NHTSA vehicle safety data

2011 BMW 535I Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2011 BMW 535I has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 112 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 2011 BMW 535I, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2011 BMW 535I owner complaints

Owners have filed 112 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 BMW 535I, describing incidents dated July 17, 2011 to March 19, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 41 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 35 complaints
Electrical System 17 complaints
Power Train 17 complaints
Unknown or Other 8 complaints
Wheels 7 complaints

Of the 112 complaints on file, 5 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 112 complaints, owners report 8 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11732394 · Filed April 20, 2026
ValveTronic motor and eccentric shaft is a very common issue that my specific car has. Affects the timing and makes a loud sound. Dangerous to drive in this condition.
ODI #11721737 · Filed March 3, 2026
The contact owned a 2011 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal became stuck. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact…
ODI #11682140 · Filed August 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535i. The contact stated that when pressing the accelerator pedal to drive from being idle at a red light, the driver's side air bag deployed out of the steering wheel without impact. The contact sustained burns to the left arm, right cheek, and chest area. The contact…

Read all 112 complaints

Rear CV Joints may Fail

NHTSA #17V067000 · Power Train — Driveline — Constant Velocity Joint · NHTSA notice

Reported February 2, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 8,752 vehicles

Repair completion: 88.62% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified April 21, 2017 · Vehicles built March 7, 2011 – April 29, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

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.

Supplemental Restraints may not Deploy as Needed

NHTSA #16V832000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · NHTSA notice

Reported November 17, 2016 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 91 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.28% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified December 16, 2016 · Vehicles built March 1, 2010 – August 31, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

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.

Loose Fuel Pump Wiring may cause Stall/Fuel Leak

NHTSA #16V746000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported October 17, 2016 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 136,188 vehicles

Repair completion: 52.73% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified February 8, 2017 · Vehicles built July 7, 2010 – June 10, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

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.

Camshaft Housing Bolts May Loosen causing Stall

NHTSA #14V176000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported April 10, 2014 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 156,137 vehicles

Repair completion: 84.14% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified September 24, 2014 · Vehicles built September 1, 2009 – February 28, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

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.

2011 BMW 535 I 4 DR RWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

9% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional) Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

2011 BMW 535 I 4 DR AWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

9% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional) Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

112 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 BMW 535I.

Power Train; Engine

ODI #11732394

Incident: March 19, 2026 · Filed: April 20, 2026

ValveTronic motor and eccentric shaft is a very common issue that my specific car has. Affects the timing and makes a loud sound. Dangerous to drive in this condition.

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11721737

Crash 1 injury

Incident: February 18, 2026 · Filed: March 3, 2026

The contact owned a 2011 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal became stuck. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated into oncoming traffic. The contact's vehicle was crashed into by two oncoming vehicles. No warning light. The contact was taken to the local medical center, where the contact received multiple X-rays. In addition, the contact sustained bruises and pain to the left and right knees and to the middle of the chest. The contact stated that the pain in the chest was severe because of a pre-existing illness of male breast cancer. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. In addition, the vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. A police report was filed. In addition, the contact was unsure of any injuries to the other drivers. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000

Air Bags

ODI #11682140

1 injury

Incident: June 5, 2025 · Filed: August 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535i. The contact stated that when pressing the accelerator pedal to drive from being idle at a red light, the driver's side air bag deployed out of the steering wheel without impact. The contact sustained burns to the left arm, right cheek, and chest area. The contact had suffered stomach issues due to inhaling the dust and fumes from the air bag. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed by AAA to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the horn module needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, where the vehicle remained for a month, and Liberty Mutual was to retrieve the vehicle and investigate the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not investigated to her knowledge, and the vehicle was returned without being repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11667152

Incident: February 1, 2025 · Filed: June 16, 2025

I purchased the BMW 535 and it continues to have drivetrain malfunction issues. This feels like a safety concern for several reasons. The first is that were not able to identify the issue, but I believe it has to do with the systems diagnostics being triggered or misfiring this is an unfortunateissue because wherever we are, we can get stuck randomly. Lastly, the car has an issue with Oberheu. Issue because wherever we are, we can get stuck randomly. Lastly, the car has a issue with overheating believe it has to do with the radial hose

Electrical System; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11651226

Incident: February 24, 2025 · Filed: March 28, 2025

My car suddenly shut off when I came to a stop at a red light while on a busy state route. The information cluster then began to read “Fuel supply” and “Battery Discharge” My car would not turn back on and still has not turned back on since and it's been over a month now. According to the OBD results, the fuel pump and injectors were somehow seized and therefore have caused the car to become inoperable. I was forced to spend over $1000 just to get my car out of the police tow yard and towed to my home because I could not afford the cost of the repairs needed. The NHSTA website states that there is a recall on both the fuel system and the electrical system for my exact vehicle, but according to my Vin search results, there are 0 recalls. That doesn't make sense. I had just got my new inspection done maybe a month prior to my car breaking down.

Electrical System

ODI #11641786

Fire

Incident: February 4, 2025 · Filed: February 10, 2025

The contact owned a 2011 BMW 535i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was unoccupied and parked in a parking lot, it was brought to the attention of the contact that the vehicle caught on fire. The local fire department arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire. The contact stated that it was unknown if a fire report was filed. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The origin of the fire was unknown. The contact stated that the fire damaged one other parked and unoccupied vehicle that was nearby. The vehicle was towed by the insurance and was deemed a total loss. The vehicle remained in the possession of the insurance provider for further investigation. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Wheels

ODI #11639756

Incident: January 30, 2025 · Filed: January 30, 2025

Product Safety Alert: Jan 30, 2025 Stop using the following item because of a potential safety issue. Visit the public recall notice for more guidance. 245/45R18 100Y XL RFT PIR CINTURA P7 (M0E)(BMW/RR) 245/45R18 100Y XL RFT PIR CINTURA P7 (M0E)(BMW/RR)

Service Brakes

ODI #11636479

Crash

Incident: January 16, 2025 · Filed: January 17, 2025

From very low speed (less than 5 MPH), car would not stop with full brakes applied. Front brakes were fully locked as evidenced by skid marks, but car kept pushing forward until stopped by solid object.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11605862

Incident: November 3, 2023 · Filed: August 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power and was running rough. The contact stated that the instrument cluster went black. The contact turned into a parking lot as the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle but after several attempts failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had an independent mechanic diagnose the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the VANOS bolts had fractured and the timing camshaft had detached. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Power Train; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11595837

Incident: June 16, 2024 · Filed: June 21, 2024

The vehicle is having cooling/ heat problems. Does not overheat while driving but rather driving on high temp. Cools to norm temp here and there. My best thought is electrical. Also same vehicle rattles in rear center when going 65mph.. not sure the cause is.

Other BMW 535I model years

Check your 2011 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