NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2017

BMW 535i recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 472 owner complaints for the BMW 535i, covering model years 1995 to 2017. The 2011 model year drew the most complaints (112), and Engine is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your BMW 535i VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

10 recall campaigns on file
472 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
11 model years with data (1995–2017)

most complaints: 2011 (112 for that model year)
top component: Engine (128 complaints)
latest recall 24V527000 (reported Jul 11, 2024)

17 complaints reporting a crash (3.6%)
19 complaints reporting a fire (4.0%)
11 complaints reporting an injury (2.3%)
0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

BMW 535i complaints by model year

9 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2011 model year has the most complaints: 112 of 472, or 23.7%. Next come 2008 (74) and 2009 (71). The fewest are for 2016, with 12 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years

BMW 535i complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death

BMW 535i complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model year	Complaints	Reporting a crash	Reporting a fire	Reporting an injury
2008	74	0	4	1
2009	71	2	2	1
2010	58	3	3	1
2011	112	5	6	5
2012	54	0	2	0
2013	38	1	2	1
2014	30	5	0	2
2015	23	1	0	0
2016	12	0	0	0
All model years	472	17	19	11

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported BMW 535i components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine is the component named most often, in 128 complaints (27.1% of all 472), followed by Fuel/Propulsion System (107) and Electrical System (78).

Components named most often in BMW 535i complaints (top 15)

Components named most often in BMW 535i complaints (top 15)
Component	Complaints	Share of complaints
Engine	128	27.1%
Fuel/Propulsion System	107	22.7%
Electrical System	78	16.5%
Power Train	44	9.3%
Air Bags	43	9.1%
Exterior Lighting	43	9.1%
Fuel System, Gasoline	37	7.8%
Unknown or Other	28	5.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling	26	5.5%
Vehicle Speed Control	19	4.0%
Seat Belts	18	3.8%
Steering	15	3.2%
Tires	15	3.2%
Suspension	13	2.8%
Wheels	13	2.8%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

BMW 535i recalls

10 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name 535i, newest first. The 10 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2017. The 2011 model year appears in the most campaigns (4).

10 recall campaigns

BMW 535i recall campaigns covering each model year
Decade	Years ending in 0	Years ending in 1	Years ending in 2	Years ending in 3	Years ending in 4	Years ending in 5	Years ending in 6	Years ending in 7	Years ending in 8	Years ending in 9
1990s						1995: 1 campaign	1996: no campaigns	1997: no campaigns	1998: no campaigns	1999: no campaigns
2000s	2000: no campaigns	2001: no campaigns	2002: no campaigns	2003: no campaigns	2004: no campaigns	2005: no campaigns	2006: no campaigns	2007: no campaigns	2008: 1 campaign	2009: 1 campaign
2010s	2010: 1 campaign	2011: 4 campaigns	2012: 1 campaign	2013: 1 campaign	2014: 2 campaigns	2015: no campaigns	2016: 2 campaigns	2017: 1 campaign

Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

NHTSA campaign 24V527000
Reported Jul 11, 2024
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module
Model year 2014
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Consequence:
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Remedy:
The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 17V067000
Reported Feb 2, 2017
Power Train › Driveline › Constant Velocity Joint
Model year 2011
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
Consequence:
If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 16V914000
Reported Dec 20, 2016
Air Bags
Model years 2016–2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
Consequence:
If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 16V832000
Reported Nov 17, 2016
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Model year 2011
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit. These SCUs have an acceleration sensor that may have been incorrectly programmed and, as a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash.
Consequence:
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.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 16V746000
Reported Oct 17, 2016
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Model years 2011–2012
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.
Consequence:
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.
Remedy:
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.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 15V718000
Reported Oct 30, 2015
Child Seat; Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly
Model year 2016
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535d xDrive, M5, 550i, 550i xDrive, and 535d sedans. The affected vehicles have an inboard lower anchor for child restraints on the left rear seat that may have been bent downwards, preventing the child seat from fully engaging both lower anchors. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Consequence:
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.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the inboard lower anchor on the left rear seat, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 15V188000
Reported Mar 31, 2015
Exterior Lighting
Model years 2013–2014
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."
Consequence:
The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
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.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 14V176000
Reported Apr 10, 2014
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Model year 2011
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Consequence:
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 13V407000
Reported Sep 11, 2013
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Model years 2008–2010
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).
Consequence:
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 98V178000
Reported Aug 4, 1998
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Model year 1995
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. If the indications of a critical overheating condition is not noticed by the driver, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.
Consequence:
If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy:
Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means

What each recall field means
Field	What it tells you
Campaign number	NHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
Component	The system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
Summary	What the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
Consequence	The safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
Remedy	What the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.

Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

BMW 535i questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the BMW 535i have?

NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recall campaigns for the BMW 535i, covering model years 1995 to 2017. The most recent, 24V527000, was reported on July 11, 2024 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 2011 model year is covered by the most campaigns (4).

Which BMW 535i model year has the most complaints?

The 2011 model year, with 112 of the 472 complaints in NHTSA’s file (23.7%). The next are 2008 (74) and 2009 (71). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common BMW 535i complaint?

Engine is the component named most often: 128 complaints, or 27.1% of all 472. Fuel/Propulsion System (107) and Electrical System (78) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my BMW 535i?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a BMW dealer.

How many BMW 535i complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 472 complaints, 17 report a crash, 19 a fire, 11 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

8 models · most complaints first

The BMW models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the BMW VIN decoder with every BMW model page, WMI code and VIN note.

BMW X5 1999–2026 · 103 recalls · 3,138 complaints
BMW 328i 1996–2016 · 27 recalls · 2,576 complaints
BMW X3 2004–2026 · 60 recalls · 1,989 complaints
BMW 325i 1995–2012 · 20 recalls · 1,281 complaints
BMW Z4 2002–2023 · 28 recalls · 1,280 complaints
BMW 3 Series 1995–2023 · 8 recalls · 841 complaints
BMW 528i 1997–2016 · 14 recalls · 831 complaints
BMW 330i 1999–2026 · 38 recalls · 813 complaints

All BMW models and WMI codes Look up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.

BMW 535i complaints by model year

Most-reported BMW 535i components

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

BMW 535i recalls

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

Power Train › Driveline › Constant Velocity Joint

Air Bags

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

Child Seat; Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly

Exterior Lighting

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System