2013 BMW 328I: brake failure

Filed Aug 2, 2026 · Brakes · CA

I was at the John Wayne Airport, going from the arrivals to departures. I had a lot of stop and go traffic, and when I was going down toward the bottom, my brakes failed. I kept pumping them to try and stop but they were not working. I saw an empty area where the car rental returns were and I was able to pull over and come to a stop. I was very lucky that there was a spot to pull over, I used the emergency brake as well when I finally came to a stop. I want the brake system to be looked into. After seeing the other complaints regarding the exact situation, I do not understand why this was not looked into before I got this car.

Filed Sep 21, 2016 · Acceleration, Airbags · 10,000 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2013 bmw 328i. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle accelerated on its own to 40-50 MPH. All the warning indicator sensors blinked on and off. The contact depressed the brake pedal; however, the brakes failed and locked up. In addition, the steering failed. The vehicle drove over the sidewalk and the seat belt released automatically. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The struck her head on the steering wheel and injured her neck and lower back. Medical attention was received. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was deemed destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000....updated 12/14/16 *bf updated 12/20/16*lj

Filed Jan 15, 2014 · Brakes · 11,000 miles · OR · crash

Intermittant loss of brake assist resulting in rear end collision.

Filed Oct 2, 2013 · Brakes · 200 miles · CA

Why would this information be on the internet, while the federal safety agency has not released any recall information at all? This is not the only information about a "brake" recall, while the federal safety agency's odi has initiated a brake "investigation." various bmw internet forums have indicated a "recall" in detail...but the federal safety agency's web site indicates nothing. What's going on? Recall: 176,000 bmws for power braking failure the 3-series, 5-series, x1, x3 and z4 models with 4-cylinder engines are affected. By exhaust notes 11 hours ago bmw is recalling 176,000 cars worldwide to fix power brake failures, according to wire reports and filings with the federal safety agency. On 2012-2014 bmw models with the company's new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine -- including the z4 sdrive28i, 320i and 328i, 528i, x1 sdrive28i and xdrive28i, and the x3 xdrive28i -- the engine vacuum pump can lose pressurized oil meant to drive the power brake mechanism. Due to a poor fit of the intake camshaft's seal disk, oil may be blocked from leaving the engine to lubricate the vacuum pump, which could then cause the vacuum pump to fail and the loss of power-assist braking. While the brakes would still work, stopping distances would increase due to increased driver force needed on the brake pedal. A total of 76,190 cars are affected in the u.s. The diesel-powered 328d is not affected. More.

Filed Sep 12, 2013 · Brakes · 1,700 miles · CT

Bought a new bmw xi 328 on april 30. On june 16, with 1700 miles on car brakes failed. While slowing for a traffic light the brakes seemed to engage but failed to stop the car--like they were working but didn't. Car went through a light and I quickly hit park to stop it in the intersection. Once no cars were around I pulled to the side and tested them. They stopped on a few tests so thought it was me. And as I drove, slowly, the brakes stopped several more times, and then they failed again and I averted hitting another car by pressing park button again. I had the car towed to bmw and they determined it was the vacuum pump and other brake issues. No warning light went on the dash to alert me. They said there was a service alert on this issue by bmw. Bmw said parts not available for several weeks and two days later offered to exchange the vehicle for a new one. Brakes seemed "spongy" from the start but had always worked until they didn't. Fortunately no one was hurt. I took them up on their offer and new (exchanged) car brakes feel ok. I didn't report because the federal safety agency rep told me not necessary because bmw was doing the right thing. But read in la times that this is a bigger issue and wanted to go on record that there was a problem. Bmw did the right thing but worry that this issue could crop up with others, and even in my new car.

Filed Sep 12, 2013 · Brakes · 1,000 miles · PA

I have experiences braking problems in my bmw 328i since I purchased it in august of 2012. Specifically the car will lose braking pressure at low speeds as I am coming to a stop. The problem is intermittent and my car dealer has been unable to replicate and diagnose the issue. In detail: I will be coming to a stop, perhaps 2 or 3 MPH using constant brake pressure to stop the car. Occasionally there will be a loss of brake pressure and the car will keep moving forward several feet unless I apply hard pressure to the brake peddle. This occurs with some regularity and has not caused and accident. I now compensate for it, but it seems to be a very strange issue to have.

Filed Jun 25, 2013 · Brakes · 1,020 miles · GA · crash

I purchased a new 2013 bmw 328i in late may. Within a week of ownership the brakes failed. The car was towed to the dealership and was there for three days. Then less than a month later, last week, the brakes failed again. I almost got in a bad accident and in fact did scrape the curb. I was told the original problem was a vacuum pump, similar to other reports on this site related to that model of car.