NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 BMW 528I Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2012 BMW 528I has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 90 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 2012 BMW 528I, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2012 BMW 528I owner complaints

Owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW 528I, describing incidents dated May 12, 2012 to September 20, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 48 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 29 complaints
Power Train 20 complaints
Electrical System 12 complaints
Unknown or Other 12 complaints
Service Brakes 4 complaints

Of the 90 complaints on file, 3 report a fire; across all 90 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11765874 · Filed September 21, 2026
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…
ODI #11711212 · Filed January 15, 2026
Vehicle has oil leak bad
ODI #11684910 · Filed September 4, 2025
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…

Read all 90 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2012 BMW 528I in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE13-030: Loss of power assist braking
Closed October 25, 2013
- Recall 13V-454

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Water Pump Connector May Short Circuit

NHTSA #24V608000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Cooling System — Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported August 13, 2024 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 720,796 vehicles

Repair completion: 38.8% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 28, 2025

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

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.nhtsa.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.

Loss of Brake Assist/Vacuum Pump Lubrication

NHTSA #14V627000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Power Assist — Vacuum — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported October 7, 2014 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 8,988 vehicles

Repair completion: 94.87% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified December 2, 2014 · Vehicles built June 18, 2012 – June 10, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Loss of Brake Assist/Vacuum Pump Lubrication

NHTSA #13V454000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Power Assist — Vacuum · NHTSA notice

Reported September 26, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 76,191 vehicles

Repair completion: 96.87% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified January 31, 2014 · Vehicles built June 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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].

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.

2012 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)

1 investigation

90 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 BMW 528I.

Engine

ODI #11765874

Incident: September 20, 2026 · Filed: September 21, 2026

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.

Engine

ODI #11711212

Incident: January 1, 2026 · Filed: January 15, 2026

Vehicle has oil leak bad

Unknown or Other

ODI #11684910

Incident: August 20, 2025 · Filed: September 4, 2025

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 design issues.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11678095

Incident: December 2, 2024 · Filed: August 3, 2025

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. So I had to tow to my home. Towed to my mechanic the next day, and they had to fix it. The car was repaired after being in the shop for 1 week. I took the car home and shortly after, the car overheated again. Luckily, I was on my way home and in the neighborhood. This was a very traumatic experience that I never set foot in the care since then and am requesting a refund for the repair that wasn't even fixed in the first place. I do not want to use the car anymore given it is a huge safety risk for me and my son. I travel to the city 4 days a week for work and daycare. I have the receipts for repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11655338

Incident: October 12, 2018 · Filed: April 18, 2025

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 automotive shop if needed.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11653872

Incident: November 23, 2023 · Filed: April 10, 2025

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

Engine

ODI #11652391

Incident: April 2, 2024 · Filed: April 2, 2025

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 power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's office. An independent mechanic arrived and diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Electrical System

ODI #11646791

Incident: August 15, 2022 · Filed: March 6, 2025

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 several times until the vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the control unit seal pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic on several occasions where it was diagnosed that the ignition coil and timing chain had fractured into the oil pan valve cover, and the oil pan gasket, oil pan, and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,898.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Electrical System

ODI #11628884

Incident: November 11, 2024 · Filed: December 4, 2024

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 dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the parts were not available. In addition, the contact stated that previously the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed coolant pump and unknown sensor. The contact was informed that the coolant pump and the unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The unknown sensor was replaced, however the contact was informed that the coolant pump was unavailable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was offered to have the vehicle towed to the dealer, however the parts were not available. The failure mileage was 111,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Power Train; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11624225

Fire

Incident: November 8, 2024 · Filed: November 8, 2024

While driving error message came up on screen saying add a quart of oil, car was smoking and engine block caught fire.

Other BMW 528I model years

Check your 2012 BMW 528I VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW 528I at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a BMW VIN