2009 BMW 528i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2009 BMW 528i has 22 complaints and a Complaint Index of 11, ranking 9th worst out of 10 model years, with a Good verdict capped due to incomplete records for 2005-2009. Engine problems make up 55% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 122,300.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 11/100
- #9 of 10 528i years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 22
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 17.5 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2009 BMW 528i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine12 (55%)
- Electrical System5 (23%)
- Fuel System4 (18%)
- Other3 (14%)
- Brakes2 (9%)
- Airbags1 (5%)
- Seat Belts1 (5%)
- Structure & Body1 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine can lose power or stall suddenly at highway speed, sometimes with the check engine light and hazard lights coming on together.
- The eccentric shaft sensor has failed suddenly, causing jerking motion and stalling, including a stall at a traffic signal.
- Brakes have reportedly failed to respond during deceleration, with the pedal unable to fully depress, in one case leading to a collision.
- The airbag warning light has illuminated at startup without a diagnosed cause.
- The seat belt sensor fault indicator has stayed lit on the instrument panel, recurring even after repair attempts.
- Fuel system issues include fuel pressure problems at highway speed and during hard acceleration, accompanied by an intermittent warning light.
2009 BMW 528i recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V683000Oct 30, 2017Engine740,561 vehicles
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.
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.
- NHTSA 13V407000Sep 11, 2013Electrical System134,100 vehicles
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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
2009 BMW 528i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17.5 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,900
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other 528i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 BMW 528i reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 22 complaints for the 2009 528i with a Complaint Index of 11, the second-lowest among the 10 model years with data. Its verdict is Good, though capped because complaint records for 2005-2009 model years are less complete.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 BMW 528i?
- Engine problems are the top issue, making up 55% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 122,300. Electrical system issues follow at 23% and fuel system issues at 18%.
- Does the 2009 BMW 528i have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2009 528i: one for the PCV valve heater in the engine and one for rear lamp bulb carriers in the electrical system. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2009 528i compare to other model years?
- The 2009 528i ranks 9th worst out of 10 years by Complaint Index, well below years like 2008, 2011, and 2012, which carry Avoid verdicts with complaint indexes of 100, 89, and 78.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2009 BMW 528i?
- EPA rates the 2009 528i at 20.5 mpg combined (17.5 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900.