60
Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

ENGINE
16 complaints
Car gave a Drivetrain Malfunction error and I was able to get the car to the mechanic I've used on the car since it was purchased. I was informed this week that there is now debris in the oil from the timing chain.
Aug 22, 2023
The engine seized after paying it off I was told the timing chain jumped and hit a valve
Apr 04, 2023
While driving my car at about 30 miles per hour the engine suddenly seized up. There was no warning at all. I had it towed to the dealer, Baron BMW in Merriam Kansas. After evaluating the car they determined the engine failed and it was an issue of lack of oil. I had taken the car to this dealer prior to buying the car to make sure there were no problems. After their inspection I went ahead and bought the car. It had 40,528 miles. I had taken it to the same dealer for service for 3 years prior to the engine failure When the engine failed the mileage was 95,444. I talked with the dealer and let them know that I felt BMW should pay for replacement of the engine. They refused to do this so I was stuck with having to pay for another engine. After researching this issue I found out that there numerous issues with the engine and that several people had had the same problem. BMW was aware of this issue and chose not to do a recall as they should have . Instead the went ahead and made the decision to not do the recall and deal with the engine failures when the engines failed . This would be less expensive to do rather than do the recall which they should have done. So what they did was to sell the 528i model and let people drive the cars , knowing that a certain number of cars engines would fail. Since your organization is concerned about safety issues ,shouldn't you have taken some action once you became aware of the engine failure issue I would hope you could consider some kind of fine or whatever against BMW for putting a car out on the road knowing a certain number of engines would fail while people were driving . They were more concerned with profits rather than the safety of the public that would be driving their cars. While you are at it it would be good if you could fine BMW and have them reimburse the owners of these cars in which the engines failed! Thank you for your time and consideration. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Aug 29, 2022
With no prior warning or issues my car displayed a drive train error followed by a low pressure error and immediately lost power. The timing chain blew and destroyed the engine.
Jul 27, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND LOSS MOTIVE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE GLOBAL IMPORTS BMW LOCATED AT 500 INTERSTATE N PKWY, ATLANTA, GA 30339, (800) 294-1853, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILURE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE SERVICE DIRECTOR OF THE SAME DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.
Jun 24, 2020
+ 11 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
10 complaints
Car just wouldn't start one day. Drivetrain malfunction warning indicating timing chain replacement. Car just sits in my driveway. Will cost 6 grand to fix. Timing Chain failure probably effected my engine.
Sep 04, 2022
in 2020 the engine started malfunctioning at 76,000 miles. I took it into the BMW dealership to get it inspected and they stated that it was a valve issue and charged replacement. After replacement, the engine lit would come on and I called the representative. He stated that it would need time to reset so I continued driving it. Eventually the light did not come on for some time. A year later in 2021 after driving to work the engine started to stall on my way to work on the highway. I since taken it back to BMW stating that it was less than 10,000 miles since the repair and I'm having engine troubles again. After talking to the BMW service representative, they stated that I will need a new engine because it is now blown. The engine only has 84,000 miles on it and I requested root cause analysis on the engine. After reviewing online, I discovered that this engine is mounted on multiple platforms BMW sold and is known to have issues since 2017 and a lawsuit in 2020, the same year I took my car to the BMW dealership for repairs. They neglected to inform me of the issue with the engine when I first took the car in and put my car back on the road with a faulty engine. Gross negligence by BMW.
Aug 11, 2021
DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR SAYS DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION I WAS STOPPED AT THE LIGHT ON A ONE WAY STREET ON 11/20/2020 WHEN THE CAR JUST DIED NO WARNING JUST SHUT OFF WOULDN'T START COULDN'T PUT IT IN NEUTRAL BLOCKED TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT 90 MINUTES BEFORE I COULD GET A TOW TRUCK TO REMOVE MY CAR. I HAVE A 2012 BMW 528XI WITH ABOUT 90K + MILES ON IT I WAS SO SCARED BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE HAPPENS TO ME ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND I WOULD NO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET OUT OF HARMS WAY.
Nov 21, 2020
WHEN TURNING MY CAR ON AND WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY CAR DISPLAYED A DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION ERROR. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALER ON AUGUST 3, 2020 FOR SERVICE AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE CAR WITH A COMPUTER ERROR. THEY MADE A REPAIR TO THE COMPUTER AND TOLD ME IT WAS FIXED. THIS COST $350. ON AUGUST 7, I DROVE FROM MARYLAND TO SOUTH CAROLINA AND RECEIVED THE SAME DRIVETRAIN ERROR MESSAGE AND THE OIL SERVICE LIGHT WARNING CAME ON. WE HAD TO ADD A QUART OF OIL AND DRIVE SLOWLY PER THE DRIVETRAIN ERROR MESSAGE. AS SOON AS I RETURNED TO MARYLAND, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO BMW OF ANNAPOLIS. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE FRONT END OF THE ENGINE WAS GONE AND THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO REBUILD THE MOTOR INCLUDING NEW TIMING CHAINS, CHAIN TENSIONER, CHAIN GUIDES, AND EXHAUST VANOS UNIT (A $6000 REPAIR). THE CAR ONLY HAD 72,000 MILES AND I HAD NEVER MISSED A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. BMW NORTH AMERICA OFFERED TO PAY HALF OF $6000 AFTER BEING CONTACTED BY BMW OF ANNAPOLIS. HOWEVER, I THOUGHT THAT BMW NORTH AMERICA SHOULD HAVE PAID THE ENTIRE AMOUNT BECAUSE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 2012 BMW 528I AND I COULD HAVE HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT. IN ADDITION, THIS CAR HAS HAD 2 PRIOR MAJOR RECALLS. I SENT BMW NORTH AMERICA A FORMAL COMPLAINT, BUT THEY STILL ONLY PAID $3000.
Sep 13, 2020
MY 2012 528XI HAS 117K MILES ON IT. WHILE I WAS ON A LONG ROAD TRIP, DRIVING ON I-95 AT 1AM ON A FRIDAY NIGHT, WITHOUT ANY WEIRD ENGINE NOISES OR ANYTHING OUT OF THE NORM, THE CAR DISPLAYED A WARNING MESSAGE THAT SAID "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION" IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY WARNING "ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LOW" WARNING. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE CAR TOLD ME TO PULL OVER SAFELY. LUCKILY, THERE WAS A NICE BIG SHOULDER AND THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AROUND, SO I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST TO A STOP. HAD THE CAR TOWED 100 MILES TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, AND HE SAID THERE WAS NO OIL PRESSURE, SO THERE WAS TOO MUCH FRICTION DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION, WHICH SEIZED THE CAMSHAFT AND CAUSED JUMPED TIMING. I'VE HAD A LOT OF "VERY UNUSUAL" (MECHANIC'S WORDS) ISSUES WITH THIS CAR, OF COURSE ALL OUT OF WARRANTY. AND NOW THE ENGINE IS COMPLETELY FRIED. I CAN SPEND ANOTHER $11K TO PUT A BRAND NEW ENGINE IN THERE, BUT THE CAR ITSELF ISN'T WORTH $11K ANYMORE. LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. HASN'T BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA BUT CAN FIND IT ON BMW ENTHUSIAST FORUMS (LIKE BIMMERFEST DOT COM).
Jul 20, 2020
+ 5 more complaints for this component
TIRES
3 complaints
See attached document for complaint.
Feb 27, 2025
Crash: 1
BMW 550XI, NORMAL DRIVING, TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR CAME ON, CAR BECAME UNSTABLE. PARKED VEHICLE AND OBSERVED LARGE BUBBLE IN FRONT RIGHT TIRE SIDEWALL HAD SPLIT, CAUSING RAPID DEFLATION. NO ROAD HAZARDS WERE INVOLVED, MECHANIC STATES THAT THESE TIRES GET SIDEWALL BUBBLES ALL THE TIME. *TR
Aug 08, 2013
THREE TIRE BUBBLES, FIRST AT 11,000 MILES, TWO MORE AT 12,000. ORIGINAL TIRES ON BMW 535XI SPORT. "GOODYEAR EAGLE LS-2 RUNONFLAT" 245/40R19 BMW QUICKLY REPLACED FOUR TIRES WITH MICHELIN, AT PRORATED COST, SO THEY KNOW THE PROBLEM. TIRES MUST BE RECALLED FOR SAFETY!!!!!!!!! *TR
Jun 19, 2013
AIR BAGS
3 complaints
passenger restraint system malfunction warning, many owners have compalined about this, bmw has not issued any recalls but this seams to be a common issue.
Dec 09, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag malfunction warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no recall related to the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Jul 18, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF BELLEVUE (LOCATED AT 13617 NORTHUP WAY, BELLEVUE, WA 98005, (425) 243-5201), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Nov 25, 2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
Issue with water penetration into adaptive headlights (sealed system) while driving lights can shut off and signals are disabled. Potential major safety issue.
Dec 08, 2023
Adaptive headlamp failure including daytime lamp failure from loose headlamp seal that allowed water to infiltrate system. The lights go off at anytime while driving.
Feb 08, 2023
SUDDENLY THE CAR HEADLIGHT, TAILLIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE STOPPED WORKING IN MIDDLE OF NIGHT. ONLY THE RIGHT INDICATOR WORKS NOW. ITS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. I COULD HAVE HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT IF IT HAD HAPPENED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. I THINK BMW HAD THIS ISSUE WITH SOME OF 3 SERIES MODELS.
Sep 26, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
SO I BOUGHT A BMW, THEN A LOT OF CONDENSATION AND WATER GOT INTO A HEADLIGHT AND IT MESSED UP THE WIRES AND MY TURN SIGNAL STOPPED WORKING. ORDERED A NEW ONE AND THE SAME THING STARTED HAPPENING, I GOT ANOTHER ONE AND THE LIGHT ISN'T WORKING AGAIN. IVE HAD MULTIPLE MECHANICS, BMW, ETC LOOK AT MY CAR. COME TO FIND OUT THE WAY THE CAR WAS BUILT, VIBRATION OFF THE ROAD OFTEN CREATES CRACKS OR MICRO FISSURES, THAT MAKE MOISTURE GET INTO A HEADLIGHT AND PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED NUMEROUS TIMES. I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO CONTINUE BUYING NEW HEADLIGHTS IF THIS A MANUFACTURE PROBLEM. ESPECIALLY IN THIS PANDEMIC. PEOPLE WILL RATHER NOT USE THEIR TURN SIGNALS AND MESS THEIR CONNECTORS UP THEN REPLACE IT AND I DON'T BLAME THEM. THESE NEED RECALLED. MOISTURE DOESN'T GET OUT UNTIL YOU TAKE OFF THE HEADLIGHT AND YOU NEED TO TAKE OFF THE BUMPER TO REMOVE THE HEADLIGHT.
Jan 14, 2021
I HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE TIMING CHAIN ON THIS VEHICLE. I DO BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. CAR FAILS WITH VERY LITTLE WARNING WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. IT IS NOT A QUESTION OF MAINTENANCE BUT OF A SPECIFIC MANUFACTURING FAULT. HOW WOULD ONE KNOW OF A DEFECT UNTIL SOMETHING GOES WRONG. THEN THE MANUFACTURER DOESN'T TAKE BLAME. MANUFACTURER KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT DID NOT LET OWNERS KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. BMW HAS SINCE REDESIGNED THE ENGINE BUT WHAT ABOUT THE EXISTING CARS WITH THE ISSUE?
Mar 19, 2018
WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION, THE GPS SYSTEM VOICE INSTRUCTION AND MAP VISUAL SOMETIME CONFLICT. FOR EXAMPLE, THE VOICE MAY SAYS TURN RIGHT WHILE THE MAP SAYS TURN LEFT. I'VE HAD CAR SINCE 2012 AND REPORTED PROBLEM TOO DEALER AND BMW WHEN NEW. YOU CAN'T PREDICT WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN SO CAN'T SHOW DEALER AND PROBLEM WAS IGNORED. ON GOING PROBLEM.
Sep 17, 2016
POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
Jun 15, 2022
IN OCT. 2015 I PULLED OUT OF MY STREET INTO TRAFFIC AND LOST ALL POWER. " DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION" DISPLAYED ON DASH, THE CAR LOSES ALL POWER AND GOES INTO "LIMP" MODE, GOES LIKE 5 MPH MAX. THANKFULLY I GOT IT OFF THE STREET WITHOUT BEING HIT, TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED IT, DISPLAY WAS GONE AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT NORMALLY. AFTER MY HEARTRATE SLOWED AND I GOT TO THE OFFICE I CALLED AND MADE AN APPT. TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. IT HAD 48K MILES AT THE TIME OF THE FIRST INCIDENT AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER LEAVING IT WITH THE DEALER FOR OVER A WEEK, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY REPROGRAMMED THE CAR TO THE LATEST SOFTWARE AND SHOULD BE FINE. NOW FAST-FORWARD TO JAN 2016, 54K MILES, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT ALONG AND SAME THING HAPPENED, "POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION" DISPLAYED ON DASH CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE, THERE WAS NO WHERE TO PULL OVER IN MORNING RUSH HOUR, HAD TO PUT HAZARDS ON UNTIL SHE COULD GET TO A SAFE LOCATION TO PULL OVER. TURNED IT OFF, RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. SHE WAS VERY SCARED AND SHAKEN. CALLED THE DEALER FROM WHICH WE BOUGHT IT NEW AND AM TAKING IT IN TODAY. THUS, AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE WHICH HAS BEEN GOING ON WITH BMW'S. BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO MAKE SURE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN. FROM WHAT I'VE READ I AM NOT THE ONLY BMW OWNER WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM!
Jan 27, 2016
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
While driving on the Grand Central Plwy, Queens, NY, a drive train motification came on and stated to drive moderately, right after the oil light came on. We were near a gas station, and added a quart of oil. The oil light went out, the car started without hesitation. We decided to go home, we got off the highway about a mile out, the car just stopped went into park and could not start again. It would crank over, but not connect. We were on a four lane road, luckily there was no one behind us, it could have been a terrible incident. The car was towed to a BMW dealership in Great Neck, NY and we were told it was either the engine or the timing chain and it was not worth fixing. The car was then towed to my mechanic, who stated there was a technical warning #N20 & N26 regarding the timing issue. Hoping something can be done
May 12, 2022
I BOUGHT A CERTIFIED BMW AND HAD CONTINUOUS ISSUES WITH MY ENGINE, CONSTANTLY REFILLING THE OIL, EVEN AFTER SERVICE. AFTER TAKING THIS TO THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND THERE WEREN'T ANY ISSUES. ALL OF THIS FINALLY CAME TO A HEAD-ON SUNDAY, 6/21/2020 WHEN MY CAR FINALLY CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. AFTER TOWING, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A TIMING CHAIN ISSUE AND WOULD COST ME $7,400 WHICH WOULDN'T NECESSARILY REMEDY THE ISSUE, I HEARD THIS COULD REACH TOWARDS 15-20K. I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE AFTER HAVING ONLY DRIVEN THIS CAR ON AVG 8K/YEAR AND HAVING ROUGHLY 84K MILES IN TOTAL. MY EXPERIENCE WITH BMW HAS SINCE BEEN PAINFUL TO SAY THE LEAST SINCE. I'VE HAD THIS TOWED TWICE IN 2 DAYS, BEEN GIVEN AN ULTIMATUM ON EITHER FIXING THE VEHICLE OR BUYING A NEW ONE - WHEN ASKING FOR A LOANER, I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED CONTACT ENTERPRISE AND RESERVE ONE ON MY OWN. I'VE OWNED MULTIPLE GERMAN CARS AND NEVER HAD TO DEAL WITH THIS LEVEL OF UNPROFESSIONALISM. *TR
Jun 24, 2020
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON AND NOW THE CAR TAKES A LONG TIME TO GET UP TO ANY DECENT SPEED. PROBABLY 0-35 IN ABOUT 10 SECONDS. I WAS ADVISED BY A SERVICE CENTER THAT TIMING CHAIN FAILURE IS IMMINENT AND I WOULD NEED TO PAY $8000 TO REPLACE THE MOTOR ON A CAR FOR WHICH I OWED $11000, THAT AT THE TIME WAS ONLY WORTH ABOUT $4000. AS OF TODAY, IT'S WORTH ABOUT $800 WITH A $3800 BALANCE ON THE NOTE. OVERPRICED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND COSTLY REPAIRS WERE ALL PERFORMED AS THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN.
Feb 07, 2020
MY 528XI WAS BEING DRIVEN AT HIGH SPEED WHEN ENGINE BUCKED AND SEIZED. MANAGED WHILE THIS WAS HAPPENING TO GET TO EMERGENCY AREA. CAR DIED, NO NEUTRAL/ TOWED TO DEALER 12/31/18. COMPUTER SHOWED WITH NO WARNING LOW OIL PRESSURE FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY DRIVE CHAIN FAILURE. HAD TO FIGHT TO GET ENGINE REPLACED WITH REMANUFACTURED ENGINE AND ASK FOR TURBO TO BE REPLACED. 6/22/19 CR DIED AGAIN WOULD NOT START, JUMPED STARTED DROVE TO DEALER AND DIES AGAIN. TOLD NEED D NEW BATTERY. 6/30/19 CAR ONCE AGAIN STOPPED DEAD ON MAJOR ROAD, NO WARNING. NOW THEY SAY I NEED A NEW FUEL PUMP.
Jul 03, 2019
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE "FUEL SUPPLY PERFORMANCE NOT AVAILABLE DRIVE MODERATELY' WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Jun 15, 2018
THE FUEL PUMP SUDDENLY FAILED AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER BEFORE THE CAR QUIT COMPLETELY. IF I HAD STOPPED IN THE LANE I AM SURE I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY SOMEONE GOING 65 MILES/HR. THERE IS A RECALL RELATED TO EXACTLY THIS ISSUE THAT INCLUDES 2012 MODELS BUT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
May 26, 2017
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS MOVE ON THEIR OWN, THEY TURN ON AND OFF AS THEY PLEASE. BROUGHT THE CAR IN TWICE SO FAR AND BMW SERVICE CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *TR
Aug 05, 2014
MY CAR WAS PARKED DURING A HAIL STORM. DURING THE STORM, THE BACK WINDSHIELD SHATTERED INTO A THOUSAND PIECES. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE HAIL STORM! IT WAS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THESE WINDSHIELDS ARE MADE OF SAFETY GLASS, THAT IS DESIGNED TO ABSORB ANY IMPACT, CRACK, AND STAY IN 1 PIECE. HOWEVER, QUITE THE OPPOSITE HAPPENED (I HAVE PICTURES), WHERE THE ENTIRE BACK GLASS BASICALLY EXPLODED AND GLASS PIECES WENT FLYING EVERYWHERE. THERE WERE EVEN PIECES OF GLASS ON THE FRONT FLOOR BOARD AND DASHBOARD. THIS MUST BE A DEFECT AND COULD HAVE BEEN A POTENTIAL LIFE THREATENING EVENT IF ANYONE HAPPENED TO BE IN THE VEHICLE DURING THIS STORM! *TR
Jun 20, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
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.
Aug 05, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
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.
Apr 14, 2025
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
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
Dec 13, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
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.
Feb 08, 2024
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Car begin to stall on traffic, drivetrain malfunction light appeared..Took it to BMW DEALER My Fuel Pump replace with new EKP module- Which is the same recall that BMW issued in 2017 which included the Model/year vehicle that i have.
Sep 21, 2021
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
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.
Apr 08, 2021
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. LIGHT WILL NOT GO OUT. DEALERSHIP BMW OF STERLING IN STERLING VA SAYS PASSENGER SENSOR MAT HAS TO BE REPLACED AS AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT.
Mar 30, 2021
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WARNING FOR CHASSIS STABILIZATION IS ON, I ENCOUNTERED NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE AND HAD THE CAR TOWED. I WAS ON A MAIN ROAD AND I GOT REAR ENDED IMMEDIATELY AFTER I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE AND I HAD MY HAZARD LIGHTS FLASHING
Aug 26, 2020
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
AIR BAGS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
AIRBAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION PASSENGER SIDE INDICATOR COMES ON. STATING RESTRAINT HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND MIGHT NOT WORK. PASSENGER SEAT OF NOT REGISTERING PROPERLY.
Jul 25, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE DRIVER DOOR SOMETIMES WILL NOT UNLOCK AND I HAVE TO PUCH THE MAIN BUTTON ON THE DASH BOARD TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. THE DOOR SOMETIMES WILL NOT CLOSE BECAUSE THE LOCK MECHANISM DOES NOT UNLOCK AFTER I GET OUT OF THE CAR. I HAVE TO PUSH THE MAIN UNLOCK MECHANISM ON THE DASH. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I PARK THE CAR AND GET OUT OF THE CAR TO CLOSE THE DOOR. ONLY THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOES THIS. IF I WERE IN AN ACCIDENT AND COULD NOT REACH THE BUTTON ON THE DASH I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. I WONDER IF THIS IS COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY AS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS STARTED HAPPENING LAST WINTER IN DECEMBER. IT HAS CONTINUED EVER SINCE BUT NOT EVERY DAY. COLD, HOT AND MEDIUM WEATHER. I AM TAKING THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE TO SEE IF IT CAN BE FIXED.
Sep 11, 2017
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 5-SERIES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V020000 (AIR BAGS) AND 17V138000 (POWER TRAIN). THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DEALER, BMW OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE ORDERED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V020000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, VIN TOOL CONFIRMS REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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 AND PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Jun 07, 2017
POWER TRAIN,TIRES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 550IX EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE P245/40/R19. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AN ALERT ON HIS DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED INSTRUCTING HIM THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN MORE THAN 50 MILES AS THE TIRE WAS GOING FLAT. THIRTY MILES LATER THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE HAD DEVELOPED A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO SHRED. THE VEHICLE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE TIRES HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. UPDATED 12/14/12 *BF THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES WITH MICHELIN TIRES. THE CONSUMER STATED TWO OF THE ORIGINAL FOUR TIRES DEVELOPED BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALL. ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTIONED. THE VIDEO SCREEN FLASHED A MESSAGE INSTRUCTING THE CONSUMER TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. IN THE PROCESS, THE VEHICLE LOST A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF POWER OUTPUT AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY WHEN DRIVEN OVER 30 MPH. UPDATED 07/09/13
Oct 25, 2012
4.7/5.0
34 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2012 BMW 528xi have?

The 2012 BMW 528xi currently has 60 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2012 BMW 528xi?

The most common problems reported for the 2012 BMW 528xi are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2012 BMW 528xi problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2012 BMW 528xi comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

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