Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Engine recall
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.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Exterior lighting recall
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
44
Most reports here involve sudden stalling.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud rattling sound coming from under the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in Manual Mode, the vehicle independently shifted to neutral(N), the steering wheel became firm, and the transmission failed to shift out of neutral. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed back to the same local dealer on various occasions; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11706489 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
7
Most reports here involve electrical shorts.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11675067 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
2
Most reports here involve unintended acceleration.
Read full complaint
WHEN I'M AT A STOP MY CAR SUDDENLY JUMPS FORWARD WHEN I HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THIS IS A ONGOING ISSUE. IT'S SCARY CAUSE I FEEL LIKE I'M GOING TO HIT SOMETHING OR SOMEONE IF I'M AT A STOP LIGHT AND SOMEONE IS CROSSING THE STREET MY CAR COULD JUMP AND HIT THEM. I DO NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE NO MORE CAUSE OF THIS. IT ALSO HAPPENS WHEN I'M DRIVING IT PICKS UP SPEED ON IT'S OWN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN EVER THE CAR IS DRIVEN ANYWHERE.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11398673 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
2
Most reports here involve other issues. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
There seems to be a common problem with these vehicles according to similar complaints being discussed in forums. My steering wheel is malfunctioning and creating a safety concern. While driving straight my horn and electrical controls do not function. If I turn the steering wheel to one side then the horn and electrical components work. I am also afraid that the airbag may not function properly because of this.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11551162 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
7
Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11518174 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
3
Most reports here involve other issues.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11646404 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2010 has 65 complaints on file, fewer than the 2011 (117). Of the 7 model years of the BMW 528i we cover, the 2011 has the most (117). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.