Does the 2011 BMW 528i have a fuel system recall?

Yes. NHTSA campaign 16V746000, reported 2016-10-17, covers replacement of the fuel pump module on certain 2007-2011 BMW models including the 528i-related range; dealers replace the part free of charge.

How common are fuel system complaints on the 2011 528i?

Fuel System complaints make up 23 of 117 total complaints for the 2011 528i, or 20% of all complaints filed for that model year, the second-highest share among 2010-2016 model years.

At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of about 48,287 miles for fuel system complaints on the 2011 528i.

Were there any injuries linked to fuel system issues on the 2011 528i?

NHTSA records show 1 injury reported among the fuel system complaints for the 2011 528i, with 0 crashes and 0 fires.

Was it hard to get the recall repair done?

Multiple owners reported that the fuel pump module replacement parts for recall 16V746000 were unavailable, causing repair wait times owners described as exceeding a reasonable amount of time.

2011 BMW 528i Fuel System Problems

Fuel System complaints account for 23 of 117 total complaints (20%) on the 2011 BMW 528i, the second-highest share of any model year in this range. NHTSA also lists a related recall (16V746000) for fuel pump module replacement, and median mileage at failure was about 48,287 miles.

Fuel System complaints: 23; 20% of 117
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 48,287 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Owners report the fuel warning indicator illuminating while the car is parked or in drive, sometimes tied to a later-diagnosed fuel intake defect or faulty fuel cap.
Some drivers describe the vehicle stalling or failing to start after sitting parked, with an onboard fuel supply warning message and no success restarting for hours.
A large cluster of complaints describes receiving the NHTSA recall notice (16V746000) for the fuel pump module but being unable to get the repair because replacement parts were unavailable, with wait times described as exceeding a reasonable amount of time.
Several owners who filed complaints about the recall stated they had not personally experienced a fuel system failure, but were reporting the parts shortage itself.
One complaint reports a sudden jerk or gear-skip sensation while stopped or shifting from reverse to drive, which the owner linked to a fuel-related throttle issue.

When 2011 BMW 528i fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 22, 2013, latest Sep 24, 2025.

23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2013 to Sep 2025; peak Mar 2017 (3).

Fuel System recalls for the 2011 BMW 528i

NHTSA 16V746000Oct 17, 2016Fuel System136,188 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Risk: 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.
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.

Fuel System complaints by 528i model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20107 (11%)
201123 (20%)
201229 (32%)
20131 (1%)
20147 (12%)
20153 (5%)
20165 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 BMW 528i have a fuel system recall?: Yes. NHTSA campaign 16V746000, reported 2016-10-17, covers replacement of the fuel pump module on certain 2007-2011 BMW models including the 528i-related range; dealers replace the part free of charge.
How common are fuel system complaints on the 2011 528i?: Fuel System complaints make up 23 of 117 total complaints for the 2011 528i, or 20% of all complaints filed for that model year, the second-highest share among 2010-2016 model years.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of about 48,287 miles for fuel system complaints on the 2011 528i.
Were there any injuries linked to fuel system issues on the 2011 528i?: NHTSA records show 1 injury reported among the fuel system complaints for the 2011 528i, with 0 crashes and 0 fires.
Was it hard to get the recall repair done?: Multiple owners reported that the fuel pump module replacement parts for recall 16V746000 were unavailable, causing repair wait times owners described as exceeding a reasonable amount of time.