Worst 2011 BMW 528I Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Engine & Cooling
Transmission / Drivetrain
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 BMW 528I.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 33 | — | 1 | 57,559 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 31 | — | — | 108,647 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 25 | — | — | 50,564 mi | |
| Fuel System | 17 | — | — | 56,165 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | — | — | 38,000 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 7 | — | — | 40,345 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | — | — | 53,833 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | — | — | 38,548 mi | |
| Airbags | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Starter Assembly | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:Latch | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Trunk Lid | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 BMW 528I. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2011 BMW 528I
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,032,977 vehicles.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit. These SCUs have an acceleration sensor that may have been incorrectly programmed and, as a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash.
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Other BMW 528I Years
2011 BMW 528I — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2011 BMW 528I reliable?
What are common problems with the 2011 BMW 528I?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 BMW 528I?
How safe is the 2011 BMW 528I?
Does the 2011 BMW 528I have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2011 BMW 528I?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full BMW 528I reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2011 BMW 528I
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