Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
A critical component failure has rendered my 2016 BMW 528xi inoperable and unsafe. The water pump failed, forcing the car into a safety "limp mode," limiting its speed to approximately 40 miles per hour. This issue mirrors NHTSA Recall 24V-608 regarding an electrical connector on the water pump that can short circuit, potentially causing a "thermal event or fire." The problem began with dashboard warnings about overheating, despite the coolant reservoir being full. Following these warnings, the vehicle entered "limp mode," posing a significant safety risk in normal traffic. The potential for fire is also a major concern. An independent service center has confirmed the water pump and its electrical connector as the point of failure. The failed component is available for inspection by a NHTSA investigator. …
Very often, when I change the gear to 'Drive' or 'Reverse' I get a message on the dashboard screen - "secure Vehicle against rolling" and the car DOES NOT move unless I shift the auto gear lever several times or sometimes shut off the engine to get back to normal driving. Once when I was in such a situation, no matter what I do, the error message would not go away and I had to call the tow truck to get home. And when tow truck person brought the car home, the problem fixed itself!! I only have 81000 miles on this car. It is a very serious safety issue as far as I am concerned. PLEASE HELP.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while driving up a ramp at 5 MPH, the transmission unintendedly shifted into Neutral (N) and the engine experienced a total loss of motive power. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle rolled backward, struck the front bumper of another vehicle, and stopped upon impact. The vehicle sustained rear bumper damage. The airbags did not deploy. A police report was not filed, and no injuries or property damage were reported. The vehicle was not towed. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed due to diagnostic costs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
On September 22, 2016. My 2015 BMW 528i vehicle had a drivetrain malfunction. The car died on the 95northbound and I was in the speedlane in motion going over 70 miles an hour and the car when into a dead stop and almost caused over a 30 car pileup. I was almost killed! This car is 1 years old and should have not happened. I do not feel safe in this vehicle and cannot get back in it. BMW is insisting that it is safe and they fixed the problem. I cannot put my families life's or my life in jeopardy. BMW is insisting that they fixed it and will not switch out this car for a different model. I do not want to keep this car I am in a lease with them and they will not do anything to switch out this car to a different model or vehicle type to ensure my safety. …
I purchased the used BMW from a very reputable dealership May 2021. Last week, I was driving the car and all of the dashboard lights went on suddenly. The car began to buck and I pulled over immediately. I had the car towed to the local BMW dealership. The service department informed me, the serpentine belt broke, wrapped around the crankshaft, and grinded into pieces. The pieced of the belt were sucked into the engine and caused the engine to seize. When researching this problem, because I never heard of it before, it seems it is a fairly common problem with BMW's. The BMW dealership wanted $14,000 to insert a new engine. There is no way I can afford that, and if it is a known problem, why wasn't there a recall? I contacted BMW customer service and they said there was nothing they can do to help me. …
The Check engine light is displayed, a drivetrain malfunction message is being displayed and the engine's power output has been reduced The issue is diagnosed as turbocharger wastegate valve actuator I would like for BMW to extend the limited warranty for this issue to 2014 BMW 528i
Error Codes : 1. E11480 No Message (Alive Counter Safety 0xD7) Receiver Instrument Cluster Transmitter Airbag 2. E11482 Message (Alive Counter Safety 0xD7) Not Current Receiver Instrument Cluster Transmitter Airbag 3. B7F685 Under Voltage . 4. E114DB Instrument Panel: Demand Based Service Message, Message From CBS Subscriber (BBV) Missing 5. E114DC Instrument Panel: Demand Based Service Message, Message From CBS Subscriber (BBH) Missing 6. E11421 Message Demand Based Service Message From CBS User Has Failed DRIVETRAIN MALFUCTION when drive sport mode The Trunk always Open for no Reason when unlock the car.
The car had 73,000 miles on it. I was driving home from work in stop and go city traffic when suddenly, the engine went into limp mode (as it is designed to do after it detects engine problems) and indicators lit up saying that I needed to pull over as the car was inoperable. I was in the left lane about to merge onto a toll road, but now found myself trying to get the car safety over three lanes of rush hour traffic to a gas station. This I managed to do while the car was making load noises and not providing adequate acceleration. After having it towed to a BMW specialist I was told the engine's timing system was off. I was also told the timing belt fails often with this particular BMW engine. The common cause seems to be a (unknown at least to me) plastic part within that warps from stress and then causes said part to break apart within the engine. …
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW 528i years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (25), 2012 (20), 2008 (15), 2013 (13) and 2010 (9) model years. Transmission complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for BMW 528i transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any BMW 528i model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do BMW 528i transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (6 mentions), followed by the driveline (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.