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2015 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.
62
Latest Jun 23, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
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.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 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

  • Engine4546.4%
  • Electrical3536.1%
  • Body & structure55.2%
  • Fuel system33.1%
  • Visibility22.1%
  • Exterior lighting22.1%
  • Powertrain (other)22.1%
  • Airbags11.0%
  • Seat belts11.0%
  • Other / unspecified11.0%

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.

45
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

the vehicle was driven for approximately 30 minutes, operating with zero dashboard warnings or performance indicators. The vehicle was then parked on my property and turned off completely. Approximately two hours and thirty minutes later, the vehicle spontaneously ignited while stationary and unoccupied. The local fire department responded and successfully extinguished the blaze. Both physical observations and my home security camera footage confirm that the point of origin was the front right passenger side of the engine compartment. This exact location houses the factory electric water pump and its electrical plug connector, directly matching the failure mechanism detailed in NHTSA Campaign 24V608000, wherein fluid intrusion causes a severe, persistent electrical short circuit capable of igniting a fire hours after the vehicle is parked. The car is completely totaled because of this.

NHTSA ID 11746090 · filed Jun 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while his vehicle was parked, the coolant pump connector caught on fire, which was connected to a after market Coolant pump. The failure experienced was a localized electrical fire that originated at the coolant pump connector and aftermarket coolant pump while the vehicle was parked. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) but was told by the dealer they could not repair the recall due to the vehicle having an aftermarket coolant pump. The contact stated he originally replaced the coolant pump with an aftermarket one due to a failure, as advised in the recall notice. The vehicle was occupied during the failure. There was grey smoke coming from the engine and inside the vehicle, with flames that were coming from the hood and under the engine. The fire originated specifically within the coolant pump assembly and its associated electrical connector, with the thermal damage concentrated in that area before spreading. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ID 11716235 · filed Feb 6, 2026
All 45 reports naming engine

Electrical

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

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

the vehicle was driven for approximately 30 minutes, operating with zero dashboard warnings or performance indicators. The vehicle was then parked on my property and turned off completely. Approximately two hours and thirty minutes later, the vehicle spontaneously ignited while stationary and unoccupied. The local fire department responded and successfully extinguished the blaze. Both physical observations and my home security camera footage confirm that the point of origin was the front right passenger side of the engine compartment. This exact location houses the factory electric water pump and its electrical plug connector, directly matching the failure mechanism detailed in NHTSA Campaign 24V608000, wherein fluid intrusion causes a severe, persistent electrical short circuit capable of igniting a fire hours after the vehicle is parked. The car is completely totaled because of this.

NHTSA ID 11746090 · filed Jun 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while his vehicle was parked, the coolant pump connector caught on fire, which was connected to a after market Coolant pump. The failure experienced was a localized electrical fire that originated at the coolant pump connector and aftermarket coolant pump while the vehicle was parked. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) but was told by the dealer they could not repair the recall due to the vehicle having an aftermarket coolant pump. The contact stated he originally replaced the coolant pump with an aftermarket one due to a failure, as advised in the recall notice. The vehicle was occupied during the failure. There was grey smoke coming from the engine and inside the vehicle, with flames that were coming from the hood and under the engine. The fire originated specifically within the coolant pump assembly and its associated electrical connector, with the thermal damage concentrated in that area before spreading. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ID 11716235 · filed Feb 6, 2026
All 35 reports naming electrical

Body & structure

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

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

the vehicle was driven for approximately 30 minutes, operating with zero dashboard warnings or performance indicators. The vehicle was then parked on my property and turned off completely. Approximately two hours and thirty minutes later, the vehicle spontaneously ignited while stationary and unoccupied. The local fire department responded and successfully extinguished the blaze. Both physical observations and my home security camera footage confirm that the point of origin was the front right passenger side of the engine compartment. This exact location houses the factory electric water pump and its electrical plug connector, directly matching the failure mechanism detailed in NHTSA Campaign 24V608000, wherein fluid intrusion causes a severe, persistent electrical short circuit capable of igniting a fire hours after the vehicle is parked. The car is completely totaled because of this.

NHTSA ID 11746090 · filed Jun 23, 2026

My son was driving and stated that the car started to overheat and then decided to pull to the side of the road. He and his brother sat in the car for approximately 2-3 minutes and his girlfriend heard a crackling noise. I told them to check what the error message was on the display and how to check it. He stated The idrive said “engine compartment hot” so upon exiting the car and shutting the door, it began to smoke then burst into flames. He immediately called the fire dept that arrived in 7 minutes as the put the flames out. They stated right before they started to smell smoke or like the smell of a radiator leaking or the smell it makes. Noone was hurt just a little traumatized. I called BMW of Fayetteville in November but stated there is no remedy for it. I asked did I need to bring it on to be checked the BMW representative stated I will receive a letter when a remedy was available and at that time he stated there is nothing they can do without direction of how to proceed without a remedy or parts to do so. I have letters on each telling me of the recall and logging into Mybmw it states no remedy available. The fire dept stated he will have a report by 1/16/2025 and I have statements from my children in the car for now.

NHTSA ID 11635553 · filed Jan 12, 2025

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

Fuel system

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

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the diagnostic test showed that the fuel rail system was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact had the vehicle repaired; however, several days later, the failure returned while traveling at highway speeds; the drivetrain maintenance message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a defective fuel pump. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, and it was discovered that the vehicle was leaking oil and the valve cover gasket needed to be repaired. The vehicle had received a valve cover gasket repair, but the failure persisted. In addition, the manufacturer was notified about the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that issue was not related to the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID 11648293 · filed Mar 14, 2025

I started my bmw up one day after working 16 hours and white thick smoke came from the back tailpipe. Tok it to bmw and they said my car is leaking oil on to the turbo and I need to replace the pump, shocks, valves and others because of this leak. And the car started to issue a transmission fault code on the screen.

NHTSA ID 11635215 · filed Jan 10, 2025

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

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY NAME IS [XXX], I AM LIVING IN BUFORD - GEORGIA, USA. ON THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018, AT 17:00 P.M., 75 F AVERAGE TEMPERATURE OF THE ENVIRONMENT, I WAS DRIVING MY 2015 BMW CAR, MODEL 528I SEDAN, VIN: [XXX], ON I-75 IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA, USA. THE SPEED OF TRAVEL WAS AROUND 70 MILES PER HOUR AND I WAS 200 MILES SOUTH OF ATLANTA. AT THAT TIME, 17:00 P.M., I FELT A VERY LOUD NOISE ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR AND THEN A FLURRY OF STRANGE ELEMENTS THAT HIT THE ROOF AND BACK OF THE CAR. WHEN I PARKED, I NOTICED THAT IT WAS THE SUNROOF OF THE CAR THAT, FOR NO APPARENT REASON, EXPLODED INTO MILLIONS OF PIECES. WHEN I WAS DRIVING, THERE WAS NO ONE IN FRONT NOR THE SIDE, SO I RULE OUT THAT A STONE HIT. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, THEY ARE CHECKING IT FOR REPAIR. THEY GAVE ME A REPLACEMENT CAR UNTIL THE REPAIR IS READY. IN ADDITION TO THE FRIGHT AND HIGH RISK THAT I HAD ON THE HIGHWAY, I AM FINE, BUT VERY WORRIED THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. I TRAVEL NORMALLY EVERY 60 DAYS APPROXIMATELY 1,000 MILES AND I DO NOT WANT TO GO THROUGH THIS HIGH RISK TO MY INTEGRITY, COMPANIONS AND CARS NEARBY. GLASSES SCRATCHED THE PAINT ON THE BACK OF THE ROOF AND THE TRUNK. I HOPE YOU CAN ASSURE ME THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN IN THE CAR. I WAS VERY LUCKY TO BE DRIVING WITH THE INSIDE WINDOW OF THE ROOF CLOSED, OTHERWISE I WOULD BE TELLING A VERY SERIOUS TRAGEDY. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF BMW OF GWINNETT PLACE, 3264 COMMERCE AVE. DULUTH, GA 30096, WAITING TO BE REPAIRED AND TO INFORM ME ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 11089145 · filed Apr 20, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW 528I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOF HAD SHATTERED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (BMW OF GWINNETT PLACE, 3264 COMMERCE AVE NW, DULUTH, GA 30096, (770) 476-8800), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL HIS INSURANCE COMPANY. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.

NHTSA ID 11089144 · filed Apr 20, 2018

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528I. The contact stated that there was water accumulated inside the passenger’s side headlight assembly, causing the daytime running light to become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the headlight assembly and module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ID 11730009 · filed Apr 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side headlight flickered, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road and discovered that the headlight housing was full of water. The failure had occurred on several different occasions with both headlights. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the front driver's and passenger's side headlight housings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID 11656298 · filed Apr 23, 2025

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

OIL LEAKS ENGINE COMPARTMENT (ALL OVER) GASKETS, OIL FILTER HOUSING , BOTTOM OF ENGINE AND BAD SMELL ENTERS TO DRIVER COMPARTMENT EVEN IT IS ON INSIDE CIRCULATION( OIL BURN SMELLS,ETC FROM ENGINE DEPT)

NHTSA ID 11265511 · filed Oct 1, 2019

ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2016. MY 2015 BMW 528I VEHICLE HAD A DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION. THE CAR DIED ON THE 95NORTHBOUND AND I WAS IN THE SPEEDLANE IN MOTION GOING OVER 70 MILES AN HOUR AND THE CAR WHEN INTO A DEAD STOP AND ALMOST CAUSED OVER A 30 CAR PILEUP. I WAS ALMOST KILLED! THIS CAR IS 1 YEARS OLD AND SHOULD HAVE NOT HAPPENED. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE AND CANNOT GET BACK IN IT. BMW IS INSISTING THAT IT IS SAFE AND THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM. I CANNOT PUT MY FAMILIES LIFE'S OR MY LIFE IN JEOPARDY. BMW IS INSISTING THAT THEY FIXED IT AND WILL NOT SWITCH OUT THIS CAR FOR A DIFFERENT MODEL. I DO NOT WANT TO KEEP THIS CAR I AM IN A LEASE WITH THEM AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO SWITCH OUT THIS CAR TO A DIFFERENT MODEL OR VEHICLE TYPE TO ENSURE MY SAFETY. I HAVE ALSO RESEARCHED AND READ ONLINE THAT BMW HAS HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WITH THE ENGINE STOPPING FOR NO REASON AND NOW MY CAR DID THE SAME. THIS CAR WAS ALSO SERVICED WITH THE BMW DEALERSHIP 5DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. CAN YOU PLEASE ASSIST ME? I AM PUTTING MY LIFE IN DANGER AS WELL AS THE OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE TO THIS MATTER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10924250 · filed Nov 4, 2016

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I am writing to bring to your attention a safety defect in the 2015 BMW 528i that needs to be investigated. The vehicle has a defect in the design of the occupant protection system, involving both the seatbelt and airbag systems. The battery in the 2015 BMW 528i is located in the trunk just interior and below the rear bumper. In a rear-end collision the battery may become disabled and relies on a capacitor for back up power. Per BMW specifications the capacitor only holds power for 150 seconds. In a resulting frontal impact, the airbags will not deploy if the battery power has been disrupted and the capacitor has also run out of power before the frontal impact reaches a threshold to deploy the airbags. A corresponding flaw in the occupant protection system is the adaptive load limiter disposal firing. Per BMW specifications, the adaptive load limiter had a disposal firing at 250 seconds after the initial load limiter is activated. This disposal firing allows for additional spool out of the seatbelt. This has catastrophic consequences when the front airbag has not deployed and the driver is released from the seatbelt due to the additional spool out and is allowed to come into contact with the steering wheel. Both the power defect and the adaptive load limiter defect impacts the safety performance as it relates to the passenger as well. This accident scenario was recently put to a jury in Alexander v. BMW of North America, LLC, 7:18-cv-03065-JD in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, Spartanburg Division. In Alexander, the load limiter deployed at 18 ms, the power was disrupted at 120 ms, the adaptive load limiter then fired at 268 ms, and the capacitor lost power at 270 ms. The airbag was not able to be fired and the additional spool out allowed Ms. Alexander to strike the steering wheel. The jury returned a verdict for the Plaintiff and found that the system, including the airbag and seatbelt system, was defective.

NHTSA ID 11511183 · filed Mar 10, 2023

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

I am writing to bring to your attention a safety defect in the 2015 BMW 528i that needs to be investigated. The vehicle has a defect in the design of the occupant protection system, involving both the seatbelt and airbag systems. The battery in the 2015 BMW 528i is located in the trunk just interior and below the rear bumper. In a rear-end collision the battery may become disabled and relies on a capacitor for back up power. Per BMW specifications the capacitor only holds power for 150 seconds. In a resulting frontal impact, the airbags will not deploy if the battery power has been disrupted and the capacitor has also run out of power before the frontal impact reaches a threshold to deploy the airbags. A corresponding flaw in the occupant protection system is the adaptive load limiter disposal firing. Per BMW specifications, the adaptive load limiter had a disposal firing at 250 seconds after the initial load limiter is activated. This disposal firing allows for additional spool out of the seatbelt. This has catastrophic consequences when the front airbag has not deployed and the driver is released from the seatbelt due to the additional spool out and is allowed to come into contact with the steering wheel. Both the power defect and the adaptive load limiter defect impacts the safety performance as it relates to the passenger as well. This accident scenario was recently put to a jury in Alexander v. BMW of North America, LLC, 7:18-cv-03065-JD in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, Spartanburg Division. In Alexander, the load limiter deployed at 18 ms, the power was disrupted at 120 ms, the adaptive load limiter then fired at 268 ms, and the capacitor lost power at 270 ms. The airbag was not able to be fired and the additional spool out allowed Ms. Alexander to strike the steering wheel. The jury returned a verdict for the Plaintiff and found that the system, including the airbag and seatbelt system, was defective.

NHTSA ID 11511183 · filed Mar 10, 2023

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

APRIL OF 2015, I PURCHASED A 2015 BMW 528I. I STARTED EXPERIENCING VIBRATION AND SHAKING WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER PERFORMED A ROAD TEST AND DETERMINES THERE WERE ISSUES WITH MY TIRES. BMW WOULD ONLY REPLACE TWO TIRES, LEAVING ME WITH TWO DEFECTIVE TIRES. AS OF TODAY, MY TIRES NEED REPLACEMENT. THERE IS NO WAY I SHOULD BE BUYING NEW TIRES AS THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY HAS NOT EXPIRED. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RECEIVE HELP FOR THIS.

NHTSA ID 10837988 · filed Feb 24, 2016

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 .