1997 BMW 528I Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 29%of 41 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,288miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 BMW 528I, 29% of the 41 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,288 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The driver side front strut has failed. The strut has broken half way and appears that it just a matter of time or a bump before the entire piece breaks off. If this happens while driving, vehicle control will be lost. A few months ago I replaced the passenger side strut because that strut spring base failed, at the time I considered a freak occurrence and just replaced the strut. Now that the other strut is failing I believe this is a manufacturing defect and very dangerous safety issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10018900, filed 2003-05, 112,520 miles“While backing out of a parking a space the flexible ball joint housing came apart. This caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle, and the steering wheel turned completely around. The flex joint housing bolt went out. The flex joint housing bolts needed to be replaced and the slip ring was damaged to the wheel spring.”
NHTSA complaint #10026782, filed 2003-08, 88,055 miles“On july 1, 2004 consumer received a recall letter, prior to having the strut NHTSA recall campaign 04v183000 repairs performed. The defect occurred. This resulted in a collision on june 25, 2004 while driving at 35 MPH. Consumer lost control, and the right tire broke. As result, vehicle went into a ditch.”
NHTSA complaint #10080308, filed 2004-07, 12,000 miles“While driving at 30 MPH, the consumer heard an explosion, sounding like a tire blowout. While examining the flat tire, the consumer discovered that the right front strut broke, piercing the tire. Several months later, the exact same thing happened on the opposite side of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10068606, filed 2004-06, 38,514 miles“A rattling noise can be heard while driving at any speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the front struts needed to be replaced. The front right strut collapsed and caused damage to the tire.”
NHTSA complaint #10107262, filed 2005-03, 55,000 milesSuspension: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 BMW 528I
5 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 BMW 528I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology