- The problem
- Brake light switch could overheat, eventually leading to melting of plastic internal parts in area of electrical contacts.
- The risk
- Consequence of defect: switch plunger could jam, rendering brake lights either inoperative or continuously illiminated, regardless of brake pedal operation.
- The fix
- Replace brake light switch with revised switch with increased electrical load capacity.
Vehicle safety record
1986 BMW 528 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1986 BMW 528 with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in November 1986 for the switch. For comparison, the 1987 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical 528 year, for its age
#153 most complained-about 1986 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1986 BMW 528 problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1986 BMW 528 recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
Be the first 528 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
1 complaints about the 1986 BMW 528
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Driver seat is loose from the anchors and causing seat to move back and forth. Dealer / manufacturer were notified, and unwilling to assist because vehicle was out of its warranty and not cover under a recall. Feel free to provide us with any further details on this matter... *Ak
BMW 528: every year compared
All 528 years1986 BMW 528 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 BMW 528 | 1 | 1 | B | |
| 1986 BMW 325 | 9 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1986 BMW 325E | 2 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 1986 BMW 535I | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1986 BMW 735 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1986 BMW 3 Series | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1986 BMW 528
Does the 1986 BMW 528 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1986 BMW 528: switch (November 1986). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 BMW 528?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (1).
How many complaints has the 1986 BMW 528 had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 22, 2001 and the latest on May 22, 2001. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1986 BMW 528 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 65 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical BMW 528 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which BMW 528 years have the most complaints?
1997 (13), 1998 (7), 1999 (3). See every BMW 528 year compared.
What should I do if my 1986 BMW 528 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data