Owners have filed 33 complaints
about the 2009 BMW 528I with NHTSA between 2013 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 13 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 17
Against the median year of the BMW 528I. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 63
12.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
321.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
321.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
428.6%
150,000+ miles
428.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2013peak 3May 2025
Recalls on the 2009 BMW 528I
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
17V683000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
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.
Risk: 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.
13V407000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Norristown, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle fail breaks malfunction. No response to the brakes. Push many times no break response vehicle hit vehicle in front of it could not be avoided That rotors are less than one year old there about six or 7000 miles on them. They are basically new new tires car will maintain no lights on dash no warning no airbag deployment. Vehicle going in slow speed due to heavy traffic
NHTSA complaint #11660382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stratford, CTFire
WHEELS
I took the 2009 BMW 528i to Bridgeport BMW to have a prior safety recall (17V-673/19V-273) repaired but, it wasn't fixed and my car caught on fire last year before I got another recall letter stating that there's no remedy for the Recall Campaign No. 22V-119: PCV Valve Heater.
NHTSA complaint #11463047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stratford, CTFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
I took the 2009 BMW 528i to Bridgeport BMW to have a prior safety recall (17V-673/19V-273) repaired but, it wasn't fixed and my car caught on fire last year before I got another recall letter stating that there's no remedy for the Recall Campaign No. 22V-119: PCV Valve Heater.
NHTSA complaint #11463047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stratford, CTFire
ENGINE
I took the 2009 BMW 528i to Bridgeport BMW to have a prior safety recall (17V-673/19V-273) repaired but, it wasn't fixed and my car caught on fire last year before I got another recall letter stating that there's no remedy for the Recall Campaign No. 22V-119: PCV Valve Heater.
NHTSA complaint #11463047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Norristown, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle fail breaks malfunction. No response to the brakes. Push many times no break response vehicle hit vehicle in front of it could not be avoided That rotors are less than one year old there about six or 7000 miles on them. They are basically new new tires car will maintain no lights on dash no warning no airbag deployment. Vehicle going in slow speed due to heavy traffic
NHTSA complaint #11660382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richardson, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that he started to smell a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11490025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tift, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving and something was burning under my hood
NHTSA complaint #11486585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tift, GA
ENGINE
I was driving and something was burning under my hood
NHTSA complaint #11486585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11474936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scranton, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact stated while turning on the heater, there was a bad odor coming from the heater. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was not available. VIN tool confirms parts are not available
NHTSA complaint #11474978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scranton, PA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact stated while turning on the heater, there was a bad odor coming from the heater. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was not available. VIN tool confirms parts are not available
NHTSA complaint #11474978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,000 milesPalm Bay, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would overheat. An unknown warning light was illuminated and a warning message that the vehicle was overheating and to slow down and stop the vehicle to prevent further damage was displayed. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11467944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stratford, CTFire
WHEELS
I took the 2009 BMW 528i to Bridgeport BMW to have a prior safety recall (17V-673/19V-273) repaired but, it wasn't fixed and my car caught on fire last year before I got another recall letter stating that there's no remedy for the Recall Campaign No. 22V-119: PCV Valve Heater.
NHTSA complaint #11463047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stratford, CTFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
I took the 2009 BMW 528i to Bridgeport BMW to have a prior safety recall (17V-673/19V-273) repaired but, it wasn't fixed and my car caught on fire last year before I got another recall letter stating that there's no remedy for the Recall Campaign No. 22V-119: PCV Valve Heater.
NHTSA complaint #11463047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stratford, CTFire
ENGINE
I took the 2009 BMW 528i to Bridgeport BMW to have a prior safety recall (17V-673/19V-273) repaired but, it wasn't fixed and my car caught on fire last year before I got another recall letter stating that there's no remedy for the Recall Campaign No. 22V-119: PCV Valve Heater.
NHTSA complaint #11463047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 205,000 milesCalera, AL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V683000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated the vehicle was overheating and unsafe to drive. The contact was advised to seek a loaner vehicle while waiting for parts to become available. The approximate failure mileage was 205,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11456601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norcross, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL SMELL IN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR. THE FUEL PUMP LEAKS FUEL.
NHTSA complaint #11378596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburg, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR BATTERY DRAINING, INSACIABLES BRAKE FLUID TIMING FOR CHANGE OF GEAR TAKES A WHILE
NHTSA complaint #11315433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburg, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR BATTERY DRAINING, INSACIABLES BRAKE FLUID TIMING FOR CHANGE OF GEAR TAKES A WHILE
NHTSA complaint #11315433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburg, CA
ENGINE
CAR BATTERY DRAINING, INSACIABLES BRAKE FLUID TIMING FOR CHANGE OF GEAR TAKES A WHILE
NHTSA complaint #11315433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raeford, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR SMELLS AS FUEL IS LEAKING AND THE HEADLIGHTS BLINK IN AND OUT... MY TRUNK STOP OPENING WITH KEY FOB
NHTSA complaint #11266641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raeford, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE CAR SMELLS AS FUEL IS LEAKING AND THE HEADLIGHTS BLINK IN AND OUT... MY TRUNK STOP OPENING WITH KEY FOB
NHTSA complaint #11266641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hilmar, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HELLO, MY CAR FILLED UP WITH SMOKE ONE DAY. IT SMELT LIKE PLASTIC WAS BURNING I WAS PULLING UP TO MY DRIVE WAY AND WAS SUPER DIZZY THE WHOLE INSIDE WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE. I COULDN'T BREATH PROPERLY. I HAVE CALLED BMW DEALERSHIPS AND NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE THE PART FOR MY CAR, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE BUT I NEED TO GET TO SCHOOL! PLEASE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11097162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesMerritt Island, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I KEEP GETTING WARNINGS THAT THE HEAD LAMP, RUNNING LAMPS ARE MALFUNCTIONING. I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AND FOUND EXPOSED WIRES AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD RESULTING IN THE HEADLIGHT WIRING INSULATION FLAKING OFF AND LEAVING COPPER WIRE EXPOSED AND WIRES ARE TOUCHING, UNINSULATED WIRES. WIRES ARE SHORTING OUT THE LIGHTS, BURNING BULBS AND CAUSE MALFUNCTIONS IN THE HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, PARKING LIGHTS, AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND IS A FIRE HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #11083846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FOUND RECALL INFO ONLINE. TOLD RECALL NOTICE WOULD BE SENT IN DECEMBER. NO NOTICE AS OF YET! DON'T WANT TO DIE BECAUSE OF BMW'S NEGLIGENCE!
NHTSA complaint #11056958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
ENGINE
FOUND RECALL INFO ONLINE. TOLD RECALL NOTICE WOULD BE SENT IN DECEMBER. NO NOTICE AS OF YET! DON'T WANT TO DIE BECAUSE OF BMW'S NEGLIGENCE!
NHTSA complaint #11056958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,300 milesFontana, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 70 MILES PER HOUR - WHEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE VEHICLE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" AND "HAZARD LIGHTS CAME ON - THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED OVER 100 MORE GALLOONS IN THE TANK THAN IT HAD PREVIOUSLY - TRIED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND. THE ENGINE REDUCED POWER AND WAS STALLING AS I IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO CROSS THE HIGHWAY FROM THE FURTHEST LEFT LANE IN ORDER TO GET TO SAFETY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD - I WAS WITH MY PARENTS AND MY HANDICAPPED NEPHEW AND SCARED FOR ALL OF OUR LIVES. THE ENGINE "SPUTTERED AND VIBRATED" BEFORE STOPPING. I DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG OR ANY CHANGE IN THE WAY THE CAR DROVE. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11001191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,300 milesFontana, CA
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 70 MILES PER HOUR - WHEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE VEHICLE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" AND "HAZARD LIGHTS CAME ON - THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED OVER 100 MORE GALLOONS IN THE TANK THAN IT HAD PREVIOUSLY - TRIED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND. THE ENGINE REDUCED POWER AND WAS STALLING AS I IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO CROSS THE HIGHWAY FROM THE FURTHEST LEFT LANE IN ORDER TO GET TO SAFETY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD - I WAS WITH MY PARENTS AND MY HANDICAPPED NEPHEW AND SCARED FOR ALL OF OUR LIVES. THE ENGINE "SPUTTERED AND VIBRATED" BEFORE STOPPING. I DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG OR ANY CHANGE IN THE WAY THE CAR DROVE. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11001191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,300 milesFontana, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 70 MILES PER HOUR - WHEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE VEHICLE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" AND "HAZARD LIGHTS CAME ON - THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED OVER 100 MORE GALLOONS IN THE TANK THAN IT HAD PREVIOUSLY - TRIED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND. THE ENGINE REDUCED POWER AND WAS STALLING AS I IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO CROSS THE HIGHWAY FROM THE FURTHEST LEFT LANE IN ORDER TO GET TO SAFETY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD - I WAS WITH MY PARENTS AND MY HANDICAPPED NEPHEW AND SCARED FOR ALL OF OUR LIVES. THE ENGINE "SPUTTERED AND VIBRATED" BEFORE STOPPING. I DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG OR ANY CHANGE IN THE WAY THE CAR DROVE. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11001191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.