Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
60–25K
625–50K
1950–75K
1775–100K
12100–150K
3150K+
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
What owners actually said
89 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2021
Air BagsUnknown Or Other
I had been having problems with my seatbelt alarm coming on for a while with nothing in the seat of the passenger and then as I was trying to turn in to park I heard a click from my steering wheel as if it didn’t want to turn and the driver seat restraint malfunction error popped up . Now my horn will not work as well . I’m told…
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I had been having problems with my seatbelt alarm coming on for a while with nothing in the seat of the passenger and then as I was trying to turn in to park I heard a click from my steering wheel as if it didn’t want to turn and the driver seat restraint malfunction error popped up . Now my horn will not work as well . I’m told that the dealership is the only place it can be repaired. I’m worried that it will deploy on me while driving . I’m sure this is an issue others have experienced as well .
NHTSA ODI #11441192
90,000 miles · Sep 27, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528i. The contact stated while at a standstill the vehicle stalled randomly. The contact stated that drive train failure warning message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was awaiting diagnostic testing. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Numb…
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The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528i. The contact stated while at a standstill the vehicle stalled randomly. The contact stated that drive train failure warning message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was awaiting diagnostic testing. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V627000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA ODI #11434597
101,686 miles · Feb 1, 2021
Service Brakes
EARLY 528I, F10 MODELS HAVE FACTORY SOFTWARE GLITCH THAT IMPROPERLY SET FRONT BRAKE MILEAGE TO AN ERRONEOUS 3100 MILES WHEN RESET AFTER FRONT BRAKE REPLACEMENT. BMW DOES NOT TAKE OWNERSHIP OF SOFTWARE ISSUE AND PLACES SOFTWARE UPGRADE COST ON CUSTOMER THROUGH DEALERSHIP. ISSUE DOES NOT ARISE UNTIL AFTER WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. CUS…
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EARLY 528I, F10 MODELS HAVE FACTORY SOFTWARE GLITCH THAT IMPROPERLY SET FRONT BRAKE MILEAGE TO AN ERRONEOUS 3100 MILES WHEN RESET AFTER FRONT BRAKE REPLACEMENT. BMW DOES NOT TAKE OWNERSHIP OF SOFTWARE ISSUE AND PLACES SOFTWARE UPGRADE COST ON CUSTOMER THROUGH DEALERSHIP. ISSUE DOES NOT ARISE UNTIL AFTER WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. CUSTOMERS THAT REFUSE TO PAY FOR COST OF BMW SOFTWARE MALFUNCTION CONTINUOUSLY HIT THE RESET OPTION FOR FRONT BRAKES WHICH CONSISTENTLY RESET TO AN ERRONEOUS MILEAGE OF 3100 MILES. THIS CONTINUOUS ERRONEOUS RESET APPROACH DOES NOT ALLOW FOR PROPER BRAKE WEAR ASSESSMENT BASED ON MILEAGE AND LEADS TO LOSS OF AWARENESS ON FRONT BRAKE PADS REPLACEMENT WHICH CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS DUE TO LOSS OF FRONT BRAKES. MY WIFE KEPT HITTING THE RESET OPTION TO REMOVE THE ERRONEOUS ALARM SO OFTEN THAT SHE ACTUALLY WAS DRIVING WITH EXTREMELY LOW PADS AND ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND BMW SHOULD COVER FACTORY SOFTWARE UPGRADE SINCE CUSTOMERS DO NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO ALTER OR UPGRADE SOFTWARE ON THE VEHICLES.
NHTSA ODI #11391116
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.
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
1 miles · Aug 7, 2020
Engine
I WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN I HEARD LIKE A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR, AS SOON AS I HEARD THE NOISE MY CAR LOST ALL ITS POWER, ABOUT 2 MINUTES AFTER I NOTICED MY CAR WAS LEAVING A CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST.
NHTSA ODI #11343967
Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2020
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE FUEL SUPPLY ERROR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE FUEL SUPPLY ERROR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11338348
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2012 BMW 528I Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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