BMW 535I recalls and problems by year
NHTSA lists 9 recalls and 473 owner complaints for the BMW 535I (model years 2008–2017). The most reported problem area is engine (129 complaints), followed by fuel/propulsion system (106 complaints). The 2011 model year has the most recalls (4).
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 0 | 23 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 2 | 30 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 1 | 39 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2012 | 1 | 54 | 0 | 2 | |
| 2011 | 4 | 112 | 5 | 6 | |
| 2010 | 1 | 58 | 3 | 3 | |
| 2009 | 1 | 71 | 2 | 2 | |
| 2008 | 1 | 74 | 0 | 4 |
By complaints filed, the peak model years are 2011 (112), 2008 (74) and 2009 (71). Among model years at least two years old, the 2017 has the fewest complaints on file (0).
Most reported problem areas
What owners name in their complaints across all BMW 535I model years. A complaint can name more than one area.
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 129 | 8 of 10 | |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 106 | 7 of 10 | |
| Electrical system | 78 | 8 of 10 | |
| Power train | 43 | 6 of 10 | |
| Air bags | 43 | 9 of 10 |
Latest 8 of 9 recalls
| Recall | Date | Problem area | Model years | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24V527000 | Jul 11, 2024 | Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module | 2014 | 1,145 |
| 17V067000 | Feb 2, 2017 | Power train: driveline, constant velocity joint | 2011 | 8,752 |
| 16V914000 | Dec 20, 2016 | Air bags | 2016 | 3,506 |
| 16V832000 | Nov 17, 2016 | Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive | 2011 | 91 |
| 16V746000 | Oct 17, 2016 | Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump | 2011–2012 | 136,188 |
| 15V718000 | Oct 30, 2015 | Child seat | 2016 | 7,162 |
| 15V188000 | Mar 31, 2015 | Exterior lighting | 2013–2014 | 13,443 |
| 14V176000 | Apr 10, 2014 | Engine and engine cooling: engine | 2011 | 156,137 |
Vehicles: the manufacturer's estimate of all vehicles potentially affected by the recall, across every model it covers. Each model-year page lists what its recalls fix.
Owners reported a crash in 17 complaints and a fire in 19 complaints; 15 people injured and 0 deaths are recorded in these reports. These are the owners' accounts, not findings of cause.
Complaint counts grow with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road; compare years with that in mind. Complaints are unverified owner reports.