NHTSA vehicle safety data

2011 BMW 528I Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2011 BMW 528I has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 118 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2011 BMW 528I, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2011 BMW 528I owner complaints

Owners have filed 118 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 BMW 528I, describing incidents dated May 9, 2011 to October 6, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 66 complaints
Power Train 25 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 23 complaints
Unknown or Other 11 complaints
Electrical System 9 complaints
Steering 6 complaints

Of the 118 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash and 1 a fire; across all 118 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11771424 · Filed October 15, 2026
1. Vanos Bolts recall. NHTSA Recall 23V-707. Cause the car the have a rough idle, check engine light, car to stall, and cut off in traffic all with seconds. Dealership says it was not the Vanos Bolts that cause the shutdown, but it is the DME and ICM. 2. The safety of myself and my 15 year old…
ODI #11699975 · Filed November 17, 2025
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…
ODI #11695044 · Filed October 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…

Read all 118 complaints

PCV Heater may Short Circuit

NHTSA #17V683000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Exhaust System — Emission Control — Crankcase (PCV) · NHTSA notice

Reported October 30, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 740,561 vehicles

Repair completion: 53.7% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified June 18, 2018 · Vehicles built February 16, 2006 – August 31, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Supplemental Restraints may not Deploy as Needed

NHTSA #16V832000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · NHTSA notice

Reported November 17, 2016 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 91 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.28% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified December 16, 2016 · Vehicles built March 1, 2010 – August 31, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit. These SCUs have an acceleration sensor that may have been incorrectly programmed and, as a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Loose Fuel Pump Wiring may cause Stall/Fuel Leak

NHTSA #16V746000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported October 17, 2016 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 136,188 vehicles

Repair completion: 52.73% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified February 8, 2017 · Vehicles built July 7, 2010 – June 10, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Camshaft Housing Bolts May Loosen causing Stall

NHTSA #14V176000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported April 10, 2014 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 156,137 vehicles

Repair completion: 84.14% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified September 24, 2014 · Vehicles built September 1, 2009 – February 28, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.

Safety consequence

If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2011 BMW 528 I 4 DR RWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

9% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional) Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

118 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 BMW 528I.

Electrical System; Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11771424

Incident: October 6, 2026 · Filed: October 15, 2026

1. Vanos Bolts recall. NHTSA Recall 23V-707. Cause the car the have a rough idle, check engine light, car to stall, and cut off in traffic all with seconds. Dealership says it was not the Vanos Bolts that cause the shutdown, but it is the DME and ICM. 2. The safety of myself and my 15 year old daughter was at risk, along with the drivers on the highway. The car stopped in traffic, and would not release out of park to go in neutral. 3. State Trooper came to call a tow truck, the car was inspected by BMW of Irondale. 4. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. The car was driving as normal, a sudden rough idle, light came on, and the car cut off in ongoing traffic, with not warning before.

Power Train; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11699975

Incident: November 4, 2025 · Filed: November 17, 2025

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11695044

Incident: October 22, 2025 · Filed: October 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Fuel System, Gasoline; Power Train

ODI #11689537

Incident: September 2, 2025 · Filed: September 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over, and after several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, and the message "Drivetrain Malfunction" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure started recently and had occurred several times. Additionally, the vehicle was vibrating intermittently and lost motive power. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle failed to accelerate above 15 MPH. The contact smelled the odor of gasoline inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11663808

Incident: March 19, 2025 · Filed: May 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Recall Campaign Number: 23V707000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the message "Drive Train Malfunction - Drive Moderately" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that faulty spark plugs had caused damage to a cylinder, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,568.

Power Train

ODI #11644233

Incident: December 15, 2024 · Filed: February 22, 2025

It feels like someone is hitting me from behind when it downshifts from I believe 2nd into 1st gear. Its a hard down shift. I was told by a mechanic at Bavarian Auto in Bakersfield Ca. His name is Sal and he is the owner. I told him when I took my car in that I wanted the transmission fluid changed. He told me it's a lifetime transmission and it never had to be changed. Now I'm pretty sure I'm having a problem with my transmission because of it needing the oil changed.

Electrical System

ODI #11642319

Incident: February 12, 2024 · Filed: February 12, 2025

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.

Structure; Latches/Locks/Linkages

ODI #11641866

Incident: February 1, 2025 · Filed: February 11, 2025

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!

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11641646

Incident: November 8, 2024 · Filed: February 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528i. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, following the recall repair, the vehicle was stalling with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed back to the same dealer. The contact stated that the dealer had diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the VANOS solenoids had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure of the VANOS solenoids to the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11623408

Incident: February 5, 2024 · Filed: November 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at or above 50 MPH on several occasions, the vehicle began shaking and running rough. The check engine warning light flashed on and off during one occasion and then remained illuminated. Additionally, on two occasions while stopped at a red light and a stop sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stalled. After two failed attempts to restart the vehicle, the vehicle was restarted several hours later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was then advised by the dealer that the vehicle would not start. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Other BMW 528I model years

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