MYRModel Year Report

2011 BMW 528I

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2011 BMW 528I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:47.451Z

This year had more than double the complaints 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
118
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2011

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine

29% 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 2009 2010: 65 complaints 2011: 118 complaints 2011 118 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 2011: 118 complaints 2011 118 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 2011: 118 complaints 2011 118 2012: 90 complaints 2012 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 56 complaints 2014 2015: 63 complaints 2015 2016: 59 complaints 2016

2011: 118 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

29% · 34 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted an abnormal burning odor while traveling various speeds.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-31

1. Vanos Bolts recall. NHTSA Recall 23V-707. Cause the car the have a rough idle, check engine light, car to stall, and cut off in traffic all with seconds.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-15

Also filed under Electrical system

Engine and engine cooling

27% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing crankcase (pcv).

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and stalled. The check engine warning light and brake warning light repeatedly illuminated on and off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-29

Purchased a brand new 528I BMW and within months I had a coolant signal indicating low coolant. Subsequently, the coolant signal came on every six weeks, despite having it topped off at dealership.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-21

Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-05

Power train

21% · 25 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

14% · 17 reports
Show complaint excerpts

In-tank fuel pump safety recall - No. 16V-746, last updated 10/13/2016. I attempted to get this recall accomplished after receiving a letter from BMW in mar 2017 that the parts were available and to contact my local detailer for the repairs.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-09

Electrical system

8% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing starter assembly.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2011Complaint volume 118 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2014-09-24Engine and engine cooling14V176000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i...

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2016-12-16Air bags16V832000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2017-02-08Fuel system, gasoline16V746000 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...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 BMW 528I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 34 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 32 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 25 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 14V176000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 16V832000 · Air bags
  • Recall 16V746000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 17V683000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 BMW 528I reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 BMW 528I is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 528I?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 528I have?
4 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.