2011 Bmw 528i: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2011 Bmw 528i? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 198 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2011 Bmw 528i Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2011 Bmw 528i.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2011 Bmw 528i Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Bmw 528i has 198 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Bmw
- Model
- 528i
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 198
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 31
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2011 Bmw 528i Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Tire Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Tire Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2011 Bmw 528i?
The 2011 Bmw 528i shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2011 Bmw 528i
Inspection Focus
- Request service records for engine repairs or replacements.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain.
- Check tire condition and steering components during inspection.
Before You Close the Deal
- Request service records for engine repairs or replacements.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain.
- Check tire condition and steering components during inspection.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 Bmw 528i, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2011 BMW 528i are concentrated in engine problems, with transmission, tire, and steering issues also frequently reported. The data suggests potential reliability concerns, though the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints.
- Transmission and drivetrain issues are the second most reported component.
- Tire issues and steering defects are also commonly cited.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Tire Issues
All 2011 Bmw 528i Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Bmw 528i. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 72 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 35 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 31 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 26 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 14 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Other | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Bmw 528i. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I am filing a complaint regarding the recall work performed on my 2011 BMW 528i for the VANOS bolt safety recall. The recall notice stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive until repaired. I arranged towing to Jackie Cooper BMW in Edmond, Oklahoma because of this safety warning. T…
The contact owns a 2011 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 …
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over, and after several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, a…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Recall Campaign Number: 23V707000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the message "Drive Train Ma…
It feels like someone is hitting me from behind when it downshifts from I believe 2nd into 1st gear. Its a hard down shift. I was told by a mechanic at Bavarian Auto in Bakersfield Ca. His name is Sal and he is the owner. I told him when I took my car in that I wanted the transmi…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the starter was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the starter was replaced; however,…
on February 1,2025 Pushed the trunk release at Autozone to take battery out of vehicle. And, trunk spring/release was so strong the trunk broke my back windshield again. This would be the second time I've had this happen. the first was on August9.2023. Ever since I've purchased t…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528i. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, following the recall repair, the vehicle was stalling with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact state…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at or above 50 MPH on several occasions, the vehicle began shaking and running rough. The check engine warning light flashed on and off during one occasion and then remained illuminated. Addit…
The contact owns a 2011 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 check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicl…
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2011 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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceed…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and stalled. The check engine warning light and brake warning light repeatedly illuminated on and off. The vehicle was difficult to control, causing the con…
The contact owns a 2011 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 it was confirmed that the part was not yet avai…
Again I write about 2011 bmw 528i, the vanos bolts were recalled and when bmw was fixing them they showed a video , there was belt and metal pieces in the engine oil. Whoever had this car before me did fix the belt and other issues but they said they didn't take off the bottom …
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the VANOS bolts, and…
Driving on highway car engine died no warning light nothing There is recall for engine but bmw waiting for part they are denying its over 2 months to fix recall
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal after a complete stop. Two days later, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts with the check engine warning light illuminated…
I had my car repaired under a recall for VANOS bolts shearing/breaking off causing the engine to stop running. Issue has returned and car is unsafe to drive.
The contact owns a 2011 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 …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Bmw 528i.
2011 Bmw 528i Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Bmw 528i. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2011 Bmw 528i Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Bmw 528i reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 198 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 Bmw 528i shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Bmw 528i?▾
#1: Engine Problems (72 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (35 complaints). #3: Tire Issues (31 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Bmw 528i?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Bmw 528i?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Bmw 528i, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 198 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Bmw 528i have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Bmw 528i. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2011 Bmw 528i?▾
The 2011 Bmw 528i shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Bmw 528i reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2011 Bmw 528i based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.