1997 BMW 528 Recalls
No NHTSA recalls on record for the 1997 BMW 528. That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Complaints by component
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving at no particular speed, the gear shift indicator down shifted into neutral. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection only. Updated 4/11/2006 - *nm”
“Engine overheated suddenly at expressway speed. Suspect thermastat or water pump. Caused major engine failure, "meltdown" of radiator assy. *ak”
“While getting routine service check the sevice representative reported the car had run hot. I had noticed no previous problems, however they suggested a water pump replacement. I test drove the car and it began to overheat. I returned to the dealership and suggested the thermostat be replaced…”
“While getting routine service check the sevice representative reported the car had run hot. I had noticed no previous problems, however they suggested a water pump replacement. I test drove the car and it began to overheat. I returned to the dealership and suggested the thermostat be replaced…”
“The third/middle rear brake light housing has melted due to excessive heat build up when using brakes for extended time periods (e.g., when stuck in very slow moving traffic). This has caused the red lense to melt over the bulb, thereby posing a risk of fire and preventing the car from being…”
“I bought the 1997 bmw 528i off lease. It was my second bmw. The prior bmw had virtually no problems. I guess the second one had to make up for the first one. If I only had a nickle for every time I wished I hadn't traded for the second one. 1. The first problem occurred immediately, the engine…”
“I bought the 1997 bmw 528i off lease. It was my second bmw. The prior bmw had virtually no problems. I guess the second one had to make up for the first one. If I only had a nickle for every time I wished I hadn't traded for the second one. 1. The first problem occurred immediately, the engine…”
“I bought the 1997 bmw 528i off lease. It was my second bmw. The prior bmw had virtually no problems. I guess the second one had to make up for the first one. If I only had a nickle for every time I wished I hadn't traded for the second one. 1. The first problem occurred immediately, the engine…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1997 BMW 528 as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.