BMW 535I problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 156 owner complaints and 9 recalls on file for the BMW 535I (2008–2017). The 2011 535I has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints
156
Recalls
9
Model years
10
Worst year
2011

Complaints by model year

72008820091220104320112220122020131420142020151020162017
NHTSA complaints per BMW 535I model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst BMW 535I years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2011 BMW 535I — 43 complaints, 4 crashes, 4 fires; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2017 (0 complaints).

Every BMW 535I model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2017 535I00001—
2016 535I100002Airbags
2015 535I201000Engine
2014 535I142012Engine
2013 535I200201Electrical System
2012 535I220101Engine
2011 535I434454Engine
2010 535I121001Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2009 535I80001Engine
2008 535I70101Engine

Most common BMW 535I problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    54 complaints
  • Electrical System
    38 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    30 complaints
  • Lighting
    21 complaints
  • Airbags
    19 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    16 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    9 complaints
  • Suspension
    9 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    7 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    6 complaints

Complaint trend

20202021202420252026
Complaints about the BMW 535I received by NHTSA each month.

BMW 535I recalls

  • Recall 24V527000Jul 11, 20241,145 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.

  • Recall 17V067000Feb 2, 20178,752 vehiclesModel years 2011

    Risk: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V914000Dec 20, 20163,506 vehiclesModel years 2016–2017

    Risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V832000Nov 17, 201691 vehiclesModel years 2011

    Risk: Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints may increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V746000Oct 17, 2016136,188 vehiclesModel years 2011–2012

    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.

  • Recall 15V718000Oct 30, 20157,162 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the child seat is not properly attached to the lower anchors, it can increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  • Recall 15V188000Mar 31, 201513,443 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V176000Apr 10, 2014156,137 vehiclesModel years 2011

    Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 13V407000Sep 11, 2013134,100 vehiclesModel years 2008–2010

    Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other BMW models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology