MYRModel Year Report

2016 BMW 528I

● Typical for this model
2016 BMW 528I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:45.798Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
59
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2016

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

56% 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 2012: 90 complaints 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 56 complaints 2015: 63 complaints 2016: 59 complaints 2016 59
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 2012: 90 complaints 2012 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 56 complaints 2014 2015: 63 complaints 2015 2016: 59 complaints 2016 59
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 2012: 90 complaints 2012 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 56 complaints 2014 2015: 63 complaints 2015 2016: 59 complaints 2016 59

2016: 59 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.

Electrical system

56% · 33 reports
FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My coolant line overheated. From the leaking water pump and pcv that exploded all over my engine causing it to overheat and now how has not turned back on.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-11-02

The contact owned a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while driving at 30 -35 MPH with the windows down, there was a smoke odor present. The contact pulled over into a parking lot and smoke was discovered coming from the front of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-10-23

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Engine and engine cooling

44% · 26 reports
FIRE

Engine

29% · 17 reports
FIREINJURY

Fuel/propulsion system

8% · 5 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle: 2016 BMW 528i xDrive (VIN: [XXX]) Safety Issue / Defect Description: Strong, hazardous raw gasoline fumes began entering the passenger cabin and trunk area.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-29

The vehicle developed a strong, toxic odor of raw gasoline inside the passenger cabin and trunk area. The vehicle was brought to an authorized franchise, BMW of Sterling, where technicians performed a multi-point inspection.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20

Air bags

8% · 5 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Takata recall,, 12-20-2017 I was in a collision. My vehicle rear ended a vehicle while trying to stop. I was alone in my vehicle. The driver side steering wheel and knee airbags deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-09

Also filed under Service brakes

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2015-12-28Child seat, seats15V718000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535d xDrive, M5, 550i, 550i xDrive, and 535d sedans.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the inboard lower anchor on the left rear seat, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2017-02-10Air bags16V914000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman...

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2019-07-03Seat belts16V747000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, MINI Hardtop 4 Door Cooper, Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper S, MINI Cooper Clubman, and Cooper S Clubman, 2017 Rolls-Royce Ghost, and 2016 528i...

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  5. R
    2025-03-28Electrical system, engine and engine cooling24V608000 BMW of North America, LLC.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 BMW 528I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 33 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 26 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 15V718000 · Child seat, seats
  • Recall 16V914000 · Air bags
  • Recall 16V747000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 24V608000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

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Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 BMW 528I reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 BMW 528I is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW 528I?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 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.