2010 BMW 528I

● Typical for this model
2010 BMW 528I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:48.801Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
65
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2010

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

26% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 2 complaints 1980 1997: 41 complaints 1998: 33 complaints 1998 1999: 46 complaints 2000: 42 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2007: 1 complaint 2007 2008: 118 complaints 2009: 23 complaints 2010: 65 complaints 2010 65 2011: 118 complaints 2012: 90 complaints 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 56 complaints 2015: 63 complaints 2015 2016: 59 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1997: 41 complaints 1997 1998: 33 complaints 1998 1999: 46 complaints 1999 2000: 42 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2001 2007: 1 complaint 2007 2008: 118 complaints 2008 2009: 23 complaints 2009 2010: 65 complaints 2010 65 2011: 118 complaints 2011 2012: 90 complaints 2012 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 56 complaints 2014 2015: 63 complaints 2015 2016: 59 complaints 2016
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1997: 41 complaints 1997 1998: 33 complaints 1998 1999: 46 complaints 1999 2000: 42 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2001 2007: 1 complaint 2007 2008: 118 complaints 2008 2009: 23 complaints 2009 2010: 65 complaints 2010 65 2011: 118 complaints 2011 2012: 90 complaints 2012 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 56 complaints 2014 2015: 63 complaints 2015 2016: 59 complaints 2016

2010: 65 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
199741
199833
199946
200042
20012
20071
2008118
200923
201065
2011118
201290
201373
201456
201563
201659

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

26% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing crankcase (pcv).

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-29

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-29

Engine

25% · 16 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Recall campaign no.: 17V683: pcv valve heater on January 22, 2018, while traveling westbound on the 10 freeway, my vehicle began to smell of burning plastic. I pulled over, turned my car off, got out of the vehicle to find out what it was.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-24

Electrical system

17% · 11 reports
Show complaint excerpts

There seems to be a common problem with these vehicles according to similar complaints being discussed in forums. My steering wheel is malfunctioning and creating a safety concern.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-21

Also filed under Air bags

I received a displayed message there was a malfunction with the rear lamp. When checking the tail light assembly and wiring, I noticed the connector on the tail lamp assembly was melted (Plastic) where the brown ground wire connected.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-04

Tl* the contact owns 2010 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 12V126000 (Electrical system:battery:cables) and called the dealer to secure an appointment for recall repairs.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-04

Power train

14% · 9 reports
Show complaint excerpts

While at a stop and higher speeds (40-65MPH) car jerks forward without pressing accelerator. Also, shifts radically, surging forward or sudden downshifts while in motion.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-06

Air bags

14% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2014-01-02Exterior lighting13V407000 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…

    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.

  2. R
    2018-06-18Engine and engine cooling17V683000 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.

    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.

Buy-smart checklist

2010 BMW 528I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 16 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V407000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 17V683000 · Engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2010 BMW 528I reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 BMW 528I is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW 528I?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW 528I have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.