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.
Airbags recall
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.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. 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.
Fuel system recall
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.
- 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.
Engine recall
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW 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.
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
93
Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 2 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
I am filing a complaint regarding the recall work performed on my 2011 BMW 528i for the VANOS bolt safety recall. The recall notice stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive until repaired. I arranged towing to Jackie Cooper BMW in Edmond, Oklahoma because of this safety warning. The dealership performed the recall repair and released the vehicle back to me. Immediately after picking it up, the vehicle experienced a failure and became inoperable. The vehicle had to be towed again. This time, the dealership covered the towing cost and had the vehicle returned to my residence. Staff present at the time included a technician named Luke and the Service Drive Manager, Tayler Hawkins. Staff statements indicated that diagnostic charges would have applied if issues outside the recall were found, but no diagnostics were ultimately billed. There were also inconsistencies regarding the availability of the service manager. I am filing this complaint because the vehicle failed immediately after recall service and required towing. I am concerned that the recall work may not have been performed correctly or that the vehicle was released in a condition that was not suitable for operation. I am requesting that this incident be documented as part of the recall and safety record for this vehicle.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11699975 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
6
Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the starter was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the starter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to Pep Boys to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Another dealer, BMW of Tallahassee (1485 Capital Cir NW, Tallahassee, FL 32303); was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11642319 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
5
Most reports here involve loss of steering.
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I noticed all of a sudden when I would turn my steering wheel it would make a clicking sound. Then none of my controls were working on the steering wheel. The horn wouldnt work none of the buttons and the air bag malfunction light was on. I researched and quite a few people had the same problem and I found out it was the ribbon wire inside the steering wheel had snapped and broke. The clock spring i guess might have failed or something. So now i have no horn or airbag and it's very dangerous. To ha e it replaced will be a few hundred dollars. This car just keeps having one problem after another. This seems like a really bad design and it is easily broken. I think they should recall this.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11492924 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
3
Most reports here involve unintended acceleration.
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 528I. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO PRODUCE A FAULT CODE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10914487 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
4
Most reports here involve fluid leaks.
Read full complaint
on February 1,2025 Pushed the trunk release at Autozone to take battery out of vehicle. And, trunk spring/release was so strong the trunk broke my back windshield again. This would be the second time I've had this happen. the first was on August9.2023. Ever since I've purchased the vehicle the trunk ring/release has been real strong. This really needs to be looked into!
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11641866 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
6
Most reports here involve smoke. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11612808 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 117 complaints on file, more than the 2010 (65) and more than the 2012 (89). That is the most of the 7 model years of the BMW 528i we cover. Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.