KnownCarProblems2012 BMW 528xi Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW 528xi, most often about the engine (61% of complaints, typically around 90,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about 528xi model year since 2000.
Complaints54
Recalls0
Crashes reported2
Fires reported0
Injuries reported1
Most common 2012 BMW 528xi problems
Engine
33 complaints · 61%Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles.
Turbo charger system is affected due to the engine oil filter housing failing which caused oil to transfer through out the turbo system into the coolant reservoir resulting in black sludge that caused my car to stall and not run and have to be towed. Every since this recall issue my car gives the drive-train…
Driving down the street when all of a sudden car says drive train malfunction I was stopped at the light on a one way street on 11/20/2020 when the car just died no warning just shut off wouldn't start couldn't put it in neutral blocked traffic for about 90 minutes before I could get a tow truck to remove my car. I…
Transmission
18 complaints · 33%Half of these problems showed up before 84,000 miles. Parts named most often: driveline.
I bought a certified BMW and had continuous issues with my engine, constantly refilling the oil, even after service. After taking this to the dealer, I was told that everything was fine and there weren't any issues. All of this finally came to a head-on sunday, 6/21/2020 when my car finally came to an abrupt stop.…
Turbo charger system is affected due to the engine oil filter housing failing which caused oil to transfer through out the turbo system into the coolant reservoir resulting in black sludge that caused my car to stall and not run and have to be towed. Every since this recall issue my car gives the drive-train…
Fuel system
8 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 87,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528xi. While driving 10 MPH, the engine stalled and the "fuel supply performance not available drive moderately' warning message displayed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…
I bought a certified BMW and had continuous issues with my engine, constantly refilling the oil, even after service. After taking this to the dealer, I was told that everything was fine and there weren't any issues. All of this finally came to a head-on sunday, 6/21/2020 when my car finally came to an abrupt stop.…
Electrical
6 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: instrument panel.
The driver door sometimes will not unlock and I have to puch the main button on the dash board to unlock the door. The door sometimes will not close because the lock mechanism does not unlock after I get out of the car. I have to push the main unlock mechanism on the dash. This happens when I park the car and get out…
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528xi. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle shut-off. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that message read "do not stop vehicle, maybe unable to restart; charging error" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where…
Other or unspecified
5 complaints · 9%The driver door sometimes will not unlock and I have to puch the main button on the dash board to unlock the door. The door sometimes will not close because the lock mechanism does not unlock after I get out of the car. I have to push the main unlock mechanism on the dash. This happens when I park the car and get out…
Airbag restraint system malfunction passenger side indicator comes on. Stating restraint had malfunctioned and might not work. Passenger seat of not registering properly.
Air bags
5 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: sensor, srs malfunction warning lamp/light.
Airbag restraint system malfunction passenger side indicator comes on. Stating restraint had malfunctioned and might not work. Passenger seat of not registering properly.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528xi. While the vehicle was stationary, the passenger restraint system malfunction message illuminated. The vehicle was taken to BMW of bellevue (located at 13617 northup way, bellevue, wa 98005, ([phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.…
Lights
5 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: headlights.
Suddenly the car headlight, taillight and brake light on the passenger side stopped working in middle of night. Only the right indicator works now. Its a big safety issue. I could have had a major accident if it had happened on a busy highway. I think BMW had this issue with some of 3 series models.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528xi. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system), but the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check coolant level warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2012 BMW 528xi recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2012 BMW 528xi
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW 528xi?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (33 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles); transmission (18 complaints, typically around 84,000 miles); fuel system (8 complaints, typically around 87,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 528xi have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 BMW 528xi. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2012 a bad year for the BMW 528xi?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about 528xi model year since 2000, with 54 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.