RoadVitals

2010 BMW 528I Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
33
Latest Dec 22, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
51%
of 65 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
4
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2010 BMW 528I submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 33 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 33, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed 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, the contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed back to the same local dealer on various occasions; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA ID
11706489
Incident
Nov 25, 2025
Mileage
145,000 mi
Engine
Filed 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 vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V707000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 22V119000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. 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 but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 124,000.

NHTSA ID
11655886
Incident
Apr 12, 2025
Mileage
124,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 5, 2025

They lied to me made me buy a bad car and then didn't even give me a license plate of anything they stole my money

NHTSA ID
11646404
Incident
Mar 4, 2025
Engine
Filed 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.

NHTSA ID
11626683
Incident
Nov 21, 2024
Engine
Filed 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 failure mileage was approximately 178,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11596148
Incident
Jun 24, 2024
Mileage
178,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Apr 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and flashed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking form the engine. The contact was unaware of what part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11580653
Incident
Apr 2, 2024
Engine
Filed Jan 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the VANOS bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11567459
Incident
Dec 20, 2023
Mileage
160,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 28, 2023

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 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11562268
Incident
Dec 28, 2023
Engine
Filed Dec 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to coast off the roadway. While at a stop, the vehicle stalled upon acceleration. Upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle started to shake. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was referred to the local dealer. 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. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11561894
Incident
Jun 1, 2023
Mileage
100,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 3, 2023

Camshaft over retarded. Stalled while driving.

NHTSA ID
11558203
Incident
Nov 13, 2023
Engine
Filed Nov 29, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact continued driving at an unknown speed and then parked and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that there was debris in the filter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 132,553. The contact stated when he took his wife’s car for an oil service at the BMW dealership he was told that there was a VANOS Unit recall much to his surprise. However the VANOS Unit recall did not include all 2010 528i BMW’s. The contact is requesting this vehicle to be included in the recall.

NHTSA ID
11557434
Incident
Dec 1, 2022
Mileage
132,553 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 16, 2023

Bolts on the backside of the camshaft adjusters broke off and went into the engine.

NHTSA ID
11538882
Incident
Jun 5, 2023
Engine
Filed Dec 17, 2022

This recall notice received almost 8 months back. This recall concerns me. I didn’t have any accidents to report but it’s too bad no remedy was given by BMW.

NHTSA ID
11497895
Incident
Apr 1, 2022
Engine
Filed Dec 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that after she scheduled an appointment at the local dealer, she was later made aware that 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 had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11496606
Incident
Mar 2, 2022
Engine
Filed Dec 5, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he attempted to operate the heater and noticed a fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact then stated that smoke was coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that parts were not available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that he noticed a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11496134
Incident
Mar 5, 2022
Mileage
100,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 27, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough starts and the failure persisted while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the motor mounts had collapsed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the oil pan gasket was leaking and needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced due to a fuel leak. The parts were replaced; however, upon replacing the oil pan gasket, the dealer noticed fragments of vanos adjuster units bolts used to fasten the intake and exhaust camshaft inside the oil pan. The dealer informed the contact that the cylinder head cover needed to be taken apart to verify whether the motor mounts were fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000. Manufacturer Safety recall issued NHTSA #22V-119 Recall #22V-119:407 POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER Status: Remedy Available

NHTSA ID
11486772
Incident
Jun 27, 2022
Mileage
132,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 25, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 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 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11481225
Incident
Mar 2, 2022
Engine
Filed Aug 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal whistling sound was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the RPM was fluctuating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle started vibrating as if it was going to stall. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11476991
Incident
Jul 31, 2022
Mileage
90,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 16, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11464804
Incident
Mar 31, 2022
Engine
Filed Apr 20, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 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 while driving at various speeds, a fuel odor began to emit from the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that a grayish smoke had emitted from the rear valve cover. The contact then had the had the vehicle towed to the dealer and was informed that the PCV valve was normal; however, the valve cover gasket was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11461526
Incident
Apr 17, 2022
Mileage
170,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 14, 2022
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528i. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she smelled a burning odor and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and through the vent. The (!) malfunction indicator warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would jerk intermittently while driving. The contact received recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V683000 (Engine And Engine Cooling), which she associated with the failure. The dealer was not contacted. 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 failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11460753
Incident
Apr 7, 2022
Mileage
141,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 7, 2022
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2010 BMW 528i. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle started to shake and vibrate, additionally smoke began to issue from under the hood. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to safely pull of the highway and shut off the vehicle, the smoke emission increased and the vehicle caught fire. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire using water. The police were also on scene. The contact is not aware if any reports were written by police or fire department. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot due to being consumed completely by the fire. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

NHTSA ID
11460031
Incident
Feb 10, 2020
Mileage
168,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle independently decelerated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle would not restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were two bolts missing from the camshaft which caused the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

NHTSA ID
11438893
Incident
Aug 15, 2021
Mileage
155,000 mi
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 30, 2020

FOUND FAULTS FOR VANOS SYSTEM. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND CAR START MAKING A RATTLE NOISE LIKE SOMETHING BUCKING AGAINST SOMETHING AS I ACCELERATED.

NHTSA ID
11352066
Incident
Aug 29, 2020
Mileage
138,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 29, 2018
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (TOWNE BMW, 8215 MAIN ST, WILLIAMSVILLE, NY 14221) THREE TIMES, BUT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RETURN CALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA ID
11104656
Incident
Mar 14, 2018
Mileage
180,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

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Data on this page last refreshed .