CarRecallDB

2013 BMW 535I recalls and problems

1 recall and 39 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2013 BMW 535I.

1
recalls
39
owner complaints
1
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.

2013 BMW 535I recalls

Exterior lighting

NHTSA campaign 15V188000 · reported March 31, 2015 · BMW of North America, LLC · 13,443 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk
The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 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 12, 2026 · Engine

UKNOWN EXACT PROBLEM. 2013 BMW 535i with the same N55 motor with the […] recall. Similar symptoms: Drivetrain malfunction and "camshaft stuck" code with loud metallic clanking in upper front of engine bay. Incident happened at rough 5-10mph pulling out of a parking lot just at 160,000 miles. Oil spilling everywhere…

Nov 19, 2025 · Engine · fire reported

My 2013 BMW 535i (VIN […] ) caught fire spontaneously while parked, turned off, and unoccupied on 11/18/2025 in Westbury, NY. A passerby saw smoke and called 911. Nassau County Police and the Westbury Fire Department responded. Firefighters informed me at the scene that the fire was mechanical in origin. The vehicle…

Jul 22, 2025 · Air bags

Heard a clicking noise behind the steering wheel for a few days then I’ll the sudden the horn stopped working and all the controls on the steering wheel stopped working. I’m a mechanic so I took apart the clock spring stealing wheel compartment to find all of the wire broken and very very brittle. Cause for concern…

Jun 10, 2025 · Engine and engine cooling · 200,000 miles

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine was overheating. Additionally, the contact noticed an abnormal burning odor while driving, with smoke coming from underneath the hood while at a complete stop. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the…

Feb 18, 2025 · Electrical system

After the replacement of all 02 sensors and fuses, the fault code returns and was traced back to the integrated supply module/IVm

535I model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2010 15833
2011 411256
2012 15402
2013 13912
2014 23050
2015 02310
2016 21200

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

Questions

Does the 2013 BMW 535I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 BMW 535I, the most recent reported on March 31, 2015 (Exterior lighting). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW 535I?
Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (13 complaints), followed by engine (10).
How many 2013 BMW 535I complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 39 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 October 12, 2026.