BMW 528i years to avoid (and the best years)
525 NHTSA owner complaints and 13 recalls across 7 model years, 2010 to 2016. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 525complaints
- 13recalls
- 6reported crashes
- 23reported fires
- 15reported injuries
Which BMW 528i years should you avoid?
No BMW 528i model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical BMW 528i year has 65 complaints on file. The busiest year is the 2011 (117).
What are the best BMW 528i years?
The BMW 528i years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2014 (57), 2016 (59) and 2015 (65). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 59 | 0.9× | 4 | 1 | 2 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2015 | 65 | 1.0× | 1 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2014 | 57 | 0.9× | 3 | 0 | 2 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2013 | 73 | 1.1× | 4 | 1 | 3 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2012 | 89 | 1.4× | 4 | 0 | 3 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2011 | 117 | 1.8× | 4 | 1 | 3 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2010 | 65 | 1.0× | 2 | 2 | 1 | Few red flags | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 187 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain137 (73%)
- Other systems14 (7%)
- Electrical & infotainment13 (7%)
- Airbags & seat belts10 (5%)
- Steering, suspension & tires7 (4%)
Recalls (13)
Engine · 24V608000 · Aug 2024 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 24V527000 · Jul 2024 · model year 2014
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Engine · 17V683000 · Oct 2017 · model years 2010, 2011
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.
Airbags · 16V914000 · Dec 2016 · model year 2016
If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Airbags · 16V832000 · Nov 2016 · model year 2011
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.
Fuel system · 16V746000 · Oct 2016 · model years 2011, 2012
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.
Seat belts · 16V747000 · Oct 2016 · model year 2016
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.
Safety · 15V718000 · Oct 2015 · model year 2016
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.
Exterior lighting · 15V188000 · Mar 2015 · model years 2013, 2014
The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 14V627000 · Oct 2014 · model years 2012, 2013
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Engine · 14V176000 · Apr 2014 · model year 2011
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 13V454000 · Sep 2013 · model years 2012, 2013
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 13V407000 · Sep 2013 · model year 2010
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.