US vehicle recalls and complaint patterns, explained

BMW 535i recall history

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the BMW 535i, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)

← View all BMW models

At a Glance

Total Recalls 26
Total Complaints 712
Years Covered 1986–2017

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

Ask About This Model

Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the BMW 535i. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.

AI Assistant
Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data. Always check your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov for vehicle-specific recall information.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the BMW 535i, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Airbags

4 campaigns · Years: 1991–1992, 2011, 2014, 2016–2017

These campaigns relate to airbag system components and deployment/airbag readiness issues.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 1 more notice in this theme

Engine and cooling

2 campaigns · Years: 1989–1995, 2011

These campaigns relate to engine or cooling components where failures can lead to stalling or overheating risk.

Official notices (evidence):

Visibility and lighting

2 campaigns · Years: 2008–2010, 2013–2014

These campaigns relate to lighting, glass, or visibility components (lamps, wipers, and related systems).

Official notices (evidence):

Brakes

1 campaign · Years: 1990–1992

These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.

Official notices (evidence):

Fuel and emissions

1 campaign · Years: 2011–2012

These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.

Official notices (evidence):

Powertrain

1 campaign · Years: 2011

These campaigns relate to drivetrain or transmission components that can affect shifting, power delivery, or control.

Official notices (evidence):

Seats and restraints

1 campaign · Years: 2016

These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.

Official notices (evidence):

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the BMW 535i in NHTSA complaint data are Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Electrical system.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

Model Year Recalls Complaints Details
2017 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
2016 2 15 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Seat belts, Tires.
2015 0 36 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling, Steering.
2014 2 40 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Electrical system, Structure:body.
2013 1 59 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine, Exterior lighting.
2012 1 86 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel/propulsion system, Engine, Power train.
2011 4 153 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Electrical system.
2010 1 81 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel/propulsion system, Fuel system, gasoline, Engine.
2009 1 100 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel/propulsion system, Engine, Fuel system, gasoline.
2008 1 116 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Exterior lighting, Electrical system.
1995 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1994 1 2 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Vehicle speed control.
1993 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1992 3 5 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:cooling system, Air bags, Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly.
1991 3 5 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Power train:automatic transmission, Electrical system:ignition:switch.
1990 2 3 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly, Vehicle speed control, Air bags:frontal.
1989 1 9 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:cooling system, Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly, Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system.
1988 0 1 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly.
1986 0 1 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Tires:sidewall.

What to Do Next

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Exterior lighting , Engine and engine cooling and Air bags

Show recall evidence by year

2017

  • Air bags: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (16V914000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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,

2016

  • Child seat: Safety recall involving the child seat area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (15V718000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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, preventi
  • Air bags: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (16V914000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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,

2014

  • Exterior lighting: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (15V188000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 S
  • Air bags: Inflator module: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (24V527000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 Turis

2013

  • Exterior lighting: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (15V188000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 S

2012

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel pump: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (16V746000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 Gra

2011

  • Engine and engine cooling: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (14V176000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel pump: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (16V746000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 Gra
  • Air bags: Sensor/control module-inactive: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (16V832000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 a
  • Power train: Constant velocity joint: Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (17V067000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 2

2010

  • Exterior lighting: Tail lights: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (13V407000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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

2009

  • Exterior lighting: Tail lights: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (13V407000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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

2008

  • Exterior lighting: Tail lights: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (13V407000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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

1995

  • Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (98V178000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 t

1994

  • Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (98V178000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 t

1993

  • Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (98V178000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 t

1992

  • Air bags: Frontal: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V110000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The air bag contact ring locking tab located in the steering wheel assembly can break without warning.
  • Exterior lighting: Switch: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V111000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "brake lights off" position or in the "brake lights on" position.
  • Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (98V178000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 t

1991

  • Air bags: Frontal: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V110000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The air bag contact ring locking tab located in the steering wheel assembly can break without warning.
  • Exterior lighting: Switch: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V111000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "brake lights off" position or in the "brake lights on" position.
  • Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (98V178000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 t

1990

  • Exterior lighting: Switch: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V111000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "brake lights off" position or in the "brake lights on" position.
  • Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (98V178000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 t

1989

  • Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (98V178000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 t

Other BMW Models

Explore recall and complaint data for other BMW models.

⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov