ProblemsByVin File / 2016-BMW-528I NHTSA data synced 4 days ago

2016 · BMW

BMW 528i problems

1 active recall campaign on file, no owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

Reliability score

9.8 / 10

No owner complaints on NHTSA yet, so the reliability score is provisional. 1 active recall on file — read those first.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2016 528i?

Not enough data for a verdict

Only 0 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2016 528i's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 15V718000 October 30, 2015

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535d xDrive, M5, 550i, 550i xDrive, and 535d sedans

If the child seat is not properly attached to the lower anchors, it can increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the inboard lower anchor on the left rear seat, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

EA Air Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2016 BMW 528i reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 0 owner complaints have been filed for the 2016 BMW 528i, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2016 BMW 528i?

Only 0 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2016 BMW 528i without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 BMW 528i?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my BMW 528i has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 BMW 528i?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 0 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/BMW/528i. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with BMW. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.