BMW 528i Recalls

The BMW 528i has 9 recalls covering 2007 through 2016 model years, with the most serious being an electrical connector defect on 2012–2016 models where a short circuit in the wiring can start a fire. On the safety system side, 2016 models have two separate concerns: a seat-mounted side airbag whose inflator initiator can fail to fire in a crash, leaving the occupant without side protection, and a driver's seat belt retractor that may not lock properly under hard braking, allowing the belt to engage too late. Also on 2016 models, a rear left seat child restraint anchor may have been bent downward during assembly, preventing a child seat from fully latching to both lower anchors.

Going back to the 2014 model year, a Takata-related driver's airbag inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin. On 2011 models, vehicles that received a replacement airbag sensor cluster unit during a prior service visit may have an incorrectly calibrated unit that causes airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and active head restraints to underperform or fail to activate in a crash.

Earlier production has two fire-related issues. On 2007–2011 models, the heater element inside the positive crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit, melting internal components and raising the risk of a fire even with the engine off. On 2011–2012 models, loose wiring at the fuel pump connector can melt the connector itself, leading to a fuel leak or a pump failure that stalls the engine.

The 2013 model year has a compliance recall for rear reflectors that do not reflect enough light to meet federal standards, reducing the vehicle's visibility to following traffic at night.