2012 BMW 528I problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW 528I, most often about engine. There are 4 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
37
Recalls
4
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Median mileage
104,343 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 23 of 37 complaints (62%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (11) and fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion (10) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 104,343 mi.
  • Owners reported 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries.
  • The 2012 BMW 528I has 4 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 7th of 9 BMW 528I model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 27% fewer complaints than the 2011 model year (51).

2012 BMW 528I problems by category

  • Engine
    23 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    11 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    10 complaints
  • Electrical System
    6 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    4 complaints
  • Brakes
    3 complaints
  • Steering
    2 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    2 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine19
Power train10
Fuel/propulsion system9
Electrical system6
Engine and engine cooling4
Unknown or other4
Vehicle speed control2
Service brakes2

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k10k–30k330k–60k360k–100k8100k–150k1150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2012 BMW 528I complaints that list mileage.

2012 BMW 528I recalls (4)

  • Recall 24V608000Aug 13, 2024720,796 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP

    BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

    Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • Recall 16V746000Oct 17, 2016136,188 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.

    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.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • Recall 14V627000Oct 7, 20148,988 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

    Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • Recall 13V454000Sep 26, 201376,191 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

    Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

NHTSA defect investigations

  • PE13030Opened Sep 6, 2013Closed Oct 25, 2013led to recall 13V454000

    Loss of power assist braking

    In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (NHTSA Recall 13V-454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft may result in blocking of the oil supply to the vacuum pump, resulting in improper pump operation and loss of power assist braking.On July 11, 2013, BMW initiated a change to the ca…

Recent 2012 BMW 528I complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 21, 2026NCEngine
    car engine timing chain guides are faulty and there have been lawsuits that were settled and no recall on the actual part with drivers still having issues with the N20 engine now getting quotes for over $15,000. is this not an incident where it’s not the fault of a driver but manufacturing? This needs to become a recall for all N20 engine timing chain and guides as the faulty part is causing complete engine failure. seems very deceptive when a BMW only last 100,000 miles.
    NHTSA complaint #11765874 · source
  2. Filed Sep 4, 2025TXOther / Unknown
    The failure involved the breaking of the oil chain, which resulted in catastrophic engine damage. Consequently, the timing chain and splash shield were also compromised due to the initial failure. The incident appears to be caused by a malfunction or defect in the oil chain assembly. The affected components are available for inspection and further investigation. This information may be useful for evaluating the need for a recall or identifying underlying manufacturing or…
    NHTSA complaint #11684910 · source
  3. Filed Aug 3, 2025CAOther / Unknown
    On [XXX], the water pump's electrical plug connector became defective, ultimately putting myself and [XXX] son in a dangerous situation. While on the highway coming home from work/daycare, the car overheated rapidly, my car started slowing down in the middle of the highway. The car ultimately stopped and had to pull to the side. I tried to call 2 BMW dealerships in San Jose, but at that time the recall remedy was unavailable and said there was nothing they could do for me.…
    NHTSA complaint #11678095 · source
  4. Filed Apr 18, 2025CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    I had just purchased a car but a month ago I was driving to lunch and I was at a stop sign when the light turned green I started to go the car started shaking and smoke was coming out of the front under the hood I had just an oil change so I took it back to the oil change shop. They could not figure out why the engine blew and I had to take it to a different BMW shop where I have to purchase a rebuilt motor and pay for the repairs. I can request all records from the…
    NHTSA complaint #11655338 · source
  5. Filed Apr 10, 2025CAOther / Unknown
    The turbocharger wastegate actuator issues causing a drivetrain malfunction. The actuator has been changed several times ,that regulates the westgate yet there’s a loss in power. Safety when merging onto freeway as you accelerate the warning light comes on and vehicle losses power other vehicles have to slow significantly to avoid possible running into vehicle entering freeway
    NHTSA complaint #11653872 · source
  6. Filed Apr 2, 2025160,000 miCATowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528I. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle failed to start. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive…
    NHTSA complaint #11652391 · source
  7. Filed Mar 6, 2025136,898 miAZTowedElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the "Engine Malfunction" message was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted 20 minutes later after several attempts. The failure reoccurred…
    NHTSA complaint #11646791 · source
  8. Filed Dec 4, 2024111,000 miGATowedElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started, however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated the vehicle eventually started. In addition, the contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11628884 · source

Compare the 2012 BMW 528I with another vehicle →

Other 2012 BMW models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology