Every 2012 BMW 528I recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 24V608000
Aug 13, 2024Engine and Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Pump
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 24V608000 →Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 16V746000
Oct 17, 2016Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 16V746000 →Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA 14V627000
Jul 10, 2014Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum:Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 14V627000 →Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA 13V454000
Sep 26, 2013Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 13V454000 →
2012 BMW 528I complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 90 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW 528I, reporting 3 fires, 3 injuries. BMW has issued at least 372 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Engine43
- Fuel/Propulsion System26
- Power Train20
- Electrical System12
- Unknown Or Other12
- Engine and Engine Cooling5
Service bulletins by component
- Equipment (120)
- Electrical System (94)
- Engine (63)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (48)
- Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (32)
- Fuel System, Gasoline (31)
Read BMW 528I owner complaints and bulletins, every year
NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2012 BMW 528I
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in one investigation. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.
What people reported
Owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW 528I. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
Fire
“While driving error message came up on screen saying add a quart of oil, car was smoking and engine block caught fire.”
2012 BMW 528INov 8, 2024
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11624225
Fire
“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”
2012 BMW 528IJul 14, 2022
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11473963
Injury reported
“AT 2:30AM ON 4/29/17 SATURDAY MORNING, WE HEARD A LOUD BANG WHILE DRIVING 70MPH ON THE INTERSTATE...TURNS OUT THAT THE SUNROOF EXPLODED OUT OF NO WHERE...GLASS WAS ALL OVER US...VERY SCARY SITUATION.”
2012 BMW 528IMay 1, 2017
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 10981742
Injury reported
“THIS 2012 BMW 528, WHILE STANDING STILL ON A CITY STREET, WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND ON THE LEFT REAR CORNER AND THE ACTIVE HEADREST RESTRAINT SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED STRIKING THE DRIVER IN THE HEAD AND CAUSING A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.”
2012 BMW 528IFeb 17, 2016
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 10836786
“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?”
2012 BMW 528ISep 21, 2026 · NC
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11765874
Check your 528I by VIN
Not every 2012 BMW 528I is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any BMW dealer.
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