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2012 BMW 528I

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2012 BMW 528I do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 46.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

63 reports with mileage · 26 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports3 fire reports2 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

26 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

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 figure out why the engine blew and I…

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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 figure out why the engine blew and I had to take it to a different BMW shop where I have to purchase a rebuilt motor and pay for the repairs. I can request all records from the automotive shop if needed.

NHTSA ODI #11655338

Mileage unknown · May 13, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

N20 引擎 汽油泵浦故障

NHTSA ODI #11588383

Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire

Car engine caught on fire while driving today and stopped. No smoke or other issues prior. Worried this is related to the recall issued by BMW recently, however my car is not covered under the recall yet. The car is currently located in Vancouver Canada. It was purchased in Tulsa, OK

NHTSA ODI #11473963

120,000 miles · Oct 27, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion System

THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, WHILE IN MOTION, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AFTER ACCELERATING. THE CAR GAVE AN ERROR CODE OF DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION. MY CAR LOST POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY CITY STREET, AND IT COULD HAVE EASILY LED TO A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. POSSIBLY RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 BUT MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED …

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THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, WHILE IN MOTION, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AFTER ACCELERATING. THE CAR GAVE AN ERROR CODE OF DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION. MY CAR LOST POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY CITY STREET, AND IT COULD HAVE EASILY LED TO A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. POSSIBLY RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 BUT MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11366619

107,000 miles · Aug 10, 2020
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND I ACCELERATED A LIL BIT FASTER TO BEAT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THEN MY CAR LOSS POWER AND STALLED OUT AND I GOT STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BRIDGE AND I WAS CAUSING TRAFFIC THE POWER TRAIN MALFUNCTION AND THE FUEL SUPPLY LIGHT CAM ON AND THE CHARGE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON I TRY STARTING IT BUT IT WOULDN…

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I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND I ACCELERATED A LIL BIT FASTER TO BEAT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THEN MY CAR LOSS POWER AND STALLED OUT AND I GOT STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BRIDGE AND I WAS CAUSING TRAFFIC THE POWER TRAIN MALFUNCTION AND THE FUEL SUPPLY LIGHT CAM ON AND THE CHARGE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON I TRY STARTING IT BUT IT WOULDN'T START AND THE FUEL SUPPLY LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND SOME WIRING PROBLEM WAS GOING ON WHEN TRYING TO START IT MY TV SCREEN WOULD TURN ORANGE AND THE SPEEDOMETER WHERE THE MPH/GAS/TEMPERATURE/AND RPM WOULD TWITCH LIKE SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM

NHTSA ODI #11348491

122,600 miles · May 29, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING AND SHUT DOWN ON ME MID FREEWAY! I STEPPED ON GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING! IT TURNED OFF ON ME AND WOULDN'T TURN ON! NOW IT TURNS BUT GAS WON'T WORK! I BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS PUMP OF SOMETHING REGARDING GAS FUEL! I HAD TO CALL MY CAR INSURANCE TO TOW MY …

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I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING AND SHUT DOWN ON ME MID FREEWAY! I STEPPED ON GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING! IT TURNED OFF ON ME AND WOULDN'T TURN ON! NOW IT TURNS BUT GAS WON'T WORK! I BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS PUMP OF SOMETHING REGARDING GAS FUEL! I HAD TO CALL MY CAR INSURANCE TO TOW MY CAR WHEN I BECAME STRANDED ON THE FREEWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11326433

Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System

I WAS MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY FROM ANOTHER HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF SUDDEN THE CAR DECELERATED OUT IF NOWHERE AND A ERROR MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON MY DASHBOARD FUEL SYSTEM ERROR/ DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION ENGINE SPEED WILL BE REDUCED. THE CAR ACTED AS THOUGH I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO POWER AS I COASTED TO A SAFE PLACE OFF THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11319293

134,417 miles · Mar 9, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System

MY VEHICLE JUST KILLED AS I WAS DRIVING IT. I GOT AN FUEL SYSTEM ERROR CODE AS WELL AS A DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION ERROR WHEN ACCELERATING. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2012 528I FUEL PUMP THAT WAS DEEMED TO BE THE CULPRIT OF THIS PROBLEM, BMW IS SAYING MY CAR WASN'T A PART OF THE RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11316953

Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System

WAS DRIVING DOING 30 MPH ON A NO TRAFFIC CITY STREET..AND THE CAR STARTED SHAKING THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. PUT THE SCANNER AND CODE P0087 IS WHAT IT READ

NHTSA ODI #11310759

83,000 miles · Dec 31, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion System

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE 95 HIGHWAY MY CAR SHOWED A FUEL SUPPLY ERROR THEN POWERED DOWN AND STOPED AND WOULDN'T RESTART. I HAD IT TOWED TO A HOTEL AND THE FOLLOWING MORNING IT STARTED WHILE THE TOW TRUCK LOADED IT TO TAKE TO THE DEALER. I HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS AT THE TIME. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED WITH MY KIDS. TOWED IT TO BMW …

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WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE 95 HIGHWAY MY CAR SHOWED A FUEL SUPPLY ERROR THEN POWERED DOWN AND STOPED AND WOULDN'T RESTART. I HAD IT TOWED TO A HOTEL AND THE FOLLOWING MORNING IT STARTED WHILE THE TOW TRUCK LOADED IT TO TAKE TO THE DEALER. I HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS AT THE TIME. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED WITH MY KIDS. TOWED IT TO BMW AND ALL THEY TOLD ME WAS TO REPLACE MY BATTERY EVEN THOUGH I HAD A PERFECTLY GOOD BATTERY AND THE AND EVERYTHING REQUIRING A BATTERY WORKED LIKE RADIO, LIGHTS ETC. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY FROM THEM AND THE TECH DROVE THE CAR FOR 30 MILES. WITHIN 2 HOURS AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP MY CAR DID THE SAME THING WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY AND SLOWING DOWN AT A STOP LIGHT. A DIAGRAM FLASHES ON THE CONSOLE AND THEN A MESSAGE ABOUT THE FUEL SUPPLY. I WAS ASSISTED BY CALLING 911 TO GET MY KIDS AND I TO SAFETY AND MY CAR OUT THE WAY. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FUEL MODULE OR PUMP FOR MY YEAR AND MAKE BUT BMW CLAIMS MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THIS IS DANGEROUS, PEOPLE CAN GET KILLED IF THE CARS ARE STALLING WHILE IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI #11292369

Official recalls

4

24V608000 · Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:pump

Aug 13, 2024

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:pump

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

16V746000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Oct 17, 2016

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

14V627000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Oct 7, 2014

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

13V454000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Sep 26, 2013

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE13030 · Loss Of Power Assist Braking

Opened Sep 6, 2013 · Closed Oct 25, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (NHTSA Recall 13V-454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft may result in blocking of the oil supply to the vacuum pump, resulting in improper pump operation and loss of power assist braking.On July 11, 2013, BMW initiated a change to the camshaft geometry that prevented the seal disk from blocking the oil port.BMW has not received any braking complaints related to loss of power assist after the design change was implemented in production.The owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer who will install a locking ring into the camshaft to keep the seal disk in its proper location.BMW expects to begin dealer and owner notification in November 2013 and complete dealer and owner notification in December when the remedy is expected to be available.Based on the actions taken by BMW, this investigation is closed.