2009 BMW 528i recalls and problems

The 2009 BMW 528i has 2 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
23
Crashes / fires
1 / 2
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 BMW 528i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 BMW 528i recalls

Recall 17V-683: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 30, 2017 · 740,561 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 13V-407: Exterior Lighting

Reported Sep 11, 2013 · 134,100 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).

Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

2009 BMW 528i problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine8
Electrical System5
Engine and Engine Cooling5
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Unknown or Other3
Service Brakes2
Air Bags1
Seat Belts1
Visibility/Wiper1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Exterior Lighting1
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 93,827 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2009 BMW 528i complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Sep 27, 2026
CRITICAL SAFETY REPORT: DRIVING FIRE / INJURY / FAILED RECALL REMEDY (CAMPAIGN 12V-126)While driving, my 2009 BMW E60 suffered an immediate, catastrophic electrical fire originating at the positive battery terminal bulkhead connector in the trunk floor. This exact component is the subject of federal safety mandate NHTSA Recall Campaign 12V-126.The fire occurred with zero warning on a public roadway, forcing an emergency roadside stop directly in front of a local preschool, creating an imminent public safety crisis. In an attempt to suppress the fire and pull the burning battery away from the…
Service Brakes · reported May 12, 2025
Vehicle fail breaks malfunction. No response to the brakes. Push many times no break response vehicle hit vehicle in front of it could not be avoided That rotors are less than one year old there about six or 7000 miles on them. They are basically new new tires car will maintain no lights on dash no warning no airbag deployment. Vehicle going in slow speed due to heavy traffic
Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Oct 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that he started to smell a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure…
Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Jul 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine · reported Jul 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact stated while turning on the heater, there was a bad odor coming from the heater. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was not available. VIN tool confirms parts are not available

Other BMW 528i years

Compare all BMW 528i years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 BMW 528i have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2009 BMW 528i: 17V-683 (engine and engine cooling), 13V-407 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW 528i?

Owners report engine problems most often (8 reports), followed by electrical system (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 93,827 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.