CarRecallDB

2008 BMW 528I recalls and problems

2 recalls and 118 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 BMW 528I.

2
recalls
118
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
16
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2008 BMW 528I recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA campaign 17V683000 · reported October 30, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC · 740,561 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
The risk
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Exterior lighting: tail lights

NHTSA campaign 13V407000 · reported September 11, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC · 134,100 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
The risk
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 19, 2025 · Exterior lighting

The daylight lamps fall apart causing poor lighting at night and continuous alarms while driving. Also, impacting the quality of light and lack of lighting at night. The alarms are continuous and block ALL other alerts from the vehicle, including cruise control, temperature, overheating, engine, and other notices.

Jan 31, 2025 · Electrical system

After purchasing this vehicle from my aunt and uncle my one headlight when bad after purchasing the headlights I replaced both the right and left one while removing the old headlights the insulation from the wires just crumbles off casuing a short bc the wires are zip tied several times together and causes my lights…

Nov 17, 2024 · Electrical system · fire reported

I bought a 2008 528i July 2024. Got Emissions & Tag at the end of August. Oct 5 2024. My car was on Fire. Drove the car 11 mins got out for a few mins got bk in crunk the car and a flame shot out of what I'm assuming is a fuse box on the driver side. The car had flames coming from under the steering wheel area in the…

Jun 13, 2024 · Air bags

My BMW i528 was parked on May 23, 2024, and the driver airbag deflated without being tampered with. The incident is on surveillance camera. Since the car was manufactured in 2008, the insurance company will not cover the cost of the incident because it was not the result of a collision. There was no light that came on…

Jul 17, 2023 · Exterior lighting

My front left and right headlight assembly went out. Went to take a look to realize all the wiring inside the assembly was exposed and sparking. Come to find out this was a common issue in this year make and model. They are charging $2,500 per assembly for a factory issue that could start a fire. Needs taken care of…

528I model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2007 1100
2008 2118116
2009 22312
2010 26524
2011 411811

Across all years, the 2008 528I has the most complaints (118). All BMW 528I years →

Questions

Does the 2008 BMW 528I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 BMW 528I, the most recent reported on October 30, 2017 (Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 528I?
Owners have filed 118 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is exterior lighting (33 complaints), followed by electrical system (30).
How many 2008 BMW 528I complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 118 complaints report a crash and 16 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 19, 2025.