repaired · 2026 Q3
Wiring: connectors/plugs/receptacles
Risk. An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
2012 BMW 528iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 90 owner complaints about the 2012 BMW 528i, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-608 the manufacturer reports only 40% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 21, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 BMW 528i has problems
90 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
43Engine3 crash/fire/injury
26Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
20Power train2 crash/fire/injury
12Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
5Engine and engine cooling
4Fuel system, gasoline
3Air bags
3Service brakes
3Steering
158 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 43 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 26 | 1 |
| Power train | 20 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 12 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 4 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 15 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2012 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 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak.
repaired · 2016 Q1
Power assist: vacuum
Risk. A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2015 Q2
Power assist: vacuum
Risk. A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase 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.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
80kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 29 engine complaints. 76% were reported before 100,000 miles.
3under 30k miles22under 100k miles7100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2012 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
NHTSA crash tests
2012 BMW 528i safety ratings
2012 BMW 528 I 4 DR RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 BMW 528i, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of power assist brakingLed to recall 13V-454
In owners' words
What 528i owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
car engine timing chain guides are faulty and there have been lawsuits that were settled and no recall on the actual part with drivers still having issues with the N20 engine now getting quotes for over $15,000. is this not an incident where it’s not the fault of a driver but manufacturing? This…
I had just purchased a car but a month ago I was driving to lunch and I was at a stop sign when the light turned green I started to go the car started shaking and smoke was coming out of the front under the hood I had just an oil change so I took it back to the oil change shop. They could not…
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528I. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle failed to start. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent…
Own a 2012 528i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.