Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Exterior lighting recall
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 [email protected].
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
42
Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11645545 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
6
Most reports here involve electrical shorts. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BATTERY DISCHARGING MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVE BELTS, BATTERY, INTELLIGENT BATTERY SENSOR (IBS) SYSTEM, BOLTS, HOSE AND ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V176000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.*DT
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11337163 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
1
Most reports here involve loss of braking.
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MY BMW 2010 5 SERIES GT ( CAMPAIGN 10V446000 ) HAS HAD ISSUES PERTAINING TOO A CHECK VALVE OF THE BREAK VACUUM PUMP THAT LEAKS A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS HAS CONTAMINATED MY BRAKE BOOSTER, AND ALSO THERE HAS BEEN ISSUES WITH THE POWER ASSIT BRAKING PERFORMANCE THAT HAS LED TOO LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING WHICH I'VE DONE RESEARCH AND THAT COULD POTENTIALLY INCREASE A RISK OF AN ACCIDENT. MY FUEL GUAGE HAS ALSO DISPLAYED A LARGER AMOUNT OF FUEL THAN WAS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK, WHICH COULD ALSO INCREASE MY VEHICLE TOO STALL AND INCREASE A CHANCE OF ME BEING IN A ACCIDENT.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11309893 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
2
Most reports here involve software faults.
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 535I (NA) EQUIPPED WITH GOOD YEAR EAGLE LS-2 TIRES, TIRE SIZE 245/45/18. THE CONTACT NOTICED A BUBBLE ON THE SIDE WALL OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,800. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10399616 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
4
Most reports here involve software faults.
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ALL THE BMW HAVE RECALL ABOUT AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT ,WHY MY 535I BMW 2010 ITS NOT UNDER RECALL,.I HAVE MY LIGHT ON AND I'M SCARED DRIVING IT LOOKS LIKE I'M NOT SAFE,I WAS DRIVING TH CAR IN CITY AND I STOPPED TO DROP OFF MY WIFE SHE TAKE OUT SEAT BELT AND SHE STAND THE LIGHT COMING ON ,IT SAID RESTRAINED SYSTEM MUNFLUCTION .
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11204069 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
2
Most reports here involve software faults.
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THE PASSENGER MIRROR WILL MOVE OUT OF POSITION ON ITS OWN WITHOUT TOUCHING ANY CONTROLS. THIS WILL ALSO OCCUR WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. AFTER REVIEWING VARIOUS INTERNET POSTINGS OTHER BMW OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS IT CAN ADVERSELY IMPACT THE DRIVER'S REAR VISION. *TR
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10660958 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
1
Most reports here involve other issues.
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THE KEYFIT 30 BASE DOES NOT STAY SECURED TO THE BACKSEAT. THE LOCK APPEARS SPRUNG PER THE INSTALLER'S OPINION. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME I'VE HAD THEM OUT TO TIGHTEN THE BASE AND FINALLY RESORTING TO USE A LOCKING CLIP. THIS IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND I CAN PROVIDE PICTURES IF REQUESTED. *TR
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10475995 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2010 has 58 complaints on file, fewer than the 2011 (112). Of the 7 model years of the BMW 535i we cover, the 2011 has the most (112). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.