2012 BMW 528I — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
145
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
12
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2012 BMW 528I
The 2012 BMW 528I has received a total of 145 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. 12 technical service bulletins have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (42 complaints), Fuelpropulsion System (26 complaints), and Power Train (19 complaints).
Recalls for the 2012 BMW 528I
NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2012 BMW 528I, potentially affecting up to 1,748,138 vehicles.
Recall 24V608000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES
| 720,796 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water...
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 24V608000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP
| 720,796 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water...
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full details →Recall 16V746000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
| 136,188 vehicles affected
Defect: 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,...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 14V627000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 8,988 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW...
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service...
View full details →Recall 14V627000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
| 8,988 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW...
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service...
View full details →Recall 13V454000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 76,191 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies...
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
View full details →Recall 13V454000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
| 76,191 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies...
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2012 BMW 528I
145 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 BMW 528I. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 42 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 26 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 19 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 12 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Traindriveline | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Beltsfrontwarning Lightdevices | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
The failure involved the breaking of the oil chain, which resulted in catastrophic engine damage. Consequently, the timing chain and splash shield were also compromised due to the initial failure. The incident appears to be caused by a malfunction or defect in the oil chain assembly. The affected components are available for inspection and further investigation. This information may be useful for evaluating the need for a recall or identifying underlying manufacturing or design issues.
On [XXX], the water pump's electrical plug connector became defective, ultimately putting myself and [XXX] son in a dangerous situation. While on the highway coming home from work/daycare, the car overheated rapidly, my car started slowing down in the middle of the highway. The car ultimately stopped and had to pull to the side. I tried to call 2 BMW dealerships in San Jose, but at that time the recall remedy was unavailable and said there was nothing they could do for me. So I had to tow to my home. Towed to my mechanic the next day, and they had to fix it. The car was repaired after being in the shop for 1 week. I took the car home and shortly after, the car overheated again. Luckily, I was on my way home and in the neighborhood. This was a very traumatic experience that I never set foot in the care since then and am requesting a refund for the repair that wasn't even fixed in the first place. I do not want to use the car anymore given it is a huge safety risk for me and my son. I travel to the city 4 days a week for work and daycare. I have the receipts for repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I had just purchased a car but a month ago I was driving to lunch and I was at a stop sign when the light turned green I started to go the car started shaking and smoke was coming out of the front under the hood I had just an oil change so I took it back to the oil change shop. They could not figure out why the engine blew and I had to take it to a different BMW shop where I have to purchase a rebuilt motor and pay for the repairs. I can request all records from the automotive shop if needed.
I had just purchased a car but a month ago I was driving to lunch and I was at a stop sign when the light turned green I started to go the car started shaking and smoke was coming out of the front under the hood I had just an oil change so I took it back to the oil change shop. They could not figure out why the engine blew and I had to take it to a different BMW shop where I have to purchase a rebuilt motor and pay for the repairs. I can request all records from the automotive shop if needed.
Safety Rating for the 2012 BMW 528I
The 2012 BMW 528I received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 BMW 528I
BMW of North America, LLC has issued 12 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 BMW 528I. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
B065725 — STRUCTURE:BODY
Right Engine Hood Hinge Return
112314 — ENGINE
SI B11 23 14February 2015 EngineTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 11 23 14 dated January 2015. PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS. designates changes to...
112314 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SI B11 23 14February 2015 EngineTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 11 23 14 dated January 2015. PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS. designates changes to...
112314 — EQUIPMENT
SI B11 23 14February 2015 EngineTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 11 23 14 dated January 2015. PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS. designates changes to...
123514 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 35 14 dated December 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT N20, N26 Service Engine Soon Light On: Fault Code 1B9702 is Stored. The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) is on with only the following fault stored in the DME: z 1B9702: Engine...
110713 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The test plan will help identify the actual oil level, and advise the amount that will need to be added to correctly fill the engine when topping up. When performing the scheduled oil service and filling the engine with the amount specified, the applicable ISTA/D repair instruction does not require...
120414 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
MTurbocharger Coolant Pump: Fault Code 20A503. "Drive Faulty" message is displayed in the Check Control. Fault code 20A503 "Turbocharger coolant pump, self diagnosis: Signal implausible" is stored in the DME. Unfavorable DME software application
840713 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
"""Message"" Option Is Missing After Programming. Messages can be sent to the vehicle and are received as indicated by the envelope icon displayed in the CID. However, the menu option ""Message,"" used to retrieve or access messages, is no longer available in the iDrive menu. CAUSE Software error with ISTA/P...
650813 — VISIBILITY
Bang & Olufsen Sound System: Loudspeaker Illumination. INFORMATION Do not replace parts and do not perform a repair attempt! Explain to the customer that loudspeaker illumination can vary from model to model. For an overview of the illuminated loudspeakers, refer to the attachment. IMPORTANT: The current version of the Owner's...
650113 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Airbag Warning Lamp Illuminated; Shorted Wire in Front Seat Harness. The airbag warning lamp (AWL) is illuminated. One or more of the following faults will be stored in the ACSM (Advanced Crash Safety Module) as displayed in ISTA: 930979: Side airbag, driver: short-circuit to negative 930955: CAK, driver: short-circuit to...
Showing 10 of 12 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 BMW 528I
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the BMW 528I
- 2007 BMW 528I — 1 complaint
- 2008 BMW 528I — 181 complaints
- 2009 BMW 528I — 33 complaints
- 2010 BMW 528I — 87 complaints
- 2011 BMW 528I — 164 complaints
- 2012 BMW 528I (current)
- 2013 BMW 528I — 119 complaints
- 2014 BMW 528I — 89 complaints
- 2015 BMW 528I — 101 complaints
- 2016 BMW 528I — 102 complaints