What years of the BMW 528i should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2011 and 2012 BMW 528i are rated Avoid, with Complaint Index scores of 100 and 83, the two highest of the 2010-2016 lineup.

What is the best year for the BMW 528i?

The 2014 and 2016 528i are rated Best, with Complaint Index scores of 0 and 17, the lowest among the years covered.

What is the most common problem area on the BMW 528i?

Engine complaints are the top issue across all years, making up 61% of the 526 total complaints (323 complaints), followed by electrical system issues at 29%.

Does the 2011 BMW 528i have transmission problems?

Yes, transmission and powertrain complaints made up 21% of 2011 528i complaints, with owners reporting hesitation and lurching, and a median failure mileage of 44,740.

How many recalls does the BMW 528i have?

Across the 2010-2016 model years, NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 528i, with the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016 model years each having 4 recalls.

BMW 528i Best and Worst Years (2010–2016)

Avoid the 2011 and 2012 BMW 528i, which have the highest Complaint Index values (100 and 83) and the most engine-related complaints. The 2014 and 2016 model years score best, with Complaint Index values of 0 and 17.

Avoid 2011 Avoid 2012 Best 2014 Best 2016

Model years: 7; 2010–2016
NHTSA complaints: 526
Recall campaigns: 13
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 23
Top problem area: Engine

528i Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

BMW 528i problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Good	33	65	2	4	2	Engine	20.5	—
2011	Avoid	100	117	1	1	4	Engine	25	5★
2012	Avoid	83	90	0	3	4	Engine	26.5	5★
2013	Caution	67	73	1	1	4	Engine	26.5	5★
2014	Best	0	57	0	5	3	Engine	26	5★
2015	Caution	50	65	1	5	1	Engine	26	5★
2016	Best	17	59	1	4	4	Engine	26.5	—

528i years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 BMW 528i Index 100 · 117 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2011 528i has the highest Complaint Index (100) and the most complaints of any year (117). Engine problems account for 57% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 91,500. Transmission and powertrain complaints (21%) surfaced much earlier, at a median of 44,740 miles, describing hesitation and lurching during acceleration from a stop or low speed. Fuel system issues made up 20% of complaints. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this year, including PCV valve heater replacement, airbag control unit replacement, and fuel pump module replacement.

2011 engine problems →2011 transmission & powertrain problems →2011 fuel system problems →

2012 BMW 528i Index 83 · 90 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2012 528i ranks second worst with a Complaint Index of 83 and 90 total complaints. Engine problems are 54% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 83,000, and owners reported engine compartment fires. Fuel system complaints (32%) had a median mileage of 80,000, and transmission/powertrain complaints (22%) occurred at a median of 76,000 miles. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this year, covering the water pump and electrical connector, fuel pump module, and a camshaft seal locking ring.

2012 engine problems →2012 fuel system problems →2012 transmission & powertrain problems →

Most common BMW 528i problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine323 (61%)
Electrical System153 (29%)
Transmission & Powertrain78 (15%)
Fuel System75 (14%)
Other47 (9%)
Airbags36 (7%)
Structure & Body23 (4%)
Steering17 (3%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires15 (3%)
Brakes13 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What years of the BMW 528i should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2011 and 2012 BMW 528i are rated Avoid, with Complaint Index scores of 100 and 83, the two highest of the 2010-2016 lineup.
What is the best year for the BMW 528i?: The 2014 and 2016 528i are rated Best, with Complaint Index scores of 0 and 17, the lowest among the years covered.
What is the most common problem area on the BMW 528i?: Engine complaints are the top issue across all years, making up 61% of the 526 total complaints (323 complaints), followed by electrical system issues at 29%.
Does the 2011 BMW 528i have transmission problems?: Yes, transmission and powertrain complaints made up 21% of 2011 528i complaints, with owners reporting hesitation and lurching, and a median failure mileage of 44,740.
How many recalls does the BMW 528i have?: Across the 2010-2016 model years, NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 528i, with the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016 model years each having 4 recalls.