33 of the
239 complaints filed about the BMW 528XI
are about the electrical system —
14% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2013.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 BMW 528XI. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Drivetrain Malfunction - Drive Moderately" and "Contact the Service Center" were displayed. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was purchased; however, the dealer refused to honor the warranty and refused to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. Upon searching the vehicle history report on the State Police website, the contact discovered two mileage discrepancies with the vehicle. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 117,217; however, the website indicated a mileage of 117,531 on June 18, 2025, and a mileage of 117,530 on June 24, 2025.
NHTSA complaint #11725807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2013 BMW 528i was serviced under recall 24V-608 (Coolant Pump Electrical Connector / DME). After the recall was marked complete, the car developed several serious failures: Coolant Pump / Connector (Recall Item) – The dealer refused to replace the coolant pump even though the recall notice from the government includes both the pump and connector. Shortly after, the water pump failed completely, causing “High Temperature” warnings and putting me at risk of sudden overheating and breakdown on the road. DME (Engine Control Unit) – This was supposedly updated during the recall, but it failed to detect existing problems. Before the recall, I was never warned about issues with the turbo or oil leaks. Immediately after the recall update, the car started misfiring and showing drivetrain malfunction. The recall did not prevent or detect the failures as promised. Valve Cover Gasket (Oil Leak) – After the recall, a severe valve cover oil leak appeared, causing lean air/fuel mixture, misfires, and risk of fire. Oil leaking onto engine components is a known safety hazard. The dealer admitted the gasket leak existed but refused to cover it. Turbocharger / Wastegate – The DME flagged turbo wastegate actuator problems after the recall. The turbo cannot be ordered separately from the actuator, leading to very expensive repairs. Before the recall update, this issue was not visible, so I believe the recall software either failed to detect earlier or triggered worse conditions. Because of these combined failures, the car became unsafe to drive: misfires caused loss of power, overheating warnings increased risk of sudden engine shutdown, and the oil leak created a fire hazard. An independent mechanic later confirmed the water pump failure and valve cover gasket leak, which I had to repair at my own expense. I believe the recall defect (coolant pump connector / DME) caused or contributed to the damage of the water pump, gasket, and turbocharger. BMW and the dealer refused to rep
NHTSA complaint #11685652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while checking the Carfax history report of the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 138,000; however, the Carfax history report showed that the mileage was approximately 224,000.
NHTSA complaint #11678469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11662067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11657270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11656086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact was informed that the recall repair had been performed. The contact stated that upon driving off the parking lot at the dealer and coming to a complete stop at the traffic light, the message "Drive Train Malfunction - Service to Nearest BMW Dealer as Convenient" was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle was significantly sluggish and failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the coolant pump, and the part was not covered under the recall; however, the recall remedy information stated that the dealer would inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and would install a protective shield, free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #11654514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11651116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11637329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My BMW started leaking fluid 4 months ago. Lights on dash came on one light was the triangle light which engine light. I had it serviced completely oil & filter change hooked up to machine that checks all components senors everything checked out great. One week later I was driving I was coming to a stop my brakes sounded like they were grinding next day had mechanic check the brakes all good. Next day I am pulling out of Attorney Parking lot as I am turning the steering wheel my BMW makes a load screaming cracking noise so I turn my steering wheel up right to drive straight it makes the same noise. I stop to look around my vehicle to see if anything is leaking or dragging nothing was dragging but maybe one or drops of something I touched the solution to feel if it was water or oil? It felt oily so I drove to my mechanic he lifted it up on the racks. We both could see some solution was leaking around possibly where engine oil plug is then we saw it had been leaking back to middle of my vehicle water area and running back to the middle of my vehicle. My mechanic decided to put the machine that checks for certain items on vehicles I know it checks my sensors not sure what else?? He and a couple of the other mechanic stop and help him. I left my vehicle he let me drive his vehicle home he wanted to check other issue tomorrow. Next day I got to the mechanic he said he knew it needed a transfer case and 4 sensors he said it would take time to buy a new transfer case for 2012 BMW 528I xl so to leave my vehicle with him.Then I get this letter today 12/13/24 from BMW DATED 10/2024 it states there defect which relates to motor vehicle safety issue which means a part is being recalled on my vehicle!! My question my vehicle has already gotten damaged by this recall I am trying to fix the problems plus paid already $1500. For repairs to my mechanic whom thought that fix my issue but has not. Please inform me as to what I the owner of this model vehicle that has a defective part
NHTSA complaint #11630637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Adaptive lights and turn signal failure. There seems to be a widespread issue with BMWs across all makes and models. The failure of the turn signal creates a safety hazard in that the car is unable to properly signal a change of lanes or turn at stop signs or stop lights. BMW is aware of this defect but has failed to act.
NHTSA complaint #11570740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Adaptive headlight, turn signals, daytime/parking lamp and headlamp vehicle aim malfunctions. it is available for inspection. Hand signals are required due to the front signals inoperability. It is reason to be aware certain enviromental conditions can prevent hands signals and or other to see the signals. an inability to signal as vehicles are mandated to provide, potentially can be a dire situation for all involved. The actual subject company confirmed the issue upon inspection. Along with two independent mechanic shops. Inspected by manufacturer. There were not any pre-warning alerts. The notifications presented themselves upon the onset of malfunctions. At that point the damage was already embedded. My research uncovered BMW has allowed the defect to exist for over 10 years conservatively. Repairs can cost the BMW owner between $5000 to $10,000. I have not been able to find another manufacture's vehicle with the same issue. Therefore, this is malfeasance on the part of BMW.
NHTSA complaint #11517294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Headlight internal wiring insulation completely degraded, exposing wires and causing electrical shorts/arcing. Unchecked this will certainly cause a fire.
NHTSA complaint #11484186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT-OFF. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MESSAGE READ "DO NOT STOP VEHICLE, MAYBE UNABLE TO RESTART; CHARGING ERROR" WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE SERPENTINE BELT TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,000.
NHTSA complaint #11407066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY PASSENGER SEAT BELT HAS A DETAIL LIGHT READING "DRIVER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION: ALSO THE LOCK ON THE PASSENGER WILL NOT UNLOCK. THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN.
NHTSA complaint #11252097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY 2013 528I HAS SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE MOTOR. I PURCHASED THE CAR AROUND DECEMBER 18 SOME TIME WITH ABOUT 76000 MILES AND ONLY HAD IT FOR 2 DAYS AN PROBLEM'S CAME . FIRST IT WAS SAYING I DRIVETRAINS MALFUNCTION SO I TURN THE CAR OFF AN TRIED TO CRANK IT ABOUT 4 TIMES AN IT FINALLY CRUNK . ABOUT 3 DAYS LATER SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED SO I CONTACTED THE DEALER BUT THEY COULDN'T HELP ME . SO I LEFT THE CAR SIT FOR A DAY AN CAME TO CRANK IT AN EVERYTHING WAS FINE . ABOUT A WEEK LATER ON THE WAY TO WORK MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF AN THE, DASHBOARD SYMBOL CAME ON SAYING LOW OIL PRESSURE TO THE MOTOR . I READ ON THIS ON OTHERS COMPLAINTS AN SEEN SOME SIMILAR PROBLEMS. TOOK MY CAR TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP IN RALEIGH EARLY IN JANUARY THEY SAID I MAY NEED A NEW MOTOR AN IT WOULD COST TO JUST GO INSIDE THE MOTOR TO ACTUALLY SEE THE PROBLEM CAR DOSNT CRANK BUT TRIES TO TURN OVER
NHTSA complaint #11192817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DRIVERS DOOR LOCK IS FAILING AT ONLY 40,000 MILES. WE FIRST NOTICED THIS PROBLEM WHEN WE WOULD LOCK THE CAR FROM THE KEY FOB AND NOTICED THE DOOR WOULDN'T LOCK, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WOULD BEEP AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM WOULD ACTIVATE. THEN, IF YOU WENT TO OPEN THE DOOR AFTER YOU LOCKED THE CAR, THE ALARM WOULD GO OFF BECAUSE IT WASN'T ACTUALLY LOCKED. WHEN YOU'RE INSIDE THE CAR, YOU CAN SEE THE DOOR LOCK PIN SLOWLY TRYING TO MOVE DOWN OR UP INTO THE LOCKED OR UNLOCKED POSITION. SOMETIMES IT WOULD MAKE IT INTO THE DESIRED POSITION, OTHER TIMES IT WOULD STOP ABOUT HALF WAY. AFTER A FEW MOTHS OF THIS, IT'S MORE OFTEN THAT NOT THE LOCK DOESN'T WORK CORRECTLY.
NHTSA complaint #11190155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DOORS ARE GETTING LOCKDOWN SPORADICALLY EVEN AFTER YOUR CAR IS AT COMPLETE STOP AND PARKED, UNLESS YOU PRESS THE CENTRAL UNLOCK SWITCH IN THE PANEL YOU ARE LOCKED DOWN IN THE CAR, IT TOOK 15MINS FOR ME TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO UNLOCK THE DOORS AND COME OUT. IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY SITUATION THEN I WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD BY NOW. THERE ARE 1000S OF PEOPLE POSTED ONLINE WITH THIS PROBLEM, I AM SURPRISED THERE IS NO RECALL FROM BMW ON THIS. I THOUGHT IT IS BEST TO REPORT FIRST IN NHTSA FIRST, HERE I AM I AM GIVING ADDITIONAL DETAILS WITH EXACT SAME PROBLEM. VIDEO PROOF : HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/LQ9IUVQLO2S OTHER REPORTED SAME ISSUE: HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=674994&PAGE=2 HTTPS://F30.BIMMERPOST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=1217271&PAGE=2 HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=675751
NHTSA complaint #11171545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 528XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AT ANY RATE OF SPEED WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER (BMW OF TOWSON, 700 KENILWORTH DR, TOWSON, MD 21204, (410) 317-2237) WAS NOTIFIED, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED EXCESSIVE SMOKE ENTERING THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS AND THICK, WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11162169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
IN DECEMBER 2017 RECALL WAS ISSUED REGARDING ENGINE COMPONENT KNOWN AS POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER. CALLED MY LOCAL BMW OF PEABODY MA AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPONENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON LATE JANUARY 2018 AND I WILL INFORMED BY MAIL. CAR SMOKING ON AND OFF I MADE SURE THEY HAVE MY NAME AND ADDRESS. AS OF SEPTEMBER 2018, THERE'S NO CONTACT LACK OF SERVICE AND CONCERNS
NHTSA complaint #11124131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.