BMW 535I Recalls: Every NHTSA Recall by Model Year
The BMW 535I has 10 NHTSA safety recalls across model years 1995–2017; the most recent is 24V527000 (Jul 11, 2024) for air bags, covering 2014 models. The 2011 model year has the most, with 4.
Recall repairs are free at BMW dealers. This list is model-level, so it can't tell you whether your car is affected or already fixed. For that, check your VIN.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns · Data pulled Nov 7, 2026 · By CarWhere Research
Most 535I recalls involve air bags (3), engine & cooling (2) and exterior lighting (2).
BMW 535I recalls by model year
Campaigns that cover each model year. One campaign can cover several years, so it is counted once in every year it covers.
| Model year | Recalls | Main components | Per-year check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | air bags | 2017 535I recalls |
| 2016 | 2 | air bags, child seat | 2016 535I recalls |
| 2014 | 2 | air bags, exterior lighting | 2014 535I recalls |
| 2013 | 1 | exterior lighting | 2013 535I recalls |
| 2012 | 1 | fuel system | 2012 535I recalls |
| 2011 | 4 | powertrain / transmission, air bags, fuel system | 2011 535I recalls |
| 2010 | 1 | exterior lighting | 2010 535I recalls |
| 2009 | 1 | exterior lighting | 2009 535I recalls |
| 2008 | 1 | exterior lighting | 2008 535I recalls |
| 1995 | 1 | engine & cooling | 1995 535I recalls |
Biggest BMW 535I recalls
Ranked by the number of vehicles NHTSA lists for the whole campaign. That total often includes other models.
535I model years: 1995
535I model years: 2011
535I model years: 2011–2012
535I model years: 2008–2010
535I model years: 2013–2014
All 10 BMW 535I recalls (newest first)
Jul 11, 202424V527000Air bags2014
Component: Air bags (frontal, driver side, inflator module)
535I model years: 2014 · about 1,145 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
The fix: 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.
Feb 2, 201717V067000Powertrain / transmission2011
Component: Powertrain / transmission (driveline, constant velocity joint)
535I model years: 2011 · about 8,752 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Dec 20, 201616V914000Air bags2016–2017
Component: Air bags
535I model years: 2016–2017 · about 3,506 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Nov 17, 201616V832000Air bags2011
Component: Air bags (frontal, sensor/control module-inactive)
535I model years: 2011 · about 91 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The 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.
The fix: 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.
Oct 17, 201616V746000Fuel system2011–2012
Component: Fuel system
535I model years: 2011–2012 · about 136,188 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The 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.
The fix: 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.
Oct 30, 201515V718000Child seat2016
Component: Child seat
535I model years: 2016 · about 7,162 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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."
The 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.
The fix: 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.
Mar 31, 201515V188000Exterior lighting2013–2014
Component: Exterior lighting
535I model years: 2013–2014 · about 13,443 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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."
The risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Apr 10, 201414V176000Engine & cooling2011
Component: Engine & cooling (engine)
535I model years: 2011 · about 156,137 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Sep 11, 201313V407000Exterior lighting2008–2010
Component: Exterior lighting (tail lights)
535I model years: 2008–2010 · about 134,100 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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).
The risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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].
Aug 4, 199898V178000Engine & cooling1995
Component: Engine & cooling (cooling system)
535I model years: 1995 · about 340,000 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: 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.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
How to check if your 535I has an open recall
- Find the 17-character VIN on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the door-jamb sticker, or your registration.
- Enter it in the free VIN recall check. It queries NHTSA for your exact vehicle, not just the model.
- If a recall is open, call any BMW dealer's service department to book the free repair. Bring the recall number from the list above.
- Buying used? Ask the seller for the dealer's recall-completion printout before you pay.
Or browse by year, for example the 2017 BMW 535I recall check.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the BMW 535I have?
10 NHTSA safety recall campaigns cover the BMW 535I across model years 1995–2017. A single campaign often spans several model years, so the per-year counts in the table add up to more than 10. The 2011 model year has the most, with 4.
What is the latest BMW 535I recall?
24V527000, filed with NHTSA on Jul 11, 2024: air bags (frontal, driver side, inflator module), covering 2014 535I models. The fix is free at BMW dealers.
What is the biggest BMW 535I recall?
By vehicles covered, 98V178000 (Aug 4, 1998), a engine & cooling campaign covering about 340,000 vehicles in total. That count is for the whole campaign, which can include other models besides the 535I.
How do I check if my BMW 535I has an open recall?
Run your 17-character VIN through a VIN recall check. A model-level list can't tell you whether your car was built in the affected range or has already been repaired. Any BMW dealer can also look up the VIN and do the repair.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety-recall repairs are done free at franchised BMW dealers, whether or not the warranty has expired and wherever you bought the car. Manufacturers must offer a free remedy for vehicles up to 15 years old at the time the recall is filed, and many still repair older ones.
Sources and method
- NHTSA recalls database: every campaign for the BMW 535I, queried by model year through NHTSA's public recalls API (api.nhtsa.gov).
- Affected-vehicle counts are NHTSA's "potential units affected" for the whole campaign, which can include other models.
- Campaigns filed under a separate NHTSA model name (for example a hybrid or heavy-duty variant) are not included here.
- Data pulled Nov 7, 2026. Problem, risk and fix text is NHTSA's own campaign wording.