BMW 528I problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 359 owner complaints and 13 recalls on file for the BMW 528I (2007–2016). The 2015 528I has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.
- Complaints
- 359
- Recalls
- 13
- Model years
- 10
- Worst year
- 2015
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst BMW 528I years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2015 BMW 528I — 56 complaints, 1 crash, 5 fires; top problem: Engine
- 2016 BMW 528I — 58 complaints, 4 fires; top problem: Engine
- 2014 BMW 528I — 47 complaints, 4 fires; top problem: Engine
- 2011 BMW 528I — 51 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Engine
- 2010 BMW 528I — 33 complaints, 1 crash, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2007 (0 complaints).
Every BMW 528I model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 528I | 58 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 4 | Engine |
| 2015 528I | 56 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | Engine |
| 2014 528I | 47 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 3 | Engine |
| 2013 528I | 39 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Engine |
| 2012 528I | 37 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | Engine |
| 2011 528I | 51 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | Engine |
| 2010 528I | 33 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Engine |
| 2009 528I | 11 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Engine |
| 2008 528I | 27 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 2 | Engine |
| 2007 528I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
Most common BMW 528I problem areas (all years)
- Engine254 complaints
- Electrical System128 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain36 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion33 complaints
- Airbags21 complaints
- Lighting18 complaints
- Body & Structure10 complaints
- Steering8 complaints
- Brakes7 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts7 complaints
Complaint trend
BMW 528I recalls
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints may increase the risk of injury.
Risk: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash where heavy braking is applied, the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) may activate when the occupant is more forward in the seat, possibly increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: If the child seat is not properly attached to the lower anchors, it can increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Other BMW models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology