VehicleVerdict

2009 BMW 528i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2009 BMW 528i is among the quieter years of the 528i on NHTSA's books: 33 complaints (44% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (39% of the total).

33

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other 528i years?

528i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted181 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 2 complaints1997: 49 complaints1998: 39 complaints1999: 59 complaints2000: 53 complaints2001: 3 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 181 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 87 complaints2011: 164 complaints2012: 145 complaints2013: 119 complaints2014: 92 complaints2015: 105 complaints2016: 103 complaints
528i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 528i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 BMW 528i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1339%
Electrical System412%
Fuel System412%
Other39%
Brakes26%
Tires & Wheels13%
Airbags13%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Lighting13%
Seat Belts13%
Speed Control13%
Body & Structure13%

Does the 2009 BMW 528i have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V683000EngineOctober 30, 2017 · 740,561 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

13V407000LightingSeptember 11, 2013 · 134,100 units

Defect

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).

Consequence

Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I took the 2009 BMW 528i to Bridgeport BMW to have a prior safety recall (17V-673/19V-273) repaired but, it wasn't fixed and my car caught on fire last year before I got another recall letter stating that there's no remedy for the Recall Campaign No. 22V-119: PCV Valve Heater. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 1, 2021 · fire

“THIS CAR DOES HAVE SYSTEMS ISSUES INVOLVING FUEL PRESSURE UNDER HWY SPEEDS AND DURING HARD ACCELERATION. THERE IS A ORANGE WARNING LIGHT THAT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY WHY THE CAR IS TRYING TO PULL VACUUME AND GET UP TO PROPER SPEEDS. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS BUT NOT ALL MODELS ARE INVOLVED. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 1, 2017

“HELLO, MY CAR FILLED UP WITH SMOKE ONE DAY. IT SMELT LIKE PLASTIC WAS BURNING I WAS PULLING UP TO MY DRIVE WAY AND WAS SUPER DIZZY THE WHOLE INSIDE WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE. I COULDN'T BREATH PROPERLY. I HAVE CALLED BMW DEALERSHIPS AND NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE THE PART FOR MY CAR, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 1, 2018

“THIS CAR DOES HAVE SYSTEMS ISSUES INVOLVING FUEL PRESSURE UNDER HWY SPEEDS AND DURING HARD ACCELERATION. THERE IS A ORANGE WARNING LIGHT THAT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY WHY THE CAR IS TRYING TO PULL VACUUME AND GET UP TO PROPER SPEEDS. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS BUT NOT ALL MODELS ARE INVOLVED. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 1, 2017

“Vehicle fail breaks malfunction. No response to the brakes. Push many times no break response vehicle hit vehicle in front of it could not be avoided That rotors are less than one year old there about six or 7000 miles on them. They are basically new new tires car will maintain no lights on dash no…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 12, 2025 · crash

2009 BMW 528i — common questions

Is the 2009 BMW 528i reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 33 NHTSA complaints, below the typical 528i year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2009 528i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (13 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).

Does the 2009 BMW 528i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 BMW 528i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 528i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 528i years to avoid are 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2014. The cleanest record among 528i years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.