2012 BMW 528I problems
Owners have filed 145 complaints about the 2012 BMW 528I with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 29% of them — the clear leader, ahead of fuel/propulsion system at 17.9%.
Complaints145
Crashes0
Fires8
Injuries4
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine 29.0% · 42
Fuel/propulsion system 17.9% · 26
Power train 13.8% · 20
Electrical system 8.3% · 12
Unknown or other 8.3% · 12
Engine and engine cooling 3.4% · 5
Fuel system, gasoline 2.8% · 4
Service brakes 2.1% · 3
Severity
Of those complaints, 8 describe a fire and 4 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the BMW 528I in this data, 2012 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2008 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 26 in the last three years against 37 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 68,750 miles.
In owners' own words
I was driving on the freeway and my car suddenly stopped running and shut down on me mid freeway! I stepped on gas pedal and nothing! It turned off on me and wouldn't turn on! Now it turns but gas won't work! I believe there is a problem with the gas pump of something regarding gas fuel! I had to call my car insurance to tow my car when I became stranded on the freeway. Engine · reported at 122,600 miles
Was driving down the street and car stopped. Dealer said I needed a new engine on a 3 yr old car. Engine covered under warranty.A few years later the drive shaft failed as I was driving. Believe it was related to removing engine and not securing all parts. How could this happen to a 5 yr old car? Dealer nor BMW usa would not cover the 2800 costs. Engine · reported at 100,000 miles
The vehicle lost power, while in motion, in the middle of the road after accelerating. The car gave an error code of drivetrain malfunction. My car lost power in the middle of a busy city street, and it could have easily led to a terrible accident. Possibly related to nhtsa campaign number: 16v746000 but my car was not included in the recall. Engine · reported at 120,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…