Home · 2013 BMW 335i Xdrive · Complaints

What 65 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 BMW 335i Xdrive

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (65)Crash / fire / injury (7)Engine (19)Electrical system (18)Transmission & drivetrain (16)Airbags (15)Fuel system (8)Speed control (8)Brakes (3)Seat belts (3)Engine & cooling (2)Seats (2)

Newest first · 65 complaints · page 1 of 3

Jul 21, 2026Electrical system

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. Recall information includes same parts with defects which includes mine, exactly same part and same procedure for repairs. 2013 BMW 335i Drive, F30 (3 series sedan) This company must be held responsible for the repairs, can't cover half of the models then leave other half for the expense of owners. Same parts used and same procedures to address the defects, why is not my vehicle not included in this recall ???

NHTSA ODI 11751957

Feb 17, 2026Electrical systemFuel systemCrash

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.

NHTSA ODI 11718453

Feb 17, 2026Electrical system

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. The water pump connector appears to have the same issue as many other recalled BMWs but for some reason my VIN has not been included in the recall. The photo is of the stream of coolant being pumped by the water pump while the car is turned off. I cannot drive the car. It is sitting with the battery disconnected. I have called the dealer and they said my car is not part of the recall, but it should be.

NHTSA ODI 11718597

Jan 9, 2026Engine & coolingElectrical system

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 335i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, and the battery was replaced for the second time. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic and the battery was replaced a third time, but the failure reoccurred. 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. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11710003

Sep 29, 2025SteeringElectrical system

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. Everytime I’m getting on or off on ramps and taking the turns and curves at 35-40 mph then when you go to let your wheel slide through your hands so you can continue going straight is supposed to be smooth and effortless I shouldn’t have to worry about my life everytime I drive a car because the [XXX] wheel wants to snap back to the center angle at Mach 7 speed. The steering wheel feels loose when I’m driving straight and is heavy when I turn. Even going over bumps it will just start to pull to that side the bump was on its hard to even switch lanes cause I have to fight with my steering wheel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11690282

Nov 5, 2024Electrical system

There is TSB by BMW where they know there is an issue with there Fan.. according to them the fan is a 650w fan which causes a condition where the transmission gets a code. The car all of a sudden gets a dramatic power loss with no warning or check engine light.. i almost got into an accident when my car with no warning lost power… I called bmw of America and they are telling me I’m responsible to bring in the car and pay for the repair

NHTSA ODI 11623639

May 27, 2024AirbagsSeats

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)- it is a life threatening issue found in my model of car and several other models. Issue Recall and save lives

NHTSA ODI 11590939

Jun 27, 2023AirbagsSeat belts

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. I have not had an accident or had the car flooded to warrant a system malfunction like that. I have read that this has happened to other owners of this model and it is a faulty mat sensor that costs over $1000 to repair.

NHTSA ODI 11529077

Dec 30, 2022Engine

I have an F30 body style bmw with the N55 engine. After purchasing the car I noticed a very rough idle for a few moments when warming up the car. The idle would be so rough that when in gear to reverse out of my driveway, it would jerk the car further than it should be meant to go. A slight tap of the throttle and the jerking would propel the car forward resulting in a dangerous situation. I almost collided with a couple of cars so far and I have kids in the car. Upon much research and performing car diagnostics, it was found that the cars valvetronic system which controls the idle for fuel efficiency is defective. After looking into this further and joining a few online forum groups with the same vehicle, it has been known that this is a vastly common issue with this vehicle. Thousands of owners had come up with top issues with this engine and this issue is at the top of the list. I do think that bmw should be responsible for this system as it fails very early on. I only have 58,000 miles on my vehicle and thousands of others reported the same issue and low mileage. This system needs to be looked at for safety precautions.

NHTSA ODI 11499600

Oct 25, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

This incident happened twice while I was driving. After driving for about 20 minutes my 2013 BMW 335i (Sedan) shifted into neutral as I was making a turn. I was shown a drivetrain malfunction error along with an error that my car was not in Park position and my car's motor suddenly shut off while it was in neutral. I pulled over to the side of the road and I managed to start my car again without any problem. A few weeks later while I was driving on the I-10 driving past Banning, CA. my vehicle shifted into neutral and my motor shut off. I had to make an emergency stop on the side of the freeway and I managed to restart my car and drive to my family's home. My girlfriend and I were in the car at that time and this sudden shut off of my motor could have caused us to get rear ended on the freeway. When I got back home I scanned my car using an OBD II reader and found 0 faults pertaining to the transmission. I did find the following codes: 11A002 Fuel High Pressure, Plausibility Pressure Too Low and 101F01 Throttle Valve Angle-Absolute Pressure Intake Pipe, Comparison Pressure Too High. I had my mechanic inspect and drive my vehicle, but he couldn't determine the cause of the error. He suspects there is something wrong with the fuel pump, but he was hesitant to say that is problem. Car ran fine at full throttle while testing and I have not received another error code since then. My vehicle has an 8-speed automatic transmission and in both instances when it shifted into neutral, my hands were not on the gear selector. My vehicle is available to be inspected and I have been unable to reproduce the problem. Other BMW owners stated they experienced the same problem. I've attached a video of someone driving a 328i who experienced the same problem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNebnchCUVo&list=LL&index=2 .

NHTSA ODI 11490843

Jan 15, 2022Fuel system

Fuel system leaks when full. It emits a strong odor both in the car and in the garage. Visible fuel leak on exterior of tank. This poses health, environmental, and safety concerns. This is, after internet searching, a fairly common issue.

NHTSA ODI 11447635

Nov 3, 2021Electrical systemSpeed controlEngine

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. I've only owned this car for 3 months! I need to get this fixed asap. Also, this problem occurs at random times in all different conditions. It will also "reset" after turning car off and restarting. It has happened to me 7 - 8 times in 3 months!

NHTSA ODI 11439216

Apr 8, 2021Electrical system

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.ALL HAPPENED IN ONE DAY IN A PARKING GARAGE

NHTSA ODI 11406988

Dec 4, 2020Engine

CHARGE INTAKE PIPE FAILED AND EXPERIENCED SEVERE POWER LOSS DURING ACCELERATION ONTO THE INTERSTATE. NO WARNINGS OR CAUTION LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE POWER LOSS. I CONTINUED DRIVING TO MY SERVICE DEALER (VALENCIA BMW IN VALENCIA, CA). UPON ARRIVAL, I OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW THAT THE CHARGE INTAKE WAS TORN AWAY FROM THE HOUSING. UPON FURTHER REVIEW, THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE PART FAILED AND NEEDED BE REPLACED. I HAD THE SERVICE CENTER REPLACE THE PART IN FULL ACCORDANCE WITH BMW FACTORY RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROCEDURES. THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE IS NOT MODIFIED IN ANY WAY.

NHTSA ODI 11377890

Dec 1, 2020Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

I LOVED MY BMW UNTIL I REALIZED IT HAS A FAULTY ENGINE. I NOTICED THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT ONCE WHEN I WENT THROUGH A CAR WASH. I TURNED OFF WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR. MY CAR WAS UP TO DATE ON ALL OIL CHANGES ETC, I TAKE IT TO BMW SPECIALIST ONLY. I NOTICED A LIGHT TICK SOUND AND REPORTED IT TO BMW AT MY LAST OIL CHANGE. THEY DISREGARDED IT AND SAID THEY DID NOTICE OIL ON THE GASKET. NO CHANGES REQUESTED AT THAT TIME. MY CAR NEVER SHOWED SIGNS OF LEAKING OIL AND THE OIL PRESSURE AT TIMES SHOWED TO BE LOW BUT WOULD ALWAYS RETURN TO NORMAL. I WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE THE HYBRIDS WORK DIFFERENTLY. ON MY WAY HOME ON THE FRONTAGE ROAD OF I35 MY CAR JUST SHUT DOWN AND NEVER RESTARTED. I WAS ABLE TO GUIDE IT INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED TURNING AND THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT TURNED ON. I HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND THEY BASICALLY SAID THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE. A NEW ENGINE COST $18000 AND A USED IS AROUND 13000. THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE LABOR!!! I HAD TO THEN HAVE MY CAR TOWED HOME TO JUST PARK IT. THIS IS THE ONLY CAR I HAVE, I OWE THOUSANDS ON IT AND THE ENGINE COMPLETELY BROKE! AS I'M DOING RESEARCH I SEE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUES AND SAME RESULT, COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE!!! THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED! FROM WHAT I GATHER IT IS RELATED TO THE DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT SENDING A SIGNAL TO THE ENGINE & STOPPING OIL FROM REACHING THE TOP OF THE MOTOR, LEADING TO VANOS COMPLICATIONS AND LEADING TO METAL IN THE ENGINE LEADING TO A COMPLETE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. CHEAP ISSUE LEADING TO FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. I'VE ALSO GATHERED THERE IS A FAULT WITH THE START/STOP THAT CAUSES THIS ISSUE. I AM LEFT WITH NO CAR, I'M A FULL TIME NURSE AND NOW IN DEBT WITH NO WORKING CAR! THIS COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED HAD A RECALL BEEN DONE A FEW YEARS AGO WITH ALL THE INITIAL COMPLAINTS!! SEVERAL FORUMS INCLUDING ON THIS SITE!!

NHTSA ODI 11377344

Sep 17, 2020

THE VEHICLE COMES WITH A CONDITION BASED SERVICE SYSTEM, WHICH CURRENTLY GIVES THE OIL CHANGE INTERVAL OF 24 MONTHS, HOWEVER A TSB FROM 2013 STATES THE OIL CHANGE SHOULD BE AT 12 MONTHS. THIS HAS CAUSED MY EXTENDED WARRANTY TO BE INVALIDATED DUE TO NOT FOLLOWING THE PROPER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.

NHTSA ODI 11355636

Jun 19, 2020Steering

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. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11329754

Apr 15, 2020Visibility & wipersEquipment

SI B64 06 13 ( COMPLAIN OF REDUCED AIR FLOW WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED TIME, USUALLY LONGER THAN ONE HOUR. EVAPORATOR STARTS TO FREEZE UP DUE TO THE POSITION OF THE EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR). *TR

NHTSA ODI 11321184

Feb 27, 2020Transmission & drivetrain

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED BYSTANDERS ASSISTED TO PUSH THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BMW OF OWINGS MILLS (9702 REISTERSTOWN RD, OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND OFFERED MINIMAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT DECLINED THE OFFER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11311827

Jan 24, 2020AirbagsEngine

MY NAME IS [XXX], AND I TOOK MY BMW TO ONE OF PORTLANDS DEALERSHIPS TO GET MY CAR SERVICES. FIRST TWO DAYS WERE FINE, THEN AFTER THAT MY PASSENGER AND DRIVER AIR BAG LIGHTS WERE CONSTANTLY FLASHING ON MY WARNING NOTIFICATIONS TAB. I REACHED OUT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANTED ME TO COME BACK. AFTER I WAS DONE WITH THEM THEY CHARGED ME OVER $700 FOR INSPECTING THE ISSUES AND PROBLEMS REPORTED, THEN QUOTED ME OVER $4,000 WORTH OF AIR BAG REPLACEMENTS. THE DEALERSHIP CLEARED THE CODES BEFORE I LEFT AND DECLINED THEIR OFFER. I SAW ON KELLY BLUE BOOK THAT THERE WERE RECALLS ON THIS MODEL. AT THIS TIME I'M HESITANT TO TRUST THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE LAST TIME I WAS THERE I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE, WORTH OVER $26,000. THE CAR IS ALMOST AT 70,000 MILES AND I FIND THAT VERY HARD TO BELIEVE.I ALMOST ASKED THE TECHNICIAN IF HE WOULD BE WILLING TO TAKE A LIE DETECTOR TEST ON MY EXPENSE. I UNDERSTAND THAT DEALERSHIPS TYPICALLY MAKE MORE MONEY IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAN SELLING NEW AND USED CARS. I WAS TOLD BY THEM THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY CAR, BUT I DO WANT TO MAKE A REPORT. NOT FEELING COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR, I HAVE BEEN STORING IT IN THE GARAGE AND ONLY USING IT VERY LIGHTLY. MY ENGINE ISSUES STARTED WITH A SMALL TICKING SOUND. THE DEALERSHIP OF PORTLAND WANTED ME TO REPLACE TENSIONERS AND THE TIMING BELT, BUT THE SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE FUEL INJECTORS, AFTER THAT THEY WANTED ME TO REPLACE MY WHOLE ENGINE.I HAVE BEEN MISLED BY THEM MULTIPLE TIMES. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, MY LUCK WASN'T SO GREAT, AFTER TWO WEEKS OF PURCHASING IT A SMALL ROCK ON THE PENETRATED MY WINDOW WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. I GOT INSURE TO COVER IT BUT THEY NEEDED A QUOTE FROM THE DEALERSHIP. I GOT 3 DIFFERENT QUOTES, ALL HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS APART FROM $800-+$1,000. THE REASON WHY I AM MAKING THIS REPORT IS REGARDING MY SAFETY AND CONCERNS FOR THESE AIRBAGS, WANTING TO BE ASSURED SAFETY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI 11301637

Nov 5, 2019Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CHARGE PIPE SEPARATED FROM THE WELDING AREA LOCATED BY THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND CHARGE PIPE PARTICLES PENETRATED THE THROTTLE BODY. THE CONTACT AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11278331

Oct 28, 2019Lights

HEADLIGHT LENS DEVELOPED CRACKING AND CRAZING IN A SINGLE DAY. XENON LIGHTS APPEAR TO OVERHEAT THE LENS.

NHTSA ODI 11271636

Sep 29, 2019Tires

P ZERO RUN FLAT - SIZE: 255/30R19 PARTIALLY DELAMINATED ON FREEWAY CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. TIRE WAS AT PROPER PRESSURE AND CONTINUES TO HOLD AIR PRESSURE EVEN THOUGH TREAD HAS SEPARATED FROM TIRE CARCASS. TIRE DELAMINATION CAUSE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WHEEL WELL LINER AND WIRING HARNESS. ALSO POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGE TO FUEL FILLER SYSTEM AS MANY FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS ARE LOCATED IN THE DAMAGED AREA. NEW TIRE IS BEING ORDERED. OLD TIRE IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED FOR INSPECTION FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

NHTSA ODI 11258866

Sep 16, 2019Transmission & drivetrain

SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE REPORTS FOR POWERTRAIN/DRIVETRAIN DRIVE MODERATELY CAR GOES INTO LIMP MODE MESSAGE DRIVETRAIN AFFECTED DRIVE MODERATELY WHEN.REALLY STRUGGLES VEHICLE WAS JUST CHANGED COMFORT TO SPORT AND 3/4 ACCELERATION HAPPENED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY

NHTSA ODI 11256031

Jun 17, 2019AirbagsSeat beltsSeats

MY VEHICLE SHOWS THE FOLLOWING ERROR MESSAGE "PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION" AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE I AM DRIVING WITHOUT A PASSENGER OR WHENEVER A PASSENGER DECIDES TO MOVE AROUND. THE ERROR WILL ALSO APPEAR AT RANDOM TIMES WHENEVER I HAVE A PASSENGER. I RAN OBD READING AND IT GAVE THE ERROR CODE "930A1C-ODS-SYSTEM: SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR PASSENGER: SENDING SENSOR FAILURE BECAUSE OF WETNESS ,0, ZP." I HAVE NEVER SPILLED LIQUID MATTER ON THE SEATS AND I LIVE IN A DRY DESERT ENVIRONMENT WHERE TEMPERATURES RANGE FROM 80 TO 110 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. THE BMW DEALERSHIP IN PALM SPRINGS TOLD ME I WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER MAT, BUT MY WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER IT. I WAS QUOTED TO PAY $1600 OUT OF POCKET JUST TO FIX A FAULTY SENSOR MAT THAT IS ESSENTIAL IN PROTECTING A PASSENGER'S LIFE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. I AM AFRAID THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CAN BE LETHAL TO A CHILD PASSENGER OR AN ELDERLY ADULT. I CAN NOT FIND A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO CAN REPLACE THE PASSENGER MAT, NOR CAN I BUY THE PART ONLINE FOR MY MODEL. IT IS A BIT INJUSTICE FOR ME TO PAY A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO FIX A DEFECTIVE PART MADE BY BMW AND HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE OTHER THAN TO TAKE IT TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP. JUST TO HAVE THEM INSPECT MY VEHICLE COSTED $175. I HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE AWARE THAT BMW RECALLED 76,565 VEHICLES DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT FOR BMW MODELS 2006 325I, 325XI, 330I AND 330XI SEDANS AND 325XI SPORT WAGONS, THE 2007 328I, 328XI, 335I AND 335XI SEDANS AND 328I AND 328XI SPORT WAGONS, THE 2006-7 525I, 525XI, 530I, 530XI AND 550I SEDANS AND 530XI SPORT WAGONS, THE 2006 760I SEDANS, THE 2006-7 750I, 750LI, AND 760LI SEDANS AND THE 2006 X5 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. IT SEEMS THESE DEFECTS WERE FOUND IN MY 2013 MODEL AND I WILL LIKE BMW TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND FIX IT.

NHTSA ODI 11220765

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Working with the data? Download all 65 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 28, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 BMW 335i Xdrive verdict →