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.
2011 BMW 528iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 118 owner complaints about the 2011 BMW 528i, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-746 the manufacturer reports only 52% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 15, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 BMW 528i has problems
118 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
34Engine1 crash/fire/injury
32Engine and engine cooling2 crash/fire/injury
25Power train
17Fuel/propulsion system
9Electrical system
7Fuel system, gasoline
6Vehicle speed control
6Steering
4Suspension
159 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 34 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 32 | 2 |
| Power train | 25 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 17 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 7 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 1 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 15 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2011 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 · 2018 Q1
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints…
repaired · 2018 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
43kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 20 engine complaints. 80% were reported before 100,000 miles.
5under 30k miles16under 100k miles4100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2011 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.
1. Vanos Bolts recall. NHTSA Recall 23V-707. Cause the car the have a rough idle, check engine light, car to stall, and cut off in traffic all with seconds. Dealership says it was not the Vanos Bolts that cause the shutdown, but it is the DME and ICM. 2. The safety of myself and my 15 year old…
I am filing a complaint regarding the recall work performed on my 2011 BMW 528i for the VANOS bolt safety recall. The recall notice stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive until repaired. I arranged towing to Jackie Cooper BMW in Edmond, Oklahoma because of this safety warning. The dealership…
Again I write about 2011 bmw 528i, the vanos bolts were recalled and when bmw was fixing them they showed a video, there was belt and metal pieces in the engine oil. Whoever had this car before me did fix the belt and other issues but they said they didn't take off the bottom of the engine pan for…
Own a 2011 528i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.