BMW 535i years to avoid (and the best years)
327 NHTSA owner complaints and 9 recalls across 7 model years, 2010 to 2016. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 327complaints
- 9recalls
- 15reported crashes
- 13reported fires
- 13reported injuries
Which BMW 535i years should you avoid?
No BMW 535i model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical BMW 535i year has 38 complaints on file. The busiest years are the 2011 (112) and 2010 (58).
What are the best BMW 535i years?
The BMW 535i years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2016 (12), 2015 (23) and 2014 (30). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 12 | 0.3× | 2 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2015 | 23 | 0.6× | 0 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2014 | 30 | 0.8× | 2 | 5 | 2 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2013 | 38 | 1.0× | 1 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2012 | 54 | 1.4× | 1 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Fuel system |
| 2011 | 112 | 2.9× | 4 | 5 | 8 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2010 | 58 | 1.5× | 1 | 3 | 2 | Some concerns to check | Fuel system |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 170 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain114 (67%)
- Electrical & infotainment16 (9%)
- Other systems10 (6%)
- Steering, suspension & tires9 (5%)
- Airbags & seat belts9 (5%)
Recalls (9)
Airbags · 24V527000 · Jul 2024 · model year 2014
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Transmission · 17V067000 · Feb 2017 · model year 2011
If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 16V914000 · Dec 2016 · model year 2016
If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Airbags · 16V832000 · Nov 2016 · model year 2011
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.
Fuel system · 16V746000 · Oct 2016 · model years 2011, 2012
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.
Safety · 15V718000 · Oct 2015 · model year 2016
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.
Exterior lighting · 15V188000 · Mar 2015 · model years 2013, 2014
The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 14V176000 · Apr 2014 · model year 2011
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 13V407000 · Sep 2013 · model year 2010
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.