VehicleVerdict

2012 BMW 528i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 145 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median 528i year — the 2012 model ranks #3 of 17 528i years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 47 reports (32% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

145

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other 528i years?

528i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 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, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 528i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 BMW 528i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4732%
Fuel System3021%
Transmission2014%
Electrical System139%
Other128%
Brakes43%
Airbags32%
Steering32%
Body & Structure32%
Tires & Wheels32%
Speed Control32%
Seat Belts21%
Seats11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2012 BMW 528i have recalls?

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

24V608000Electrical SystemAugust 13, 2024 · 720,796 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

16V746000Fuel SystemOctober 17, 2016 · 136,188 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

14V627000BrakesOctober 7, 2014 · 8,988 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

13V454000BrakesSeptember 26, 2013 · 76,191 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 14, 2022 · 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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 14, 2022 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528I. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN BMW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 31, 2019

“WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR STARTED TO HESITATE, DIDN'T ACCELERATE, AND SHUT DOWN. WHILE TURNING OUT OF THE GAS STATION ONTO THE MAJOR ROAD, IT STALLED. I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND THEN TRIED TO RESTART IT. AFTER THE THIRD TRY IT RESTARTED. ONCE AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 14, 2018

“The turbocharger wastegate actuator issues causing a drivetrain malfunction. The actuator has been changed several times ,that regulates the westgate yet there’s a loss in power. Safety when merging onto freeway as you accelerate the warning light comes on and vehicle losses power other vehicles…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 23, 2023

2012 BMW 528i — common questions

Is the 2012 BMW 528i reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 145 complaints put the 2012 model at #3 of 17 528i years. It is one of the 528i years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 528i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (47 complaints), fuel system (30 complaints), transmission (20 complaints).

Does the 2012 BMW 528i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 BMW 528i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 BMW 528i under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.

How safe is the 2012 BMW 528i?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 BMW 528i earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.