BMW 528i years to avoid
The BMW 528i years to avoid are 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2014 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2007 is the cleanest year on record.
1,239
Total complaints
14
Recall campaigns
1979–2016
Years covered
7
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
528i years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | High complaint rate | 181 | |
| 2011 | High complaint rate | 164 | |
| 2012 | High complaint rate | 145 | |
| 2013 | High complaint rate | 119 | |
| 2015 | High complaints + open investigation | 106 | |
| 2016 | High complaints + open investigation | 105 | |
| 2014 | High complaints + open investigation | 92 |
Every 528i year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016avoid | 105 | 4 | |
| 2015avoid | 106 | 1 | |
| 2014avoid | 92 | 3 | |
| 2013avoid | 119 | 4 | |
| 2012avoid | 145 | 4 | |
| 2011avoid | 164 | 4 | |
| 2010 | 87 | 2 | |
| 2009 | 33 | 2 | |
| 2008avoid | 181 | 2 | |
| 2007 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2001 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2000 | 53 | 1 | |
| 1999 | 59 | 0 | |
| 1998 | 39 | 0 | |
| 1997 | 49 | 0 | |
| 1980 | 2 | 0 | |
| 1979 | 1 | 0 |
Common questions
What are the worst BMW 528i years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the 528i years to avoid are 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2014. The cleanest year on record is 2007.
What is the best year for the BMW 528i?
By complaint volume, 2007 has the cleanest NHTSA record among 528i years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the BMW 528i have?
Across all model years, the 528i has 14 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,239 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.