2016 BMW 528I Electrical Problems

On January 29, 2020, while driving my 2016 BMW 5 Series under normal operating conditions, the engine compartment caught fire without warning. Smoke and flames originated from the engine bay while the vehicle was in motion. I was forced to pull over and exit the vehicle immediately. The fire spread rapidly, and the vehicle was declared a total loss. At the time, both my insurance carrier and BMW representatives inspected the vehicle, but no definitive cause was identified. In January 2026, I received notification that this same vehicle is subject to BMW Safety Recall Campaign No. 24V-608, which states that liquid from the positive crankcase ventilation system can drip onto the water pump electrical connector, potentially causing a short circuit and, in rare cases, an engine fire. This recall describes the same failure event that destroyed my vehicle, which occurred before any recall remedy was available.

NHTSA ID

11713522

Incident

Jan 29, 2020

My coolant line overheated. From the leaking water pump and pcv that exploded all over my engine causing it to overheat and now how has not turned back on. Ive been without a car for months and when I seen the recall and reached out to the dealer expressing my situation they said they would get back to me and have not called or emailed or even responded in months.

NHTSA ID

11697057

Incident

Jun 5, 2025

A critical component failure has rendered my 2016 BMW 528xi inoperable and unsafe. The water pump failed, forcing the car into a safety "limp mode," limiting its speed to approximately 40 miles per hour. This issue mirrors NHTSA Recall 24V-608 regarding an electrical connector on the water pump that can short circuit, potentially causing a "thermal event or fire." The problem began with dashboard warnings about overheating, despite the coolant reservoir being full. Following these warnings, the vehicle entered "limp mode," posing a significant safety risk in normal traffic. The potential for fire is also a major concern. An independent service center has confirmed the water pump and its electrical connector as the point of failure. The failed component is available for inspection by a NHTSA investigator. I contacted BMW's customer relations line and was informed that no remedy is currently available. I must wait for an official letter before any action can be taken, including reimbursement. The representative did not provide a case number, making it impossible to track my complaint. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, law enforcement, or an insurance representative. I am unable to transfer the title because the car cannot pass a safety inspection in its current state. I am in a severe catch-22: I must receive a recall letter for a vehicle that I am unable to finalize ownership of. This failure to assist an owner with a known safety recall has left me stranded with a dangerous, undrivable vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11683511

Incident

Aug 19, 2025

Coolant pump failure engine failure also caused fire in engine bay. Insurance inspector. Pre shop inspection. No light were on prior to explosion.

NHTSA ID

11681035

Incident

Aug 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the contact became aware of an abnormal burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11675593

Incident

Jul 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while her son was driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormally loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. The contact was adding coolant to the coolant reservoir every other day. The contact stated that the vehicle was smoking and there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle and the engine was overheating. The vehicle was inoperable. The coolant message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11675103

Incident

May 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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

11671590

Incident

Jul 7, 2025

My vehicle is a 2016 BMW 528i xDrive. There is an active safety recall listed under NHTSA Campaign Number 24V-608, issued in August 2024. The affected component is the engine coolant pump. As of June 2025, no remedy has been made available by BMW, and I have been told by both BMW corporate and my local dealer that they cannot provide a fix or a timeline. This component is essential to keeping the engine within safe temperature limits. Failure of the coolant pump could lead to overheating and potentially increase the risk of fire, as the recall suggests. This places my safety and that of others on the road at risk every time I drive the vehicle. I rely on this car for regular transportation and feel I have no choice but to drive a vehicle with an unresolved critical safety issue. The vehicle has not yet experienced a failure or warning light specific to the coolant system, and it has not been inspected or repaired due to the lack of remedy. However, I should not be forced to wait indefinitely or risk a dangerous situation developing before action is taken. BMW’s failure to provide a remedy or meaningful updates in nearly a year shows a lack of urgency and accountability. I am submitting this complaint to formally document the issue and ask that NHTSA take action to compel BMW to issue a fix or provide alternatives to affected owners.

NHTSA ID

11669076

Incident

Aug 13, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11667146

Incident

Sep 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11666277

Incident

Jun 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11663133

Incident

Aug 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electrical connector on the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11662659

Incident

May 22, 2025

Mileage

68,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while his partner was driving at undisclosed speeds, there was smoke coming from the engine and entering the cabin through the vents while the heater was activated. There was an abnormal burning odor entering the cabin. The contact also observed the burning odor while driving the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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 failure mileage was approximately 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11661790

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

Mileage

80,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11654845

Incident

Apr 15, 2025

I've gotten my car fixed multiple times and nothing has worked. My car is leaking coolant severely it overheats constantly I get the red and the yellow message. My heater is self stopped working and my car on the freeway has stopped from going 75 to 80 miles dropping all the way to 20 miles.

NHTSA ID

11653684

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11648795

Incident

Sep 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the heating system, the heating system failed to activate. There was an abnormal coolant odor entering the vehicle through the vents. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the manufacturer was unable to confirm when parts would be available. The failure mileage was 137,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11646327

Incident

Jan 15, 2019

Mileage

137,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11646014

Incident

Oct 14, 2024

Leak error messages that cannot be removed until recall issue with fluid leak is fixed. Leak is corroding engine fuel lines and can cause a fire Will driving. The remedy is taking to long to be deployed. Need assistance with this issue.

NHTSA ID

11643709

Incident

Feb 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11643475

Incident

Sep 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part 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 stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke was coming from the engine compartment into the cabin of the vehicle through the air vents. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11641063

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

Mileage

37,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 the "Coolant Low - Please Refill", message was occasionally displayed. The contact stated that after refilling the coolant reservoir and driving for a while, the coolant level would be low again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11639444

Incident

Dec 17, 2024

Mileage

94,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11639060

Incident

Dec 9, 2024

I have an Issue with my car cause Engine Coolant smells like oil burning and smoke coming inside the car through AC and also having a recall issue but no remedy available with BMW so spend my money and get repaired from outside mechanic, BMW reported me that if there is no remedy available right now so we can't do anything so I get repaired outside and spend 1500$.

NHTSA ID

11636766

Incident

Jan 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle while at a stop. The contact detected fumes underneath the hood and there was oil on the alternator. The contact stated that the tires were replaced, but the vehicle was not aligned. The contact stated that the driveshaft had dropped and was making an abnormal rubbing sound. The oil light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electricals System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change and the contact was made aware of an oil leak. The vehicle was diagnosed again, and the contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 failure mileage was approximately 151,198. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11634664

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

Mileage

151,198 mi