Home · 2011 BMW 528i · Complaints

What 198 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 BMW 528i

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (198)Crash / fire / injury (9)Engine (36)Engine & cooling (36)Transmission & drivetrain (35)Tires (31)Fuel system (26)Steering (26)Electrical system (14)Speed control (9)Suspension (6)Airbags (5)

26 of 198 complaints match · Fuel system · clear filters · page 1 of 2

Sep 24, 2025Engine & coolingFuel systemTransmission & drivetrain

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, and the message "Drivetrain Malfunction" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure started recently and had occurred several times. Additionally, the vehicle was vibrating intermittently and lost motive power. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle failed to accelerate above 15 MPH. The contact smelled the odor of gasoline inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11689537

Mar 21, 2020EngineFuel system

THE VEHICLE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON EVERYTIME THE ENGINE HEATS UP TO NORMAL OPERATION. TEMPARETURE AND THE REVS UP TEMPORARILY MAKING IT DIFFICULT EVERY YEAR TO DO EMISSIONS TESTING

NHTSA ODI 11318898

Oct 9, 2019Electrical systemFuel system

THERE ARE A FEW RECALLS FOR MY CAR BUT WEN I PUT IN MY VIN TO SEARCH ,IT SAYS 0 RECALLS BUT I SEEN ONLINE THAT THERE ARE MANY RECALLS

NHTSA ODI 11267213

Nov 9, 2017Fuel system

IN-TANK FUEL PUMP SAFETY RECALL - NO. 16V-746, LAST UPDATED 10/13/2016. I ATTEMPTED TO GET THIS RECALL ACCOMPLISHED AFTER RECEIVING A LETTER FROM BMW IN MAR 2017 THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE AND TO CONTACT MY LOCAL DETAILER FOR THE REPAIRS. I SCHEDULED THE REPAIRS AT BMW ANNAPOLIS ON 21 APRIL 2017 BUT WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WERE IN FACT NOT AVAILABLE AFTER AN ALL DAY WAIT. I AGAIN CONTACTED BMW ANNAPOLIS TODAY 9 NOV 2017 AND WAS AGAIN INFORMED THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE WHICH REMAINS CONTRARY TO THE LETTER I RECEIVED FROM BMW BACK IN MARCH 2017. I BELIEVE WAITING 2 YEARS FOR PARTS IS EXCESSIVE. THANK YOU AND HAVE A GREAT DAY.

NHTSA ODI 11044946

Aug 3, 2017Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BMW OF HOUSTON NORTH (17730 NORTH FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77090 (281) 305-8901) STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT SENT PARTS TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALER TO ORDER THE RECALL PARTS. THE CONTACT FELT THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO MAKE CALLS TO THE DEALER OR SERVICE MANAGER TO ORDER THE RECALL PARTS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 11012614

Jul 13, 2017Fuel system

I WAS NOTIFIED OF RECALL NUMBER 16V746 BY BMW IN DECEMBER OF 2016. ON 12/20/16 I ATTEMPTED TO GET AN APPOINTMENT AT MY LOCAL BMW DEALER TO REPAIR THE FUEL PUMP, BUT WAS TOLD THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. I ALSO TALKED WITH BMW NA, BUT GOT THE SAME ANSWER. I CALLED DEALER AGAIN IN FEBRUARY & MARCH OF 2017, BUT WAS TOLD THAT PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL APRIL 2017. CALLED DEALER (BMW OF ASHEVILLE) ON APRIL 18TH, STILL NO PARTS. CALLED DEALER ON JULY 6 TO REPORT FUEL VAPORS NOTICED WHEN PARKING THE CAR. TOLD THEY WOULD "PURSUE THE REPAIR PARTS". ON JULY 7TH, I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM DAVID REIFF, SERVICE MNGR AT BMW OF A WHO STATED IN THE EMAIL: "MR. THERIEN, I WILL SEE WHAT I CAN DO TO ESCALATE THIS CASE. THE FUEL SMELL IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL PART." ON JULY 7TH, I RESPONDED BY EMAIL: "I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW YOU COULD STATE THAT "THE FUEL SMELL IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL PART." IN A STATEMENT ISSUED BY BMW NA (ALSO ON NHTSA'S WEBSITE) I QUOTE: "THIS SAFETY RECALL INVOLVES THE IN-TANK FUEL PUMP. THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR MAY BECOME DAMAGED WHICH MAY BE NOTICED BY FUEL ODOR." MY WIFE AND I ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS HAVE NOTICED THE SMELL OF FUEL WHEN PARKING THIS 528I. PLEASE EXPEDITE THIS REPAIR FOR THE SAFETY RECALL ON THIS CAR. THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM BY BMW SINCE AT LEAST JULY OF 2015. IT HAS FURTHER BEEN BMW'S OBLIGATION PURSUANT TO RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 16V-746 TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME. WE ARE NOW AT 9 MONTHS AFTER THE SAFETY RECALL WAS ISSUED & 7 MONTHS FROM MY FIRST REQUEST TO COMPLETE THIS REPAIR. THIS NOT A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME. UNLESS THIS IS RESOLVED IN A TIMELY FASHION, I WILL FORWARD MY NOTES, EMAILS AND LETTERS TO THE NHTSA IN WASHINGTON AS A FORMAL COMPLAINT. APPARENTLY, BMW DOES NOT INTEND TO DO THESE REPAIRS. PLEASE HELP ME TO GET THIS SAFETY ISSUE RESOLVED WITH BMW. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI 11005042

Jun 18, 2017Fuel system

STILL NO RESOLUTION TO THE SAFETY RECALL ISSUED DECEMBER 2016.

NHTSA ODI 10995779

May 28, 2017Speed controlEngineFuel system

THE THROTTLE BODY OF THE 2011 MODEL OF THE BMW 528I HAS BEEN FAULTY SINCE DAY 1. THE CAR JERKS AT LOW RPM MAKING IT DANGEROUS DURING DRIVING SITUATIONS. THE SLOW RESPONSE TIME OF THE THROTTLE CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS. THERE IS ABOUT THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS THAT BMW RECEIVED OVER THE YEARS AND THEY STILL ARE NOT ISSUING A RECALL ON IT.

NHTSA ODI 10991998

May 8, 2017Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 10984216

May 6, 2017Fuel system

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 16V-746 WAS ISSUED 13 OCT 2016. TO DATE BMW HAS YET TO TO NOTIFY US TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIR OF THE DEFECT - NEARLY 6 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL WAS ISSUED. WE BELIEVE THIS AN UNACCEPTABLY LONG WAIT FOR WHICH WE HAVE NOT SEEN ANY ACTION FROM NHTSA OR OTHER FEDERAL AUTHORITIES TO COMPEL BMW TO ACCELERATE COMPLIANCE WITH THE RECALL ORDER. ARE WE GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT FOR PEOPLE TO DIE IN A FIERY MADE FOR TV NEWS ACCIDENT BEFORE THIS IS TAKEN SERIOUSLY??? FIX MY CAR!!

NHTSA ODI 10983815

Apr 24, 2017Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD RECEIVE A SECOND LETTER IN JUNE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 10980161

Apr 12, 2017Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 528I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK OR DRIVE, THE FUEL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ISSUE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO RECEIVING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM,GASOLINE.) THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FUEL INTAKE DEFECT AND THE FUEL CAP WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI 10972148

Mar 28, 2017Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 10968880

Mar 27, 2017Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 10968664

Mar 24, 2017Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 10968376

Dec 30, 2016Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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.

NHTSA ODI 10938862

Dec 19, 2016Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 528I THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 02/03/17*LJ

NHTSA ODI 10936293

Sep 19, 2016Fuel system

I JUST HAD FUEL SUPPLY PROBLEM WITH MY 2011 BMW 528I. MY WIFE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO WORK AND LEFT IT PARKED IN THE MORNING. WHEN SHE WANTED TO GO FOR LUNCH, THE CAR WOULD NOT START ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE CRANKED AND THE BATTERY WAS FINE. THE ONBOARD SYSTEM DISPLAYED THE FUEL SUPPLY WARNINGS MESSAGE. TRYING TO START THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS WITHOUT ANY LUCK, WE HAD TO CALL IN AAA TO TOW THE CAR TO THE DEALER SHOP FOR REPAIR. AFTER A COUPLE OF HOURS STRUGGLING TO SET THE TRANSMISSION TO NETURAL, WE MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO THE DEALER SHOP. RIGHT AFTER WE UNLOADED THE CAR FROM THE TOW TRUCH, IT STARTED TO WORK NORMALLY. WE LEFT THE CAR AT THE BMW SERVICE FOR DIAGNOSITIC. BUT AFTER TWO DAYS OF CHECKING, THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL. THEY RECOMMENDED ME TO REPLACE THE BATTERY ALTHOUGH THEY DO NOT BELIEVE THE BATTERY WAS THE CAUSE. THE FUEL PUMP WAS JUST REPLACED A FEW MONTHS AGO. SO IT'S PROBABLY NOT THE CAUSE EITHER (CONFIRMED BY THE COMPLETE CHECK PERFORMED BY BMW DEALER SERVICE). IF IT'S DUE TO THE CONTROL MODULE AS MENTIONED IN ANOTHER CASE 10715571, IT'S A TERRIBLE FLAW THAT SHALL BE INVESTIGATED.

NHTSA ODI 10908011

May 11, 2015Fuel system

I AM EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM. AFTER GETTING NOWHERE WITH THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, I ESCALATED THE MATTER TO BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, BUT THEY DECLINED TO ASSIST. I FEEL THEY ARE NOT TAKING THE MATTER SERIOUSLY AND MY SAFETY IS AT RISK. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE REPEATEDLY RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM: I DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO WORK AND LEAVE IT PARKED. WHEN I COME BACK TO LEAVE FOR LUNCH, THE CAR WON'T START ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE CRANKS AND THE BATTERY IS FINE. THE ONBOARD SYSTEM DISPLAYS THE SAME FUEL SUPPLY WARNINGS. AFTER HOURS OF REPEATED ATTEMPTS (OR UP TO A DAY LATER IN ONE INSTANCE), THE CAR DOES EVENTUALLY START. (ALL OF THIS CAN BE CONFIRMED INDEPENDENTLY. I TOOK PHOTOS/VIDEOS TO SHOW THE BMW TECHNICIANS, AND ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SENT TOW TRUCKS.) THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, THE LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP ATTRIBUTED IT TO A FAULTY CONTROL MODULE, SAID IT WAS A "COMPUTER GLITCH" AND CLAIMED TO FIX IT BY REPROGRAMMING IT. THE SECOND TIME THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE SAME CONTROL MODULE, BUT THIS TIME THEY REPLACED IT WITH A NEW ONE. I ASKED THE SERVICE ADVISOR IF IT COULD BE THE FUEL PUMP INSTEAD BUT HE SAID THEY TESTED IT AND IT WAS FINE. THE DAY AFTER I PICKED UP MY CAR, THE PROBLEM HAPPENED FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE DEALERSHIP CONTACTED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND WAS TOLD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. I ASKED FOR AN EXPLANATION BUT THEY COULDN'T PROVIDE ONE. I THEN CONTACTED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA DIRECTLY BUT THEY REFUSED TO INSPECT THE CAR OR EVEN PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION FOR THE PREVIOUS REPAIR ATTEMPTS. IF THE FUEL SUPPLY PROBLEM IS DUE EITHER TO THE CONTROL MODULE OR THE FUEL PUMP, THEN THESE PARTS APPEAR TO BE PRONE TO FAILURE EVEN WHEN NEW (IN THE CASE OF THE NEWLY REPLACED CONTROL MODULE) OR TESTED AS WORKING FINE (IN THE CASE OF THE FUEL PUMP). IF IT IS DUE TO SOMETHING ELSE, THEN WE SHOULD FIND OUT WHAT IT IS.

NHTSA ODI 10715571

Aug 5, 2014Fuel systemTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

THIS VEHICLE HAS A HESITATION OF THROTTLE ACCELERATION FROM IDLE AND SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS.PRESENTS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE FROM IDLE POSITION TO ACCELERATION. A 1-2 SECOND DELAY CONSISTENTLY HAPPENS. THE BMW DEALER REPORTED TO ME THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS SITUATION BUT DO NOT HAVE A SOLUTION YET. IF ENOUGH REPORTS OF THIS INCIDENT WERE HANDED IN THEN IT MAY NECESSITATE A CURE FROM BMW. APPARENTLY NOT ENOUGH SQUEAKY WHEELS PER SAY FOR BMW TO ACT.HOPEFULLY THIS ALONG WITH HUNDREDS OF THESE COMPLAINTS ALREADY ON YOUR WEB SITE ABOUT THIS VERY SAME ISSUE IS ENOUGH TO GET BMW TO ACT ON THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10618966

May 21, 2014Engine & coolingFuel system1 injury

PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 528I BMW AND WITHIN MONTHS I HAD A COOLANT SIGNAL INDICATING LOW COOLANT. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE COOLANT SIGNAL CAME ON EVERY SIX WEEKS, DESPITE HAVING IT TOPPED OFF AT DEALERSHIP. CAR HAD INADEQUATE POWER AND FELT LIKE IT DRAGGED. BMW SERVICE CENTER REPEATEDLY FAILED TO IDENTIFY A PROBLEM. EVENTUALLY, THE SIGNAL CAME ON AND AN INTOLERABLE FUEL ODOR EMERGED UPON TURNING ON THE CAR. FUEL AND CHEMICAL ODORS REMAIN. I HAVE READ OF OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND BELIEVE THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT MAKES THE CAR UNSAFE. THE EXPOSURE TO CARCINOGENIC COOLANT FUMES AND THE GAS FUMES ARE DANGEROUS. COOLANT MAY BE LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. OTHER MECHANICAL ISSUES MAY BE CAUSING THE DRAG AND CONTINUED LOSS OF POWER. IN ONE INSTANCE I LEFT THE VEHICLE AT THE BMW SERVICE CENTER WITH A FULL TANK AND WHEN IT WAS RETURNED TO ME, THE FUEL LEVEL HAD DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY DESPITE HAVING BEEN DRIVEN A VERY SMALL AMOUNT OF MILES BY THE SERVICE PEOPLE. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THESE PROBLEMS POSE A SAFETY HAZARD TO NOT ONLY MYSELF, BUT THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND OTHER BMW OWNERS WHO MAY BE UNAWARE OF THESE ISSUES. I FEEL THE CAR IS COMPROMISED BY THE MANUFACTURING DEFECTS AND THAT EFFORTS TO REPAIR THE PROBLEMS CONTINUE TO EXIST. I FEEL THE CAR IS UNSAFE AND POSES A SAFETY AND HEALTH HAZARD AND THAT BMW IS UNWILLING TO INVESTIGATE HOW PERVASIVE THE PROBLEM MAY BE. I WANT AN INVESTIGATION AND FEEL THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS IS NOT "THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE." PLEASE INVESTIGATE THESE PROBLEMS AND HELP PREVENT OTHERS FROM BEING UNNECESSARILY SUBJECTED TO TOXIC FUMES AND CHEMICALS WHICH MAY COMPROMISE THE PUBLIC'S HEALTH AND THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA ODI 10594058

Jun 17, 2013Fuel systemTransmission & drivetrain

AS MY CAR WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, I FELT A QUICK JERK FORWARD AND THOUGHT I WAS REAR-ENDED. I LOOKED BACK AND THERE WASN'T A CAR. AS I PULLED INTO MY PARKING SPACE, I WAS SWITCHING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, THE CAR JERKED AGAIN, LIKE I WAS BEING REAR ENDED. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS SKIPPING A GEAR (I DRIVE AN AUTOMATIC). THEN AS I WAS LEAVING THE PARKING LOT, I PUSHED THE GAS DOWN AND FOR ALMOST 2 SECONDS THE CAR DID NOTHING, THEN JERKED HARD FORWARD AND STARTED TO DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10520213

Jun 10, 2013Fuel system

VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF A GAS STATION. THIS IS NORMAL FOR THIS CAR (THROTTLE DELAY). I USUALLY PLAN FOR THE POOR PERFORMANCE, HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC I PULLED OUT IN WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN AMPLE TIME TO MERGE IN. NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED BUT IF I DID NOT KNOW HOW TO REACT IT VERY EASILY COULD HAVE. I DO NOT LET OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS DRIVE THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THIS ISSUE VERY UNSAFE!! THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10516077

Mar 22, 2013Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

THE VEHICLE HAS A SIGNIFICANT DELAY IN ACCELERATION THAT OCCURS PRIMARILY AFTER (I) THE VEHICLE HAS SLOWED DOWN TO A SPEED BETWEEN 18 MPH AND 24 MPH; (II) A FULL STOP (ALTHOUGH IT IS INTERMITTENT FOLLOWING A FULL STOP) AND (III) SUDDEN SURGES OF ACCELERATION. THE ACCELERATION DELAY IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN MODERATE ACCELERATION IS DESIRED. THE PEDAL CAN BE DEPRESSED NEARLY FULLY WITH NO NOTICEABLE ACCELERATION FOR A SHORT PERIOD. AFTER THE DELAY THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE, OFTEN IN A SURGE. FROM A FULL STOP ACCELERATION IS OFTEN A JERKY AFFAIR. THE ACCELERATION ISSUES SIGNIFICANTLY COMPROMISE SAFETY DUE TO THE UNEXPECTED VEHICLE PERFORMANCE, BOTH WITH THE ACCELERATION DELAY AND THE SUDDEN SURGE OF ACCELERATION THAT OCCURS AFTER ABOUT A SECOND TO A SECOND AND A HALF AFTER THE ACCELERATOR HAS BEEN DEPRESSED. OFTEN TIMES WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN NEARLY HIT AS A RESULT OF THE ACCELERATION DELAY. LIKEWISE, IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE A LEFT TURN UNTIL A ROAD IS EMPTY AS I HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO CROSS OPPOSING TRAFFIC. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10504194

Mar 29, 2011Fuel system

WAS PARKING 2011 BMW 550 AUTOMATIC.CAR SUDDENLY TOOK OFF AND HIT VERY HARD ON STONE WALL.ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED INCLUDING LOWER PASSENGER WINDOWS.CAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM FAILED.LOTS OF DAMAGE TO CAR. ALSO TAKEN CAR TO DEALER BEFORE DUE TO PULLINGOF CAR ON RIGHT WHILE DRIVIG AND ON APPLYING BRAKES.

NHTSA ODI 10393658

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Working with the data? Download all 198 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 28, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2011 BMW 528i verdict →