MotorDeets

2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3: 1 recall, 8 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
8owner complaints
0mention a crash
28best combined mpg
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Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #15V520000 · 2015 · 7,727 vehicles

What's wrong: 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."

Why it matters: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle May be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

The 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags4
Seat belts2
Electrical2
Other / unknown2
Engine2
Brakes1
Fuel & propulsion1
Transmission & drivetrain1

What owners describe

The 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3 has 8 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 4 Active Hybrid 3 model years for complaints (3.6× the average Active Hybrid 3 year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 21,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (0 complaints, 1 recalls), 2014 (1 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cyl turbo hybridAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive253228Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3 problems?

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (4), seat belts (2), electrical (2).

What gas mileage does the 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3 get?

EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Active Hybrid 3 years

2012201320142015