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2014 BMW 528I Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
56
Latest Jun 18, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 BMW 528I, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine3338.4%
  • Electrical2529.1%
  • Fuel system78.1%
  • Powertrain (other)55.8%
  • Interior & seats44.7%
  • Exterior lighting44.7%
  • Steering22.3%
  • Airbags22.3%
  • Other / unspecified11.2%
  • Body & structure11.2%
  • Seat belts11.2%
  • Driver assistance11.2%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

33
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

car was brought in for a recall could erupt fire from engine and electrical brought car to bmw 8/2025 have checked list when brought in car was in perfect condition per bmw .pick up car checked engine light was on brought back immediately manager took to shop and cleared light immediately came back on i called them then i drive screen was saying low coolant oil low drivetrain overheating oil leaks burning smell coolant smell etc called bmw na service manager etc waited for appointment 1/26 bmw had for 8 days only to say it had nothing to do with recall car now has no power excessive smoke smell undriveable been in garage for 3 months if ran would catch on fire 🔥

NHTSA ID 11745013 · filed Jun 18, 2026

See attached document for complaint. Greetings: I am writing pursuant to recalls No. 24V‑608, both remedy unavailable and remedy available, ten months later. During the intervening ten months, I experienced hardship, expense and loss of use of my vehicle. The attached documents represent my correspondence to BMW Customer relations. The docs were submitted on September 22, 2025 and October 14, 2025, by email. I have received no response, to date; not even acknowledgement of receipt. I hereby submit my belief that BMW has some responsibility for failure to cure the smoke condition they knew about for ten months. Please note the BMW service inspection of August 14, 2025 in which it was stated that my warning lights passed the inspection. Meanwhile, the warning lights on my dashboard look like a “xmas tree”. I am being ghosted by BMW and I have no power, unless you say I do. Please help in any way which is fair. Thank You.

NHTSA ID 11708800 · filed Jan 5, 2026
All 33 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

car was brought in for a recall could erupt fire from engine and electrical brought car to bmw 8/2025 have checked list when brought in car was in perfect condition per bmw .pick up car checked engine light was on brought back immediately manager took to shop and cleared light immediately came back on i called them then i drive screen was saying low coolant oil low drivetrain overheating oil leaks burning smell coolant smell etc called bmw na service manager etc waited for appointment 1/26 bmw had for 8 days only to say it had nothing to do with recall car now has no power excessive smoke smell undriveable been in garage for 3 months if ran would catch on fire 🔥

NHTSA ID 11745013 · filed Jun 18, 2026

See attached document for complaint. Greetings: I am writing pursuant to recalls No. 24V‑608, both remedy unavailable and remedy available, ten months later. During the intervening ten months, I experienced hardship, expense and loss of use of my vehicle. The attached documents represent my correspondence to BMW Customer relations. The docs were submitted on September 22, 2025 and October 14, 2025, by email. I have received no response, to date; not even acknowledgement of receipt. I hereby submit my belief that BMW has some responsibility for failure to cure the smoke condition they knew about for ten months. Please note the BMW service inspection of August 14, 2025 in which it was stated that my warning lights passed the inspection. Meanwhile, the warning lights on my dashboard look like a “xmas tree”. I am being ghosted by BMW and I have no power, unless you say I do. Please help in any way which is fair. Thank You.

NHTSA ID 11708800 · filed Jan 5, 2026
All 25 reports naming electrical

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

car was brought in for a recall could erupt fire from engine and electrical brought car to bmw 8/2025 have checked list when brought in car was in perfect condition per bmw .pick up car checked engine light was on brought back immediately manager took to shop and cleared light immediately came back on i called them then i drive screen was saying low coolant oil low drivetrain overheating oil leaks burning smell coolant smell etc called bmw na service manager etc waited for appointment 1/26 bmw had for 8 days only to say it had nothing to do with recall car now has no power excessive smoke smell undriveable been in garage for 3 months if ran would catch on fire 🔥

NHTSA ID 11745013 · filed Jun 18, 2026

The Check engine light is displayed, a drivetrain malfunction message is being displayed and the engine's power output has been reduced The issue is diagnosed as turbocharger wastegate valve actuator I would like for BMW to extend the limited warranty for this issue to 2014 BMW 528i

NHTSA ID 11612260 · filed Sep 3, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The Check engine light is displayed, a drivetrain malfunction message is being displayed and the engine's power output has been reduced The issue is diagnosed as turbocharger wastegate valve actuator I would like for BMW to extend the limited warranty for this issue to 2014 BMW 528i

NHTSA ID 11612260 · filed Sep 3, 2024

I purchased the used BMW from a very reputable dealership May 2021. Last week, I was driving the car and all of the dashboard lights went on suddenly. The car began to buck and I pulled over immediately. I had the car towed to the local BMW dealership. The service department informed me, the serpentine belt broke, wrapped around the crankshaft, and grinded into pieces. The pieced of the belt were sucked into the engine and caused the engine to seize. When researching this problem, because I never heard of it before, it seems it is a fairly common problem with BMW’s. The BMW dealership wanted $14,000 to insert a new engine. There is no way I can afford that, and if it is a known problem, why wasn’t there a recall? I contacted BMW customer service and they said there was nothing they can do to help me. I am stuck with a auto loan for $19,000 with monthly payments, and a car that doesn’t move. When I purchased the car last year, an extended warranty was around 8k because the car was older. This is exactly what happened to my car on this website: www.autoscopecarcare.com/bmw-forum/bmw-serpentine-belt-sucked-inside-engine/

NHTSA ID 11499499 · filed Dec 30, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Dear BMW Customer Service, I am writing to report a serious issue with my 2014 BMW xDrive 528i regarding the malfunction of the door locking system. Component/System Failure: Both the front and rear door actuators have failed simultaneously, causing the door locks to stop working. The door latches are non-functional and require immediate repair. The components are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This malfunction compromises the security of the vehicle, posing a potential safety risk to myself and passengers, as the doors may not lock properly while driving or when parked. Confirmation of Problem: The issue has been inspected and confirmed by an independent repair shop, which diagnosed the door latches as defective and in urgent need of replacement. Manufacturer or Other Inspections: To date, the vehicle has not been inspected by BMW or any official representatives. I have not involved police or insurance representatives but would be willing to do so if necessary. Warning Signs: Prior to the failure, there were no warning lamps or messages displayed on the dashboard indicating a problem. The door lock malfunction occurred suddenly without prior symptoms. Through my research, I learned that similar door actuator issues are being addressed under a recall for newer BMW models. Given that my 2014 vehicle experiences the same problem, I am concerned it has not been included in this recall. I kindly request BMW’s guidance and support to resolve this matter promptly to ensure the safety and proper functioning of my vehicle. Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your prompt response.

NHTSA ID 11662184 · filed May 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front and rear door lock actuators were malfunctioning. The contact stated that a passenger seated in the front seat can open the door from inside the vehicle, but while attempting to enter the vehicle from the outside using the door handle, the door failed to open. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door could not be opened from inside or outside the vehicle. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the door lock actuators were locking and unlocking independently. The contact stated the driver's side front and rear doors worked as needed. The contact stated that the key fob only operated the locking mechanism on the driver's side front and rear doors and was no longer locking or unlocking the passenger’s side front or rear doors. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was referred to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NHTSA ID 11662183 · filed May 20, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed water build-up in the driver's side headlight housing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was confirmed. The contact was informed that the driver's side headlight housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The contact was informed that, due to the water build-up, the damage had extended beyond the headlight housing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test was not performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID 11649476 · filed Mar 20, 2025

Unknown

NHTSA ID 11542005 · filed Sep 1, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Unknown

NHTSA ID 11542004 · filed Sep 1, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 528I. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED "STEERING DRIVE MODERATELY". THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,800.

NHTSA ID 10965920 · filed Mar 14, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528i. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, an 18-wheel semi-truck approached the vehicle closely and the contact attempted to honk the horn however, the horn failed to function. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driver's side air bag clockspring was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID 11454666 · filed Mar 1, 2022

THIS VEHICLE HAS AN ISSUE WITH THE DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM IT HAS A MALFUNCTION WHERE IT WILL NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE NOTIFIES NOT ONLY THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BUT ALSO THE BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS

NHTSA ID 11102110 · filed Jun 15, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TWO OF FOUR WHEELS ON THIS VEHICLE WERE FOUND TO BE CRACKED ON THE INBOARD FLANGE/BEAD SEAT AREA. THESE CRACKS WERE FOUND DURING A ROUTINE SERVICE FOR TIRE ROTATION. THERE WAS NO DEGRADATION IN THE VEHICLE'S HANDLING OR PERFORMANCE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW IN JAN 2014, HAS 110K MILES AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. TIRES HAVE NEVER BEEN DAMAGED IN ANYWAY - WEAR OUT REPLACEMENTS ONLY.

NHTSA ID 11104014 · filed Jun 26, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ARE MELTING FROM SUN EXPOSURE. WHEN GRABBING BOTH THE DRIVER DOOR AND PASSENGER FRONT DOOR FROM THE INTERIOR, THE HANDLE IS MELTED, LEAVING A CRUMBLY AND GOOEY TAR ON YOUR HANDS. I'VE READ ONLINE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY BMW OWNERS.

NHTSA ID 11337574 · filed Jul 5, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS VEHICLE HAS AN ISSUE WITH THE DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM IT HAS A MALFUNCTION WHERE IT WILL NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE NOTIFIES NOT ONLY THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BUT ALSO THE BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS

NHTSA ID 11102110 · filed Jun 15, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

El radiador Manguera de anticongelante

NHTSA ID 11462174 · filed Apr 26, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .