2012 BMW 528XI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Owner complaints
54 complaints2 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle came to a stop and the Automatic START/STOP feature activated; however, the engine failed to restart. The message "Drive Train Malfunction Error" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the…
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle came to a stop and the Automatic START/STOP feature activated; however, the engine failed to restart. The message "Drive Train Malfunction Error" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the timing chain had fractured, causing unknown parts to enter the engine. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
- Engine · Unknown or other
The vehicle suffered a sudden Drivetrain Malfunction and severe engine overheating while driving, resulting in a physically snapped camshaft and extensive iron shaving contamination in the oil pan (catastrophic engine failure).Ten months ago, an authorized dealership performed the official BMW…
The vehicle suffered a sudden Drivetrain Malfunction and severe engine overheating while driving, resulting in a physically snapped camshaft and extensive iron shaving contamination in the oil pan (catastrophic engine failure).Ten months ago, an authorized dealership performed the official BMW Water Pump Safety Recall (NHTSA Campaign 24V608000). The vehicle has an active history of drivetrain malfunction fault codes dating back to January 2024. The failure of the recall remedy to safely maintain the cooling loop directly caused severe thermal stress and lubrication breakdown, leading to the camshaft fracturing. Additionally, this engine was under the VANOS Bolt Safety Recall (NHTSA Campaign 23V707000), which covers loosening valvetrain bolts known to break camshafts.This is a direct consequential safety failure resulting from defective recall components, causing sudden engine failure while operating on a public roadway. Vehicle is currently held at Fields BMW awaiting corporate inspection.
- Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a misfire coming from the engine with the "Drivetrain Malfunction" message displayed. The contact later received a notification for an unknown recall, and a diagnostic test was performed however…
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a misfire coming from the engine with the "Drivetrain Malfunction" message displayed. The contact later received a notification for an unknown recall, and a diagnostic test was performed however, no failure was found for the drivetrain. The recall repair was performed. Recently, the contact stated that the vehicle would shut off soon after it was started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic was performed; the diagnostic test discovered that the camshaft sensor was fractured, and metal shavings were found in the oil pan. The vehicle was then diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 128,900
- Engine and engine cooling · Exterior lighting › Headlights
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), but the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check coolant level warning light illuminated.…
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), but the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check coolant level warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the recall repair was not yet available. However, the dealer installed a splash seal. The contact notified the manufacturer of the issue, and was referred to contact another dealer since parts for the recall repair were available. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where the remedy was available, and the contact was informed that the recall was already completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Most recently, there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and the vehicle vibrated while driving. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues, and the contact was referred to the local dealer. The contact stated that the dealer had committed fraud since the manufacturer paid for the recall to be completed. Prior to the failure, the contact had replaced the headlamp. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for maintenance, and afterwards, the vehicle was washed, and water entered the headlight and damaged the sensor. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
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.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Power train
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…
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.
- Tires
See attached document for complaint.
- Electrical system · Power train · Steering
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…
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
- Air bags
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.
- Air bags › Srs malfunction warning lamp/light
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
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.
- Exterior lighting
Issue with water penetration into adaptive headlights (sealed system) while driving lights can shut off and signals are disabled. Potential major safety issue.
- Engine
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.
- Engine
The engine seized after paying it off I was told the timing chain jumped and hit a valve
- Exterior lighting
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.
- Engine · Power train
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.
- Engine
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…
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).
- Engine
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.
- Power train › Driveline › Chain/belt
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.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
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…
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
- Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
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.
- Engine · Power train
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
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…
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.
- Air bags · Seats
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.
- Unknown or other
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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 10247567Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE
- 10245422Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicles equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.
- 10215025Shipping specific non-deployed vehicle safety devices to lighting resources, llc. This service Information bulletin provides information on shipping "specific" noin-deployed vehicle safety devices that are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) to Lighting resources, LLC
- 10215024The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
Every BMW 528XI model year
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