Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed water build-up in the driver's side headlight housing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was confirmed. The contact was informed that the driver's side headlight housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The contact was informed that, due to the water build-up, the damage had extended beyond the headlight housing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test was not performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the driver's side daytime running light was inoperable due to water and condensation inside the light housing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed that the water build-up inside the light housing was a common issue, and that the housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlights failed to illuminate while it was raining or while washing the vehicle. The indicators failed to operate while attempting to make a turn. The warning light indicating an electrical failure was illuminated. The failure was intermittent. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. The contact stated that water entered the headlights. The vehicle was taken to new country BMW (1 weston park rd, hartford, ct 06120, [phone]) where the vehicle diagnosed and it was confirmed that there was water in headlights and May cause an electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact researched the failure and stated that water entering the headlights could lead to an electrical failure or fire. The manufacturer was contacted however no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 96,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528i. The contact stated that the driver's side headlight housing had an excessive amount of moisture inside. The vehicle failed to start. The daytime and parking light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Headlight wiring is shorting out due to the plastic coating on the wiring degrading. This issue is currently only affecting the daytime running lights but has caused a short in the headlight system which, without repair, will eventually affect the headlights. This is a serious safety concern because a short in one headlight can lead to a failure of the entire system leaving me without headlights. This issue is apparently caused by wiring which degrades in higher heat which should never have been installed in a headlight assembly.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 BMW 528i. While driving various speeds, the brake warning indicator illuminated. The contact also stated that the right and left turn signal indicators failed to operate and the rear brake lights failed to illuminate. In addition, the instrument panel lighting failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing of the failures. The contact, a certified independent mechanic, stated that the brake light module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in any recalls; therefore, no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
I took my vehicle to BMW irvine in california for a recall on my tail lights, they stop working, the recall was to replace both sides and they only did one. The side that burn out but they left the same connector which was burnt and with the wires loose and I wasnt even notify when I pick the vehicle until when I start driving the light stopworking again. They answer is not t heir fault dont care. Now my vehicle doesn't run and I got all kinds of wired messages on my idrive. Half way done recalls??? Bad customer service.
Related recalls (3)
Exterior lighting
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
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…
Remedy: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake lamps in these vehicles are controlled by a switch activated by the movement of the brake pedal. This switch could fail internally, causing it to remain either in the "brake lamps off" position or in the "brake lamps on" position.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the existing brake lamp switch with an improved switch.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW 528i years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (33) model years. Headlight complaints make up 28% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for BMW 528i headlight problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 15V-188 (exterior lighting, Mar 31, 2015); 13V-407 (tail lights, Sep 11, 2013); 00V-048 (switch, Feb 17, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do BMW 528i headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles; 4% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (9 mentions), followed by the brake lights (3).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.