U.S. public vehicle records

2012 Bmw 528XI: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

54 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

75,800 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2012 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 36 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 29 of 54 complaints (53.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Engine operation	5	9.3%
Electrical and battery issues	3	5.6%
Fuel system concerns	3	5.6%
Braking behavior	2	3.7%
Steering behavior	1	1.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine

Power Train

Fuel/Propulsion System

Electrical System

Unknown Or Other

Engine And Engine Cooling

Exterior Lighting

Air Bags

Engine: 29; Power Train: 17; Fuel/Propulsion System: 8; Electrical System: 5; Unknown Or Other: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling: 4; Exterior Lighting: 4; Air Bags: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 12; 75,000 to 99,999: 9; 100,000 to 149,999: 8; 150,000 and above: 2

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (12). 18 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2016: 2; 2017: 6; 2018: 3; 2019: 6; 2020: 12; 2021: 5; 2022: 5; 2023: 4; 2024: 4; 2025: 3; 2026: 4

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 5 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10822566 · 2016-01-27 (January 27, 2016)

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 OV…

Owner-reported narrative. 54,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10822566 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10907337 · 2016-09-17 (September 17, 2016)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10907337 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10991865 · 2017-05-26 (May 26, 2017)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. 49,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10991865 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10995208 · 2017-06-14 (June 14, 2017)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACTED CALLED THE DEALER (BMW GALLERY OF NORWOOD LOCATED AT 918 PROVIDENCE HWY NORWOOD, MA 02082 [phone removed]) AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 77,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10995208 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11004340 · 2017-07-11 (July 11, 2017)

TIMING CHAIN IS LOOSE PER THE DEALER. THE CAR ONLY HAS 59,000 MILES. THE CAR HAS NOT STOPPED BUT IF THE CHAIN BREAKS IT WILL STOP WHEREVER IT HAPPENS. I COULD BE DRIVING ON A BUSY INTERSTATE AND THE CAR WILL STOP. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE.

Owner-reported narrative. 59,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11004340 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11022749 · 2017-09-11 (September 11, 2017)

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 WARRANT…

Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11022749 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11034017 · 2017-10-17 (October 17, 2017)

TURBO CHARGER SYSTEM IS AFFECTED DUE TO THE ENGINE OIL FILTER HOUSING FAILING WHICH CAUSED OIL TO TRANSFER THROUGH OUT THE TURBO SYSTEM INTO THE COOLANT RESERVOIR RESULTING IN BLACK SLUDGE THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO STALL AND NOT RUN AND HAVE TO BE TOWED. EVERY SINCE THIS RECALL ISSUE MY CAR GIVES THE DRIVE-TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING WHICH WHEN DIAGNOSED INDICATES LOW TURBO BOOST PRESSURE WHICH I'M CERTAIN HAS TO DO WITH THE BLACK SLUDGE THAT RAN THROUGH THE TURBO SYSTEM AND COOLANT SYSTEM BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE OIL FILTER HOUSING FAILING. A SOFTWARE…

Owner-reported narrative. 89,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11034017 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11042617 · 2017-11-02 (November 2, 2017)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOLTS PREMATURELY FRACTURED OR LOOSENED FOR THE CAM SHAFT AND TIMING CHAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AT HERRIN-GEAR BMW OF JACKSON (1685 HIGH ST, JACKSON, MS 39202, [phone removed]). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER SERVICE CAMPAIGN AND THERE WAS NO MANUFACTURER RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 72,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11042617 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

54 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

66.7%Usable mileage36 / 54 records

100.0%Valid incident date54 / 54 records

100.0%Valid filing date54 / 54 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates54 / 54 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2008	2009	2010	2012	2013	2014
Engine	826.7% ODI 10498249 · 120,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 528 XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A TRAFFIC STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE CAM SENSORS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE CAM SENSORS. APPROXIMATELY THREE MOTHS AFTER THE REPAIR THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. THE … Look up ODI 10498249 at NHTSA ↗	466.7% ODI 11032128 · 220,840 mi MY CAR IS SHUTTING OFF WHILE DOING 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. Look up ODI 11032128 at NHTSA ↗	220.0% ODI 11062681 · 79,883 mi ON 11/17/17 I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM MY WIFE WHO HAD A HORRIFYING EXPERIENCE DRIVING OUR BMW. SHE WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY 3 LANE HIGHWAY WHEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE ECCENTRIC SHAFT SENSOR FAILED CREATING A VERY LOUD SCARY SHRILL NOISE, NOT UNLIKE A SIREN. AT THE SAME TIME THE ENGINE RPM BEGAN SURGING CAUSING THE BRAKES TO LOSE THEIR EFFECTIVENESS GIVING A FEELING FOR THE DRIVER OF LACK OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FEAR OF HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. I SPEAK WITH EXPERIENCE BECAUSE I MET MY WIFE AT A SHOPPING CENTER AND SWITCHED CARS WITH … Look up ODI 11062681 at NHTSA ↗	2953.7% ODI 10995208 · 77,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACTED CALLED THE DEALER (BMW GALLERY OF NORWOOD LOCATED AT 918 PROVIDENCE HWY NORWOOD, MA 02082 [phone removed]) AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. Look up ODI 10995208 at NHTSA ↗	3257.1% ODI 11058346 · 90,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 528XI. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND LOST POWER COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO UNION PARK BMW IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL PUMP FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE FAILURE, BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. Look up ODI 11058346 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	13.3% ODI 11162169 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 528XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AT ANY RATE OF SPEED WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER (BMW OF TOWSON, 700 KENILWORTH DR, TOWSON, MD 21204, [phone removed]) WAS NOTIFIED, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED EXCESSIVE SMOKE ENTERING THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS AND THICK, WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE … Look up ODI 11162169 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 10659443 · 77,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 528XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10-20 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. WHEN THE CONTACT TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. AS A RESULT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. Look up ODI 10659443 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1731.5% ODI 10822566 · 54,000 mi 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 OV… Look up ODI 10822566 at NHTSA ↗	1526.8% ODI 10984870 · 98,000 mi DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION: DRIVE MODERATELY ERROR, CAR LOST POWER AS DRIVING AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE. I HAD TO HAVE FLATBED TOW TRUCK COME AND GET VEHICLE AND TAKE TO DEALERSHIP, THIS PARTICULAR ERROR IS WIDELY REFERENCED BY BMW OWNERS FOR THIS MODEL YEAR, COULD HAVE CAUSED MAJOR ACCIDENT HAD I BEEN PULLING INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC, COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW, HAD 50K MI INSPECTION AND CURRENTLY HAS 98K MILES ON IT. Look up ODI 10984870 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	1136.7% ODI 10498530 · 67,900 mi LEFT TURN SIGNAL, BRAKE LIGHT & BACKUP LIGHT STOPPED WORKING. UPON INSPECTION, FOUND THAT THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE LEFT LIGHTING ASSEMBLY WAS DISCOLORED AND SLIGHTLY DISTORTED AT THE GROUND CONDUCTOR. AROUND HALF OF THE GROUND CONDUCTOR ON THE MATING PLUG OF THE LIGHTING ASSEMBLY HAD DETERIORATED AWAY. *TR Look up ODI 10498530 at NHTSA ↗	233.3% ODI 10536031 · 32,000 mi I RECEIVED A MESSAGE THAT THE RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT AND SIGNAL LIGHT WERE MALFUNCTIONING. DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE INFLATED PRICE OF $550 TO CORRECT ON A 4 YEAR OLD CAR WITH ONLY 32000, WHEN I RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET THIS SEEMS TO BE A CONSTANT ISSUE WITH 2008 AND 2009 5 SERIES BMWS. 100S IF NOT MORE OF THIS PROBLEM ARE ON INTERNET AND THE COMPLAINTS ALONG WITH THE COST BMW IS CHARGING TO FIX. *TR Look up ODI 10536031 at NHTSA ↗	220.0% ODI 11003663 · 88,000 mi I DROVE ACROSS TOWN TO MY PARENTS HOUSE AND WHEN I GOT THERE I TURNED THE CAR COMPLETELY OFF AND LOCKED IT. I VISITED WITH THEM FOR ROUGHLY 30 MINUTES BEFORE I HAD TO LEAVE AGAIN. I WAS APPROACHING MY CAR AND CLICKED THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON MY KEY FOB. ONCE THE CAR UNLOCKED I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I UNLOCKED TO HOOD TO RELEASE PRESSURE AND QUICKLY RAN TO GRAB A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. WHEN I CAME BACK TO THE CAR WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER I NOTICED FLAMES SHOOTING OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR. I PUT THOSE FLAMES OUT BUT AFTER TWO MINUTES MY … Look up ODI 11003663 at NHTSA ↗	59.3% ODI 11022749 · 30,000 mi 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 WARRANT… Look up ODI 11022749 at NHTSA ↗	1221.4% ODI 11171545 · 42,800 mi DOORS ARE GETTING LOCKDOWN SPORADICALLY EVEN AFTER YOUR CAR IS AT COMPLETE STOP AND PARKED, UNLESS YOU PRESS THE CENTRAL UNLOCK SWITCH IN THE PANEL YOU ARE LOCKED DOWN IN THE CAR, IT TOOK 15MINS FOR ME TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO UNLOCK THE DOORS AND COME OUT. IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY SITUATION THEN I WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD BY NOW. THERE ARE 1000S OF PEOPLE POSTED ONLINE WITH THIS PROBLEM, I AM SURPRISED THERE IS NO RECALL FROM BMW ON THIS. I THOUGHT IT IS BEST TO REPORT FIRST IN NHTSA FIRST, HERE I AM I AM GIVING ADDITIONAL DETAILS WITH EXACT SAME PROBL… Look up ODI 11171545 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	723.3% ODI 10498530 · 67,900 mi LEFT TURN SIGNAL, BRAKE LIGHT & BACKUP LIGHT STOPPED WORKING. UPON INSPECTION, FOUND THAT THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE LEFT LIGHTING ASSEMBLY WAS DISCOLORED AND SLIGHTLY DISTORTED AT THE GROUND CONDUCTOR. AROUND HALF OF THE GROUND CONDUCTOR ON THE MATING PLUG OF THE LIGHTING ASSEMBLY HAD DETERIORATED AWAY. *TR Look up ODI 10498530 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 10536031 · 32,000 mi I RECEIVED A MESSAGE THAT THE RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT AND SIGNAL LIGHT WERE MALFUNCTIONING. DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE INFLATED PRICE OF $550 TO CORRECT ON A 4 YEAR OLD CAR WITH ONLY 32000, WHEN I RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET THIS SEEMS TO BE A CONSTANT ISSUE WITH 2008 AND 2009 5 SERIES BMWS. 100S IF NOT MORE OF THIS PROBLEM ARE ON INTERNET AND THE COMPLAINTS ALONG WITH THE COST BMW IS CHARGING TO FIX. *TR Look up ODI 10536031 at NHTSA ↗	220.0% ODI 10551772 · 56,000 mi APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO MY ENTIRE SET OF RIGHT REAR LIGHTS WENT OUT ON MY CAR. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I TOOK TO AAA AND THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG BUT GOT LIGHTS WORKING, THEY THOUGHT JUST LOOSE WIRES. A WEEK OR SO AGO STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. TOOK BACK TO AAA AND THEY SAID IT HAD TO BE THE WHOLE BOARD FOR LIGHTS AND TO TAKE TO DEALER. I THEN READ ONLINE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY YEAR/MODEL OF CAR FOR REAR TAIL LIGHTS. NOW MY LEFT TAILLIGHT IS ENTIRELY NOT WORKING. MY VIN… Look up ODI 10551772 at NHTSA ↗	47.4% ODI 11361300 · 64,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 11361300 at NHTSA ↗	58.9% ODI 11505518 Something isn’t right with how water travels to and gets into the Front Headlights of these cars weaking the seals and damaging the multiple modules of these headlights my front passenger headlight out of nowhere started forming condensation in the headlight which shorted almost every module in there it barely works now. I have a coworker with with same exact model and year as mines and he said he just had to have his replaced too. My repair guy says he replaces 2 a week on BMW’s at his shop. Something is defective either with the actual headl… Look up ODI 11505518 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling	310.0% ODI 11480751 The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528XI. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a burning odor coming from the engine, and blue smoke from the exhaustion pipe. Additionally, there was oil blowing out from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was un… Look up ODI 11480751 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	47.4% ODI 11654514 · 129,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 11654514 at NHTSA ↗	610.7% ODI 11609774 See attached document for complaint. Look up ODI 11609774 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	13.3% ODI 11055570 · 136,000 mi "TAKATA RECALL" MY EXPANSION TANK CRACKED, THEN IT BLEW UP. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH MY COOLING SYSTEM. MY FAN WOULD MAKE A LOUD NOISE EVERY TIME I STARTED THE VEHICLE. MY THERMOSTAT HOSE DETERIORATED AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS. IN ADDITION MY ELECTRICAL/BATTERY IS BAD AND MY CAR IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING SINCE 2 MONTHS AGO. PLEASE HELP! Look up ODI 11055570 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 11032128 · 220,840 mi MY CAR IS SHUTTING OFF WHILE DOING 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. Look up ODI 11032128 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	59.3% ODI 10907337 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. Look up ODI 10907337 at NHTSA ↗	610.7% ODI 11171545 · 42,800 mi DOORS ARE GETTING LOCKDOWN SPORADICALLY EVEN AFTER YOUR CAR IS AT COMPLETE STOP AND PARKED, UNLESS YOU PRESS THE CENTRAL UNLOCK SWITCH IN THE PANEL YOU ARE LOCKED DOWN IN THE CAR, IT TOOK 15MINS FOR ME TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO UNLOCK THE DOORS AND COME OUT. IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY SITUATION THEN I WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD BY NOW. THERE ARE 1000S OF PEOPLE POSTED ONLINE WITH THIS PROBLEM, I AM SURPRISED THERE IS NO RECALL FROM BMW ON THIS. I THOUGHT IT IS BEST TO REPORT FIRST IN NHTSA FIRST, HERE I AM I AM GIVING ADDITIONAL DETAILS WITH EXACT SAME PROBL… Look up ODI 11171545 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	413.3% ODI 10453796 · 73,067 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 528XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CRASH SAFETY MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IF NOT, THE AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH NOR WOULD THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT OPERATE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,067. Look up ODI 10453796 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	330.0% ODI 10611314 · 160,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 528XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND SAFETY BELT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT INDICATOR LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS EMPTY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000. Look up ODI 10611314 at NHTSA ↗	35.6% ODI 11113497 · 76,000 mi AIRBAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION PASSENGER SIDE INDICATOR COMES ON. STATING RESTRAINT HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND MIGHT NOT WORK. PASSENGER SEAT OF NOT REGISTERING PROPERLY. Look up ODI 11113497 at NHTSA ↗	23.6% ODI 11013830 · 30,000 mi MY CARE HAS 30000 MILES; WARRANTY EXPIRED IN NOV 2016. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAVE MAINTAINED THE CAR VERY WELL. I GOT A WARNING SIGN THAT READ 'PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION'. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HE SAID THE SZL (STEERING ANGLE SENSOR) AND THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT HAVE TO BE REPLACED. IN READING SEVERAL THREADS I THINK THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT THAT IS NOT ADDRESSED BY BMW. I AM UNCLEAR AS TO WHY A RESTRAINT SYSTEM ISSUE DOESN'T FALL UNDER SAFETY WHICH WOULD ALLOW FOR COVERAGE UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. Look up ODI 11013830 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	13.3% ODI 11467779 I have two BMW cars: BMW 528Xi 2008 [XXX] BMW 328Xi. 2007 [XXX] both are under active recall notice with no remedy available; I have contacted BMW USA for solutions: 1. repair the vehicles 2. offer loaner 3. buy back the vehicles they have refused all of the above my cars are a possible fire hazard when driven; kindly explore all options available if no remedy is available from the manufacturer; much obliged [XXX] Princeton, NJ INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). Look up ODI 11467779 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	814.8% ODI 10991865 · 49,500 mi 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. Look up ODI 10991865 at NHTSA ↗	23.6% ODI 11373270 · 80,400 mi ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF REST (30MINS-1HR) AND A COUPLE TIMES ON EXTENDED DRIVES(2+ HOURS) CAR STALLS OUT THE FIRST 6 TIMES CAME UP WITH POWER TRAIN AND FUEL MODULE CODES TOOK TO DEALER. DEALER REPLACED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND TIMING CHAIN ISSUE APPEARED FIX TILL IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN NO LONGER THROWING CODES Look up ODI 11373270 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Engine	70,000–99,500 mi	80,500 mi	20	ODI 10995208 · 77,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACTED CALLED THE DEALER (BMW GALLERY OF NORWOOD LOCATED AT 918 PROVIDENCE HWY NORWOOD, MA 02082 [phone removed]) AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. Look up ODI 10995208 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11004340 · 59,000 mi TIMING CHAIN IS LOOSE PER THE DEALER. THE CAR ONLY HAS 59,000 MILES. THE CAR HAS NOT STOPPED BUT IF THE CHAIN BREAKS IT WILL STOP WHEREVER IT HAPPENS. I COULD BE DRIVING ON A BUSY INTERSTATE AND THE CAR WILL STOP. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. Look up ODI 11004340 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11034017 · 89,000 mi TURBO CHARGER SYSTEM IS AFFECTED DUE TO THE ENGINE OIL FILTER HOUSING FAILING WHICH CAUSED OIL TO TRANSFER THROUGH OUT THE TURBO SYSTEM INTO THE COOLANT RESERVOIR RESULTING IN BLACK SLUDGE THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO STALL AND NOT RUN AND HAVE TO BE TOWED. EVERY SINCE THIS RECALL ISSUE MY CAR GIVES THE DRIVE-TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING WHICH WHEN DIAGNOSED INDICATES LOW TURBO BOOST PRESSURE WHICH I'M CERTAIN HAS TO DO WITH THE BLACK SLUDGE THAT RAN THROUGH THE TURBO SYSTEM AND COOLANT SYSTEM BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE OIL FILTER HOUSING FAILING. A SOFTWARE… Look up ODI 11034017 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	69,250–94,657 mi	79,800 mi	12	ODI 10822566 · 54,000 mi 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 OV… Look up ODI 10822566 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11034017 · 89,000 mi TURBO CHARGER SYSTEM IS AFFECTED DUE TO THE ENGINE OIL FILTER HOUSING FAILING WHICH CAUSED OIL TO TRANSFER THROUGH OUT THE TURBO SYSTEM INTO THE COOLANT RESERVOIR RESULTING IN BLACK SLUDGE THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO STALL AND NOT RUN AND HAVE TO BE TOWED. EVERY SINCE THIS RECALL ISSUE MY CAR GIVES THE DRIVE-TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING WHICH WHEN DIAGNOSED INDICATES LOW TURBO BOOST PRESSURE WHICH I'M CERTAIN HAS TO DO WITH THE BLACK SLUDGE THAT RAN THROUGH THE TURBO SYSTEM AND COOLANT SYSTEM BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE OIL FILTER HOUSING FAILING. A SOFTWARE… Look up ODI 11034017 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11258583 · 105,628 mi MY 2012 BMW 528 XDRIVE SUDDENLY GOT A WARNING LOW OIL PRESSURE FOLLOWS BY DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION, AND SLOWS DOWN-WENT ON NEUTRAL AND STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. ALL THAT HAPPENED WITHIN LESS THAN A MINUTE. I GOT IT TOWED TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE HAS BROKEN APART, TIMING CHAIN CAME OFF, JUMPED TIME, STARVED ENGINE FOR OIL & CONTAMINATED ENGINE AND WILL REQUIRE A WHOLE NEW ENGINE REPLACE WHICH WILL COST AROUND $13756.56 +LABOR+TAX MY TOTAL WAS $ 16456. I FOUND OUT I AM NOT ALONE AND … Look up ODI 11258583 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	71,250–100,500 mi	87,000 mi	6	ODI 10991865 · 49,500 mi 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. Look up ODI 10991865 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11102128 · 90,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 11102128 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11229338 · 104,000 mi 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.… Look up ODI 11229338 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	127,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 11022749 · 30,000 mi 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 WARRANT… Look up ODI 11022749 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11407066 · 127,000 mi 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. … Look up ODI 11407066 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11654514 · 129,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 11654514 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	30,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 11022749 · 30,000 mi 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 WARRANT… Look up ODI 11022749 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11113497 · 76,000 mi AIRBAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION PASSENGER SIDE INDICATOR COMES ON. STATING RESTRAINT HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND MIGHT NOT WORK. PASSENGER SEAT OF NOT REGISTERING PROPERLY. Look up ODI 11113497 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11388234 · 120 mi 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 HEADLIGHT… Look up ODI 11388234 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	Too few reports for a range	128,950 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 11654514 · 129,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 11654514 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11715380 · 155,000 mi 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 sinc… Look up ODI 11715380 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11745553 · 128,900 mi 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 dia… Look up ODI 11745553 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	64,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11361300 · 64,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 11361300 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	72,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 11113497 · 76,000 mi AIRBAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION PASSENGER SIDE INDICATOR COMES ON. STATING RESTRAINT HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND MIGHT NOT WORK. PASSENGER SEAT OF NOT REGISTERING PROPERLY. Look up ODI 11113497 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11405598 · 69,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 11405598 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	2	None	ODI 11629583 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. Look up ODI 11629583 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11630637 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 wh… Look up ODI 11630637 at NHTSA ↗
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	1	None	ODI 11645286 See attached document for complaint. Look up ODI 11645286 at NHTSA ↗
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	1	None	ODI 11654514 · 129,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 11654514 at NHTSA ↗
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	1	None	ODI 11678469 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. Look up ODI 11678469 at NHTSA ↗
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	1	None	ODI 11715380 · 155,000 mi 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 sinc… Look up ODI 11715380 at NHTSA ↗
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	1	None	ODI 11745553 · 128,900 mi 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 dia… Look up ODI 11745553 at NHTSA ↗
2026-07	1	None	ODI 11748598 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 s… Look up ODI 11748598 at NHTSA ↗
2026-08	1	None	ODI 11758059 · 119,000 mi 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 C… Look up ODI 11758059 at NHTSA ↗
2026-09 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2013: 0 complaints · 2014: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2013	0	0	0
2014	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2013	56	0	0
2014	1	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Engine	Power Train	Fuel/Propulsion System	Electrical System	Unknown Or Other	Engine And Engine Cooling	Exterior Lighting	Air Bags
Engine	—	12 ODI 11034017 · 89,000 mi TURBO CHARGER SYSTEM IS AFFECTED DUE TO THE ENGINE OIL FILTER HOUSING FAILING WHICH CAUSED OIL TO TRANSFER THROUGH OUT THE TURBO SYSTEM INTO THE COOLANT RESERVOIR RESULTING IN BLACK SLUDGE THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO STALL AND NOT RUN AND HAVE TO BE TOWED. EVERY SINCE THIS RECALL ISSUE MY CAR GIVES THE DRIVE-TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING WHICH WHEN DIAGNOSED INDICATES LOW TURBO BOOST PRESSURE WHICH I'M CERTAIN HAS TO DO WITH THE BLACK SLUDGE THAT RAN THROUGH THE TURBO SYSTEM AND COOLANT SYSTEM BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE OIL FILTER HOUSING FAILING. A SOFTWARE… Look up ODI 11034017 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11258583 · 105,628 mi MY 2012 BMW 528 XDRIVE SUDDENLY GOT A WARNING LOW OIL PRESSURE FOLLOWS BY DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION, AND SLOWS DOWN-WENT ON NEUTRAL AND STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. ALL THAT HAPPENED WITHIN LESS THAN A MINUTE. I GOT IT TOWED TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE HAS BROKEN APART, TIMING CHAIN CAME OFF, JUMPED TIME, STARVED ENGINE FOR OIL & CONTAMINATED ENGINE AND WILL REQUIRE A WHOLE NEW ENGINE REPLACE WHICH WILL COST AROUND $13756.56 +LABOR+TAX MY TOTAL WAS $ 16456. I FOUND OUT I AM NOT ALONE AND … Look up ODI 11258583 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11322939 · 70,000 mi I HAD ISSUES WITH MY CAR WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR CHECK, THEY MENTIONED MY TIMING CHAIN AND ENGINE HAS SOME ISSUES AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WITH AN ESTIMATE OF $14000 WHILE THE CAR LOAN I HAD ON IT WAS $12000. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AS WE ALREADY KNOW BMW 2012 MODELS HAVE ENGINE ISSUES. Look up ODI 11322939 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 11229338 · 104,000 mi 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.… Look up ODI 11229338 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11307662 · 120,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 11307662 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11330703 · 84,000 mi 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 CA… Look up ODI 11330703 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11407066 · 127,000 mi 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. … Look up ODI 11407066 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11748598 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 s… Look up ODI 11748598 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Power Train	12 ODI 11034017 · 89,000 mi TURBO CHARGER SYSTEM IS AFFECTED DUE TO THE ENGINE OIL FILTER HOUSING FAILING WHICH CAUSED OIL TO TRANSFER THROUGH OUT THE TURBO SYSTEM INTO THE COOLANT RESERVOIR RESULTING IN BLACK SLUDGE THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO STALL AND NOT RUN AND HAVE TO BE TOWED. EVERY SINCE THIS RECALL ISSUE MY CAR GIVES THE DRIVE-TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING WHICH WHEN DIAGNOSED INDICATES LOW TURBO BOOST PRESSURE WHICH I'M CERTAIN HAS TO DO WITH THE BLACK SLUDGE THAT RAN THROUGH THE TURBO SYSTEM AND COOLANT SYSTEM BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE OIL FILTER HOUSING FAILING. A SOFTWARE… Look up ODI 11034017 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11258583 · 105,628 mi MY 2012 BMW 528 XDRIVE SUDDENLY GOT A WARNING LOW OIL PRESSURE FOLLOWS BY DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION, AND SLOWS DOWN-WENT ON NEUTRAL AND STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. ALL THAT HAPPENED WITHIN LESS THAN A MINUTE. I GOT IT TOWED TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE HAS BROKEN APART, TIMING CHAIN CAME OFF, JUMPED TIME, STARVED ENGINE FOR OIL & CONTAMINATED ENGINE AND WILL REQUIRE A WHOLE NEW ENGINE REPLACE WHICH WILL COST AROUND $13756.56 +LABOR+TAX MY TOTAL WAS $ 16456. I FOUND OUT I AM NOT ALONE AND … Look up ODI 11258583 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11322939 · 70,000 mi I HAD ISSUES WITH MY CAR WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR CHECK, THEY MENTIONED MY TIMING CHAIN AND ENGINE HAS SOME ISSUES AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WITH AN ESTIMATE OF $14000 WHILE THE CAR LOAN I HAD ON IT WAS $12000. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AS WE ALREADY KNOW BMW 2012 MODELS HAVE ENGINE ISSUES. Look up ODI 11322939 at NHTSA ↗	—	4 ODI 11330703 · 84,000 mi 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 CA… Look up ODI 11330703 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11351466 · 67,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 11351466 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11433864 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. Look up ODI 11433864 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 11407066 · 127,000 mi 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. … Look up ODI 11407066 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11630637 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 wh… Look up ODI 11630637 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11654514 · 129,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 11654514 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 11654514 · 129,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 11654514 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	4 ODI 11229338 · 104,000 mi 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.… Look up ODI 11229338 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11307662 · 120,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 11307662 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11330703 · 84,000 mi 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 CA… Look up ODI 11330703 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 11330703 · 84,000 mi 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 CA… Look up ODI 11330703 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11351466 · 67,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 11351466 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11433864 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. Look up ODI 11433864 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	1 ODI 11407066 · 127,000 mi 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. … Look up ODI 11407066 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 11407066 · 127,000 mi 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. … Look up ODI 11407066 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11630637 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 wh… Look up ODI 11630637 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11654514 · 129,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 11654514 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	1 ODI 11022749 · 30,000 mi 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 WARRANT… Look up ODI 11022749 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11654514 · 129,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 11654514 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11570740 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. Look up ODI 11570740 at NHTSA ↗	0
Unknown Or Other	1 ODI 11748598 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 s… Look up ODI 11748598 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 11022749 · 30,000 mi 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 WARRANT… Look up ODI 11022749 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	1 ODI 11113497 · 76,000 mi AIRBAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION PASSENGER SIDE INDICATOR COMES ON. STATING RESTRAINT HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND MIGHT NOT WORK. PASSENGER SEAT OF NOT REGISTERING PROPERLY. Look up ODI 11113497 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	1 ODI 11654514 · 129,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 11654514 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 11654514 · 129,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 11654514 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0
Exterior Lighting	0	0	0	1 ODI 11570740 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. Look up ODI 11570740 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0
Air Bags	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 11113497 · 76,000 mi AIRBAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION PASSENGER SIDE INDICATOR COMES ON. STATING RESTRAINT HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND MIGHT NOT WORK. PASSENGER SEAT OF NOT REGISTERING PROPERLY. Look up ODI 11113497 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

3 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

7 mentions · 13.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 83,000 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10995208 · 77,000 mi

Look up ODI 10995208 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11034017 · 89,000 mi

Look up ODI 11034017 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11102128 · 90,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11102128 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

5 mentions · 9.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 146,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 11171488 · 98,000 mi

I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN THE VEHICLE POWERED OFF WITH A WARNING OF A DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART AND I WAS STRANDED IN 10 DEGREE TEMPERATURE FOR 2 HOURS WAITING FOR A TOW. I HAD NO WARNING LIGHT PRIOR AND AM NOW TOLD I NEED AN ENTIRE NEW ENGINE.

Look up ODI 11171488 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11330521 · 155,000 mi

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, [phone removed], AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILURE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER…

Look up ODI 11330521 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11469377 · 146,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11469377 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 104,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11229338 · 104,000 mi

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.…

Look up ODI 11229338 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule