2013 BMW M3 recalls and problems

The 2013 BMW M3 has 2 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

2 / 0

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 BMW M3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 BMW M3 recalls

Recall 20V-017: Air Bags

Reported Jan 15, 2020 · 59,965 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

Recall 16V-071: Air Bags

Reported Feb 5, 2016 · 840,000 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

2013 BMW M3 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	7
Engine	4
Power Train	3
Electrical System	2
Fuel/Propulsion System	1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 28,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 BMW M3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 88,838 miles · reported Sep 23, 2024

The contact filed the complaint on behalf of her son who owned a 2013 BMW M3. The contact stated the vehicle was parked in a school parking lot, and the contact's son was sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle when the vehicle was crashed into violently by four vehicles. The vehicle was damaged in the front end, passenger's side, and rear. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was condemned to total loss. The son was forced out of the vehicle by the attackers and the occupants of all 4 vehicles inflicted bodily harm in addition to the unknown injuries sustained due…

Electrical System · at 49,000 miles · reported May 12, 2021

There is a burning smell when I run my A/C. I took it to mechanic and they stated it's an issue with the blower motor wiring, which is covered under recall. But I checked the recall notice and it only covers my vehicle up to 2011, but mine is a 2013. However, the blower motor parts in my car are exactly the same as the 2011, so I feel it should be a part of the recall. I AM afraid to drive my car with A/C because something is going to catch fire and I have no idea what has already burned so far.

Power Train · at 55,000 miles · reported Jun 22, 2020

I initially experienced abrupt catastrophic clutch failure this past december 2019 when without any prior warning. I depressed the clutch and it failed to release leaving the vehicle in gear. Fortunately I was on a secondary road in 2nd gear and was able to bring the car a stop and then pushed it to the side of the road. The car was towed to morristown bmw in morristown nj. Bmw na agreed to provide the parts and the clutch was repaired. Unfortunately, last week I again experienced the exact same issue without warning. I AM now told that the master cylinder needs to be replaced. My concern is…

Air Bags · reported Oct 3, 2017

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 bmw m3. The contact stated that the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 16v071000 (Air bags) was received in february of 2016. After contacting the dealer (Jacky cooper in edmond, ok) and the manufacturer, the contact was informed that the parts needed for the recall remedy were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags · reported Aug 29, 2017

Takata recall. I've have been trying to get my airbag replaced for over a year. The last time I called the dealer, they told me my car wasn't part of the recall. My VIN shows on the recall list and I received notice from bmv to contact them. Keeler motor car in latham ny is the dealer.

Other BMW M3 years

2023 2021 2018 2017 2016 2015 201420132012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all BMW M3 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 BMW M3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2013 BMW M3: 20V-017 (air bags), 16V-071 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 BMW M3?

Owners report air bags problems most often (7 reports), followed by engine (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 28,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.