repaired · 2019 Q3
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
Risk. An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
2009 BMW 528iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 23 owner complaints about the 2009 BMW 528i, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-683 the manufacturer reports only 52% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 27, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 BMW 528i has problems
23 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Engine1 crash/fire/injury
5Engine and engine cooling
5Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
4Fuel/propulsion system
2Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
1Air bags
1Wheels
1Exterior lighting
1Seat belts
33 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 1 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2009 BMW 528i recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Exterior lighting: tail lights
Risk. Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other 528i year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 528i median. How we score
'97'98'99'00'01'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 528i owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact stated while turning on the heater, there was a bad odor coming from the heater. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The…
I took the 2009 BMW 528i to Bridgeport BMW to have a prior safety recall (17V-673/19V-273) repaired but, it wasn't fixed and my car caught on fire last year before I got another recall letter stating that there's no remedy for the Recall Campaign No. 22V-119: PCV Valve Heater.
FOUND RECALL INFO ONLINE. TOLD RECALL NOTICE WOULD BE SENT IN DECEMBER. NO NOTICE AS OF YET! DON'T WANT TO DIE BECAUSE OF BMW'S NEGLIGENCE!
Own a 2009 528i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.