VehicleVerdict

2010 BMW 528i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2010 BMW 528i sits mid-pack among 528i years: 87 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 59, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 33 reports (38% of the total).

87

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other 528i years?

528i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 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, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 528i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 BMW 528i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3338%
Electrical System1214%
Airbags910%
Transmission910%
Fuel System78%
Lighting45%
Other33%
Seat Belts33%
Brakes22%
Seats22%
Steering11%
Body & Structure11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2010 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (TOWNE BMW, 8215 MAIN ST, WILLIAMSVILLE, NY 14221) THREE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 14, 2018 · fire

“MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPS. I'VE ALREADY REPLACE THE SPARKPLUGS, COILS, & FUEL FILTER, BUT THE PROBLEM DOES NOT GO AWAY. THE SUDDEN STOPPING HAPPENS WHEN I'M DRIVING OR WHEN I'M IDLE AT EITHER A STOP SIGN OR A LIGHT. THE VEHICLE SPUTTERS UNTIL IT COMPLETELY TURNS OFF FROM I'M IDLE AND THERE IS NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 8, 2017

“WHILE DRIVING, ALL OF A SUDDEN, IT COMES TO NEUTRAL AND ENGINE RPM GOES TO AROUND 4000 AND TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONING SIGN COMES. I HAVE TO PULLOVER AND RESTART THE ENGINE. AFTER THAT IT RUNS SMOOTH. IT HAPPENS ONCE A WHILE. IN LAST TWO MONTHS IT HAPPENED SIX TIMES. TWO TIMES I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 7, 2015

“AIRBAG / SEATBELT SENSOR FAULTY PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION ERROR ON THE SYSTEM. BMW HAD A RECALL EARLIER FOR 2004-2006 VEHICLES WHERE BMW REPLACES THE SEAT MAT FREE OF COST. I CALLED THE DEALER FOR MY 2010 528I AND THEY ARE SAYING THERE IS NO RECALL; HOWEVER I SEE THOUSANDS OF USERS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 13, 2017

“MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPS. I'VE ALREADY REPLACE THE SPARKPLUGS, COILS, & FUEL FILTER, BUT THE PROBLEM DOES NOT GO AWAY. THE SUDDEN STOPPING HAPPENS WHEN I'M DRIVING OR WHEN I'M IDLE AT EITHER A STOP SIGN OR A LIGHT. THE VEHICLE SPUTTERS UNTIL IT COMPLETELY TURNS OFF FROM I'M IDLE AND THERE IS NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 8, 2017

2010 BMW 528i — common questions

Is the 2010 BMW 528i reliable?

It is close to typical for the 528i: 87 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2010 528i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (33 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), transmission (9 complaints).

Does the 2010 BMW 528i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 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.