2010 BMW 528i recalls and problems

The 2010 BMW 528i has 2 safety recalls and 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
65
Crashes / fires
2 / 4
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2010 BMW 528i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2010 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.

2010 BMW 528i problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling17
Engine16
Electrical System11
Power Train9
Air Bags9
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Exterior Lighting4
Seat Belts3
Unknown or Other3
Seats2
Service Brakes2
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 100,000 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 2010 BMW 528i complaints

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

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 145,000 miles · reported Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud rattling sound coming from under the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in Manual Mode, the vehicle independently shifted to neutral(N), the steering wheel became firm, and the transmission failed to shift out of neutral. In addition…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 124,000 miles · reported Apr 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated while making a left turn and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The brake and transmission warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and then attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended and was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was next towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft and timing belt chain needed to be replaced. The…
Engine · reported Nov 21, 2024
I brought the car into BMW Manhattan after receiving the recall letter. They have refused to perfom the correction based on the fact that I had to replace the engine dues to a engine defect that cracked the number 6 cylinder in the original engine. I am confident BMW has the abilty to check the engine number and see that it requires the recall. They only stated it wasnt the original engine so they did not perform the work required by ther recall.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Nov 1, 2024
The car smells like gas by the rear wheels. In speaking with other owners of this vehicle this is a defective flaw in the vehicle it is a known problem in this vehicle and there has been no recall. This is a serious concern as gasoline is highly flammable. I have had to spend thousands of dollars fixing problems with this car and I cannot afford to fix this issue. This is a major concern. Please advise a fix ASAP
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 178,000 miles · reported Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stall and jerked while coming to a stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The…

Other BMW 528i years

Compare all BMW 528i years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 BMW 528i have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2010 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 2010 BMW 528i?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (17 reports), followed by engine (16). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 100,000 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.