BMW 528xi recalls and complaints by year

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the BMW 528xi, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: 2025-12-22 (NHTSA data snapshot)

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At a Glance

Total Recalls 2

Total Complaints 233

Years Covered 2008–2014

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the BMW 528xi. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.

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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data. Always check your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov for vehicle-specific recall information.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the BMW 528xi, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

Coverage spans model years 2008–2014 with 2 recall campaigns and 233 complaints in NHTSA data.
Years with the most recall activity: 2014 (1) and 2013 (1).
Years with the most complaint volume: 2013 (84), 2012 (82), and 2008 (43).
Top recall theme: Visibility and lighting.
Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Engine, Power train, Electrical system.
Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Visibility and lighting

1 campaign · Years: 2013–2014

These campaigns relate to lighting, glass, or visibility components (lamps, wipers, and related systems).

Official notices (evidence):

15V188000 · Exterior lighting

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the BMW 528xi in NHTSA complaint data are Engine, Power train, Electrical system.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

Model Year	Recalls	Complaints	Details
2014	1	1	Both recalls and complaints recorded. Top complaint areas: Wheels.
2013	1	84	Both recalls and complaints recorded. Top complaint areas: Engine, Power train, Electrical system.
2012	0	82	Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued. Top complaint areas: Engine, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system.
2010	0	12	Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued. Top complaint areas: Air bags, Exterior lighting, Seat belts.
2009	0	9	Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued. Top complaint areas: Engine, Electrical system, Exterior lighting.
2008	0	2	Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued. Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine.
2008	0	43	Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued. Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine.

What to Do Next

Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Exterior lighting

Show recall evidence by year

2014

Exterior lighting: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
View official NHTSA notice (15V188000) →

Show official notice text

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle S

2013

Exterior lighting: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
View official NHTSA notice (15V188000) →

Show official notice text

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle S

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⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov