND WAS 'NOT' A RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11006102

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag inflator recall parts unavailability

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2016-04 → 2017-08

“TAKATA RECALL. 8 MONTHS AGO, I WAS PLANNING TO REFINANCE MY VEHICLE & LOWER MY INTEREST RATE. AS I CALLED, THE BMW FINANCE COMPANY, TOLD ME I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING WITH MY VEHICLE UNTIL THE RECALL IS DONE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11018654
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10929426
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10899248

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger seat occupancy sensor restraint malfunction

AIR BAGS, SEATS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2024-05

“All BMWs have a defect with passenger seat occupancy mat; airbag will not deploy in accident for passenger because passenger seat restraint system is defective in passenger seat (they call it passenger occupancy mat)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11590939
“Out of nowhere, on 6/24, the warning light came on saying that there is an issue with the passenger restraint system. It stays on when there is no one in the seat and then, even if someone is in the seat, it will turn off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11529077
“PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION SYMBOL CAME ON ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AS I STARTED THE CAR AND REMAINED ON AS I DROVE IT AND WHEN I RESTARTED IT IT WAS GONE BRIEFLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10851073

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door lock actuator failure trapping occupants

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2012-12 → 2021-04

“1 DAY I DROVE THE CAR ALL THE DOOR LOCKES EXCEPT FOR THE REAR LEFT STOPED WORKING AND I GOT STUCK IN THE CAR FOR 30 MINUTES THEN THE DOOR UNLOCKED AND THEN STOPED WORKING CAR DOORS HAVE TO BE OPENS WITH THE KEY HOLE OR FROM INSIDE THE CAR MAJOR DEATH HAZARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11406988
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11169906
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11191736

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 NHTSA complaints · 2013-01 → 2016-02

“WHILE PARKING CAR IN USUAL PARKING LOT AT WORK, 8:30 AM, TURNING WHEELS TO LEFT, CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING, CAUSING CAR TO JUMP OVER PARKING BUMPER, THROUGH CONCRETE BLOCK WALL AND CONTINUED TO RAM INTO PRIVATE HOME, MAKING HOME UNSAFE TO ENTER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10826092
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 335I. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH MAKING A 90 DEGREE TURN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES, BUT NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10781655
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10494881

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil Service (CBS)

Every 10,000 mi

Replace BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) full-synthetic oil and filter every 10,000 miles or annually — whichever the CBS system signals first. M-series engines may require shorter intervals; check the vehicle-specific iDrive screen.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Brake Fluid Service (CBS)

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 4 LV brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage. CBS triggers based on time, not miles, due to moisture absorption.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Vehicle Check / Inspection (CBS)

Every 30,000 mi

Multi-point inspection covering brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust, fluids, lighting, and underbody. CBS signals every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free with any paid service. A flashlight and 10 minutes covers the basics yourself.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 40,000 miles. Higher-performance N55, B58, and S58 engines should be inspected at every oil service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

B48 (2.0L turbo) and B58 (3.0L turbo) require new spark plugs every 60,000 miles. N20/N55 engines often spec 45,000 miles. M-series typically 30,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP)

Every 60,000 mi

BMW labels the ZF 8HP automatic as 'lifetime fill,' but independent transmission specialists strongly recommend replacement every 60,000 miles. Use BMW-spec ZF Lifeguard 8 — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

RWD and xDrive AWD: replace rear diff fluid every 60,000 miles, sooner with M-Sport or active differential. M-cars require BMW SAF-XO synthetic.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

xDrive Transfer Case Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

BMW xDrive AWD: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Skipping this causes the most common xDrive failure — actuator stuck in 100/0 split.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Microfilter (Cabin Air Filter)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the activated-carbon microfilter every 30,000 miles. Most BMWs have a single combined cabin/charcoal filter behind the engine bay firewall.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine Coolant (G48 / HT-12)

On condition / lifetime

BMW labels coolant as lifetime fill on most modern vehicles. Independent BMW specialists recommend replacement every 4-5 years to prevent water-pump and thermostat housing degradation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

55 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Bmw 335i reflects BMW's published service intervals and the Condition-Based Service system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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