2011 BMW 528I Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2011 BMW 528I, 5% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,000 miles.
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.
“Prior to any knowledge of a safety recall on my car I reported an abnormal sound coming from my engine. I had called Bmw roadside about the noise I heard. I asked for them to take it to the dealership to have it looked at. Ever since that first time of me hearing a strange noise there has been 3 separate engine shut offs while driving on the frwy. Each time those incidents have occurred I would call roadside and try explaining myself but having the most difficult time due to me being diagnosed with ptsd,anxiety disorder and copd. …”
NHTSA complaint #10671720, filed 2015-01, 45,000 miles“I noticed all of a sudden when I would turn my steering wheel it would make a clicking sound. Then none of my controls were working on the steering wheel. The horn wouldnt work none of the buttons and the air bag malfunction light was on. I researched and quite a few people had the same problem and I found out it was the ribbon wire inside the steering wheel had snapped and broke. The clock spring i guess might have failed or something. So now i have no horn or airbag and it's very dangerous. To ha e it replaced will be a few hundred dollars. …”
NHTSA complaint #11492924, filed 2022-11“We bought a 2011 Bmw 528I while it was under warranty. We started to have issues right after that. Pulling right, electronics freezing, can not unlock the doors with key fob, can not get out from car because door handles do not work time to time and our 2 year old son got locked inside(car locked by it self) and we had to break the window which took almost 30 minutes. Bmw said they could not find any problem and went even further some of the issues are features of the car. Our kids getting locked in the car is a serious issue, can not getting from the car is another serious issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10872459, filed 2016-06Related service bulletins
- 10194296Apr 1, 2021Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking…
- 10146770Sep 1, 2017BUZZING NOISE HEARD COMING FROM STEERING WHEEL. While driving at highway speeds, on uneven road surfaces, a buzzing noise is heard coming from the steering wheel. The Lane…
- 10146845Sep 1, 2016BUZZING NOISE HEARD COMING FROM STEERING WHEEL. While driving at highway speeds, on older (worn) road surfaces, a buzzing noise is heard coming from the steering wheel. The Lane…
- 10151312May 1, 2016Troubleshooting intermittent Steering Assistance with Electric Power Steering (EPS). Intermittent steering assistance failure CAUSE The power supply of the EPS control unit.
- 10151176Mar 1, 2016Groaning Noise When Adjusting Steering Column. A groaning noise can be heard when the steering column is retracted and moves into the lower position. Friction between gap trim…
- 10151101Feb 1, 2016SUBJECT Groaning Noise When Adjusting Steering Column. A groaning noise can be heard when the steering column is retracted and moves into the lower position. CAUSE Friction…
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 2 | 4% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 6 | 5% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 7% |
| 1999 | 2 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 12% |
| 1997 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW 528I
34 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 BMW 528I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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