Does the 2009 BMW 535I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2009 BMW 535I, the most recent reported on September 11, 2013 (Exterior lighting: tail lights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 BMW 535I?

Owners have filed 71 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is fuel/propulsion system (24 complaints), followed by engine (21).

How many 2009 BMW 535I complaints mention a crash or fire?

2 of 71 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2009 BMW 535I recalls and problems

1 recall and 71 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2009 BMW 535I.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2009 BMW 535I recalls

Exterior lighting: tail lights

NHTSA campaign 13V407000 · reported September 11, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC · 134,100 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
The risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Fuel/propulsion system24
Engine21
Fuel system, gasoline17
Engine and engine cooling7
Power train6
Air bags4
Electrical system2
Electronic stability control (ESC)2
Exterior lighting2
Seat belts2

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 11, 2025 · Power train
I believe using the manual shift mode for normal usage of optimal shifting in certain driving situations and gentle downshifting caused a malfunction in the functionality of the transmission that led to a complete transmission failure. I don’t believe it’s a mechanical issue or result of misuse. There were no warning…

May 13, 2024 · Tires · 177,259 miles
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I equipped with Mastercraft Tires, Tire Line: Stratus, Tire Size: 225/50/R17. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the passenger's side rear tire was bubbling, and the vehicle was unstable. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and the contact observed that…

Dec 1, 2023 · Engine · 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated violently with a message displayed to, "Check Engine – Engine Power Reduced”. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures…

Jun 7, 2022 · Engine
While driving I have received engine malfunction and steering becomes hard and unsafe. Have had the engine belt shred to pieces and case major issues. Same repair has been completed multiple times. Great vehicle becoming unsafe to have on the road. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available…

May 16, 2022 · Engine · 115,600 miles
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535i. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for servicing, he was informed that the vehicle was leaking oil. The oil filter housing and the valve cover gaskets were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check…

535I model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2008	1	74	0	4
2009	1	71	2	2
2010	1	58	3	3
2011	4	112	5	6
2012	1	54	0	2

Across all years, the 2011 535I has the most complaints (112). All BMW 535I years →

Questions

Does the 2009 BMW 535I have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2009 BMW 535I, the most recent reported on September 11, 2013 (Exterior lighting: tail lights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 BMW 535I?: Owners have filed 71 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is fuel/propulsion system (24 complaints), followed by engine (21).
How many 2009 BMW 535I complaints mention a crash or fire?: 2 of 71 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 11, 2025.