NHTSA vehicle safety data
2008 BMW 535I Recalls & Complaints
The 2008 BMW 535I has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 74 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2008 BMW 535I. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2008 BMW 535I owner complaints
Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW 535I, describing incidents dated April 26, 2011 to July 1, 2023.
Most-cited components
- Engine 27 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 16 complaints
- Electrical System 15 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 15 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 9 complaints
- Air Bags 7 complaints
Of the 74 complaints on file, 4 report a fire; across all 74 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11529871 · Filed
here is wisdom; traffic circles; eliminate collisions 98% cut pollution fossil fuels & signal electricity 98%; cut manhour prevailing wages 98% employee med sick vac and retirement 98% and equipment maintenance 98% yes 98% of wasted taxpayer revenue allotted to traffic signal intersections can begin…
ODI #11435208 · Filed
The vehicle front passenger seat sensor MAT (SRS) failure. This is a safety-related issue. The same item was recalled for prior years' models. A recall should issued be for this model and and year.
ODI #11397808 · Filed
HPFP IS GOING BAD ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON LONG CRANK START
Tail light Failure
NHTSA #13V407000 · Exterior Lighting — Tail Lights · NHTSA notice
Reported September 11, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 134,100 vehicles
Repair completion: 76.48% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified January 2, 2014 · Vehicles built March 1, 2007 – December 31, 2009 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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).
Safety consequence
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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].
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other BMW 535I model years
Check your 2008 BMW 535I VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW 535I at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a BMW VIN