1997 BMW 528I recalls & problems
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls for the 1997 BMW 528I and 41 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is suspension (13 reports), followed by power train (6). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.
1997 BMW 528I problems by component
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 13 | 4 | 1 | 0 | |
| Power Train | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Air Bags | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Structure | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Latest owner complaints
Service Brakes · Mar 21, 2014 · 200 miles · NJ
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 BMW 528I. The contact stated the emergency brake on his vehicle had not operated normally since he purchased the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a BMW specialist, who stated the emergency brake for this model BMW had never worked properly . The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure…
Suspension · Feb 25, 2013 · 137,000 miles · CA
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 BMW 528I. The contact stated that he traveled over a road bump at an unknown speed when the vehicle released an abnormal noise. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that one of the struts failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact inquired of NHTSA campaign number: 04V183000 (suspension) but he was advised that the vehicle…
Tires · Jul 8, 2011 · 180,000 miles · AZ
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 BMW 528I equipped with nankang sport ns-1 (255/40/17) DOT u8uy1264906 tires. The contact stated that while inspecting the rear tires, he noticed that there were bubbles located on the thread of the tires. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage of the tires was 4,800.
Steering · Jan 17, 2011 · 135,000 miles · FL
After a few days of the car sitting in the drive way the steering locking mechanism was stuck. Finally managed to get it unlocked only to have it lock again while driving which is really scary. This has happened twice. I decided not to drive the car anymore and decided to get rid of it. *tr
Power Train · Oct 7, 2010 · MS
Two things specifically which appears to be a very widespread issue. First, the transmission has lost its reverse function. The vehicle goes in drive without a single problem at all. This appears to be related to a defect in the drum on the vehicle. (a quick google search will show you and unbelievable amount of people having the same problem) also, the right headlight stays…
Electrical System · Oct 7, 2010 · MS
Two things specifically which appears to be a very widespread issue. First, the transmission has lost its reverse function. The vehicle goes in drive without a single problem at all. This appears to be related to a defect in the drum on the vehicle. (a quick google search will show you and unbelievable amount of people having the same problem) also, the right headlight stays…
Power Train · Apr 12, 2010 · 108,000 miles · TX
Vehicle started random shift selections after rain occurs. Display often showed incorrect gear selection and incorrect gear position on automatic transmission. Gear position indicator on transmission has degraded sealant allowing water into wiring and switch causing electrical malfunction and incorrect indications from transmission and engine speed control. Has progressed now…
Seat Belts · Mar 4, 2009 · 62,000 miles · CA
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 BMW 528I. Upon purchasing the vehicle in january of 2006, the contact was informed of issues with the air bag sensor that had been repaired. Sometime later, the SRS air bag warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that there was an issue with the seat belt…
Air Bags · Mar 4, 2009 · 62,000 miles · CA
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 BMW 528I. Upon purchasing the vehicle in january of 2006, the contact was informed of issues with the air bag sensor that had been repaired. Sometime later, the SRS air bag warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that there was an issue with the seat belt…
Suspension · Jan 8, 2009 · 205,730 miles · CA · crash · fire
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 BMW 528I. While driving 60 MPH, the contact heard a clunking noise and noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle dropped to the ground and the steering wheel began to vibrate badly. He pulled to the side of the road and could not control the vehicle. He crashed into the guardrail and the front and rear passenger side doors were…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 8, 2008 · GA
1997 BMW 528I was running hot. Consumer states that the vehicle was running hot, mechanic replaced the radiator. She states that the vehicle is still running hot and the brakes were screeching and squeaking. Another dealer replaced the thermostat. *kb
Engine and Engine Cooling · Apr 8, 2008 · GA
1997 BMW 528I was running hot. Consumer states that the vehicle was running hot, mechanic replaced the radiator. She states that the vehicle is still running hot and the brakes were screeching and squeaking. Another dealer replaced the thermostat. *kb
Other BMW 528I years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1997 BMW 528I have any recalls?
No safety recalls are listed for the 1997 BMW 528I in NHTSA's recall database. Recalls can still be issued later, so check again by VIN before buying.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 BMW 528I?
Based on 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are suspension (13), power train (6), air bags (5).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 1997 BMW 528I?
Owners reported 5 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.