2012 BMW 535I recalls and problems

1 recall and 54 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 BMW 535I.

1
recalls
54
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
2
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.

2012 BMW 535I recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump

NHTSA campaign 16V746000 · reported October 17, 2016 · BMW of North America, LLC · 136,188 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
The risk
The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Most reported problems

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

What owners report

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

Oct 28, 2025 · Engine

BMW N63 Engine Powertrain Issues 2012 535i The N63 engine, utilized in various BMW models including the 2012 535i, has been subject to multiple customer complaints regarding premature timing chain wear and other powertrain-related issues. This led BMW to introduce a "Customer Care Package," detailed in Technical…

Mar 22, 2025 · Electrical system · fire reported

The car was parked overnight. In the morning around dusk , it spontaneously caught fire.

Jan 21, 2025 · Air bags

UNKNOWN passenger restraint system malfunction message started coming.

Oct 23, 2024 · Engine and engine cooling · 127,000 miles

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the engine temperature and "Pull Over - Stop Vehicle" warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and let the vehicle cool down and drove to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined…

Aug 21, 2024 · Fuel system, gasoline · 119,000 miles

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving approximately 50–55 MPH, the engine overheated and the vehicle shutoff. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The contact continued to drive to her residence. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA…

535I model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2009 17122
2010 15833
2011 411256
2012 15402
2013 13912
2014 23050
2015 02310

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

Questions

Does the 2012 BMW 535I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 BMW 535I, the most recent reported on October 17, 2016 (Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW 535I?
Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is fuel/propulsion system (12 complaints), followed by engine (11).
How many 2012 BMW 535I complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 54 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 28, 2025.