1998 BMW 528ia recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEALING MATERIAL OF THE SWITCH CAN DEVELOP LEAKS AND ALLOW WATER ENTRY.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN AN INCORRECT INDICATION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR POSITION, WHICH COULD ALSO CAUSE THE CAR NOT TO START, OR ALLOW IT TO START IN A DRIVE GEAR, SUCH AS 'DRIVE' OR 'REVERSE.'
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR POSITION SWITCH.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1998 528IA.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V143000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEALING MATERIAL OF THE SWITCH CAN DEVELOP LEAKS AND ALLOW WATER ENTRY.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN AN INCORRECT INDICATION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR POSITION, WHICH COULD ALSO CAUSE THE CAR NOT TO START, OR ALLOW IT TO START IN A DRIVE GEAR, SUCH AS 'DRIVE' OR 'REVERSE.'
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR POSITION SWITCH.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1), Visibility (wipers / glass) (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
04/30/2003 · Wheels / tires
LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILED AT 50,000 MILES
12/13/1999 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
THE RIGHT MIRROR AUTOMATICALLY TIPS DOWN WHEN THE CAR IS IN RESERVE TO AID IN SEEING THE CURB - THE MIRROR HAS MALFUNCTIONED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS BY NOT READJUSTING TO THE CORRECT POSITION - THE DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED ON AT LEAST 15 SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH THE MIRRORS MEMORY - IT STILL DOES NOT WORK PROBERLY. *AK