1998 BMW 528I recalls & problems
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls for the 1998 BMW 528I and 33 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is air bags (6 reports), followed by structure (4). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.
1998 BMW 528I problems by component
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Structure | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Power Train | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Electrical System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Unknown or Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Latest owner complaints
Air Bags · Nov 26, 2019 · 80,000 miles · CT
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated five years ago. The contact attempted to use a code reader to diagnose the defect, but no code was discovered. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Seats · Mar 2, 2018 · 151,980 miles · TX
The left side of the driver seat only tilts forward and backward a little and the other side stays stationary. All other seat functions work except that.
Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 30, 2016 · 273,000 miles · CA
-takata -ABS module malfunction due to module being fried by excessively engine heat -dsc system failure due to poor wiring and heat from poor placement in engine bay this has caused multiple issues with drive ability and safety I've been complaining for quite awhile that the car has been having safety issues and BMW ignores me and my complaints. *tr
Air Bags · Nov 30, 2016 · 273,000 miles · CA
-takata -ABS module malfunction due to module being fried by excessively engine heat -dsc system failure due to poor wiring and heat from poor placement in engine bay this has caused multiple issues with drive ability and safety I've been complaining for quite awhile that the car has been having safety issues and BMW ignores me and my complaints. *tr
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · Nov 30, 2016 · 273,000 miles · CA
-takata -ABS module malfunction due to module being fried by excessively engine heat -dsc system failure due to poor wiring and heat from poor placement in engine bay this has caused multiple issues with drive ability and safety I've been complaining for quite awhile that the car has been having safety issues and BMW ignores me and my complaints. *tr
Service Brakes · Nov 30, 2016 · 273,000 miles · CA
-takata -ABS module malfunction due to module being fried by excessively engine heat -dsc system failure due to poor wiring and heat from poor placement in engine bay this has caused multiple issues with drive ability and safety I've been complaining for quite awhile that the car has been having safety issues and BMW ignores me and my complaints. *tr
Air Bags · Dec 6, 2011 · 85,000 miles · NC
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 BMW 528I. The contact stated that after engine start up, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the air bag sensors needed to be reset. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 93,000.
Electrical System · Nov 29, 2010 · 115,000 miles · NJ
The wiring harness that enters the trunk lid that supplies the lights for the rear license plate and the trunk lid release has frayed at the exact point where the harness enters the trunk lid. The wiring comes in direct contact with the sharp edge at the opening in the trunk lid, and several of the wires have broken at this point, resulting in failure of the license plate…
Power Train · Mar 18, 2010 · NJ
My 1998 BMW 5-series 528I started accelerating on it's own when I was driving, and I had to keep my foot on the brake and almost ran a few red lights. When I parked my car I had to put it in neutral to turn it off and I tried starting it again (with my foot on the brake) and it accelerated w/out being in drive. Now my car jerks every time I'm driving slow and it feels like…
Power Train · Sep 14, 2009 · 104,000 miles · PA
No reverse gear. The reverse gear in the transmission stopped working. *tr
Steering · Feb 18, 2009 · 82,000 miles · MI
Two major complaints: 1. Transmission of the car broke down completely within 82,000 miles. I had to spend a large amount of money to replace the transmission. 2. Power steering of the car had experienced leak since I bought the car. Still after so many years the problem has not been properly rectified despite the fact that I brought this to the attention of the dealer. 3.…
Power Train · Feb 18, 2009 · 82,000 miles · MI
Two major complaints: 1. Transmission of the car broke down completely within 82,000 miles. I had to spend a large amount of money to replace the transmission. 2. Power steering of the car had experienced leak since I bought the car. Still after so many years the problem has not been properly rectified despite the fact that I brought this to the attention of the dealer. 3.…
Other BMW 528I years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1998 BMW 528I have any recalls?
No safety recalls are listed for the 1998 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 1998 BMW 528I?
Based on 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are air bags (6), structure (4), steering (4).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 1998 BMW 528I?
Owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire, 1 injury and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.