How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2012 BMW 528xi have?

NHTSA lists 18 complaints in this area for the 2012 528xi, which is 33% of the 54 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 BMW 528xi transmission or powertrain?

No related recalls are listed in this data for the Transmission & Powertrain area on the 2012 528xi.

At what mileage do 2012 BMW 528xi powertrain problems usually occur?

The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year is 84,000 miles.

Did any 2012 528xi powertrain complaints involve a crash or injury?

Among the 18 complaints in this area, NHTSA records 1 crash and 1 injury, with no fires reported.

How does the 2012 528xi compare to the 2013 model for this problem?

The 2012 528xi has 18 complaints (33% share) in this area versus 16 complaints (29% share) for the 2013 model year, according to NHTSA data.

2012 BMW 528xi Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2012 BMW 528xi, 33% of all 54 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 84,000. No related recalls are on file for this problem area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 18; 33% of 54
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 84,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report a sudden "drivetrain malfunction" warning on the dash followed by the car losing power and dropping into a limp mode that limits speed to a crawl.
Several owners describe the engine stalling or shutting off completely while driving, sometimes at highway speed, with the vehicle unable to restart or shift out of park/neutral.
Multiple complaints link the drivetrain malfunction warning to a low oil pressure alert, which owners trace back to timing chain guide wear that lets chain material contaminate the oil sensors.
One owner reported the drivetrain malfunction message returning within days of a dealer computer repair, showing the issue was not resolved by that fix.
A separate report describes a charging system error message telling the driver not to stop the vehicle, followed by an unplanned shutdown at 80 mph.

When 2012 BMW 528xi transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 27, 2016, latest Apr 14, 2025.

18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2016 to Apr 2025; peak Jun 2020 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 BMW 528xi

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 528xi model year

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

20100 (0%)
201218 (33%)
201316 (29%)
20140 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2012 BMW 528xi have?: NHTSA lists 18 complaints in this area for the 2012 528xi, which is 33% of the 54 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 BMW 528xi transmission or powertrain?: No related recalls are listed in this data for the Transmission & Powertrain area on the 2012 528xi.
At what mileage do 2012 BMW 528xi powertrain problems usually occur?: The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year is 84,000 miles.
Did any 2012 528xi powertrain complaints involve a crash or injury?: Among the 18 complaints in this area, NHTSA records 1 crash and 1 injury, with no fires reported.
How does the 2012 528xi compare to the 2013 model for this problem?: The 2012 528xi has 18 complaints (33% share) in this area versus 16 complaints (29% share) for the 2013 model year, according to NHTSA data.