2011 BMW 535i Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

4 safety recalls on file

The 2011 BMW 535i has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 112 complaints with NHTSA, including 5 crashes, 6 fires, 8 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Engine (37 reports).

4Recalls
112Owner complaints
5Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your 535i?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2011 BMW 535i recalls

Rear driveshaft joint may break, causing loss of power

Recall 17V067Feb 2, 20178,752 vehicles affected

A constant velocity (CV) joint in the rear driveshaft can fatigue and break on certain BMW vehicles.

Airbags May Not Deploy Correctly in a Crash

Recall 16V832Nov 17, 201691 vehicles affected

A replacement sensor control unit installed in some of these vehicles during a service visit may have been incorrectly programmed.

Fuel Pump Wires Can Melt, Causing Leaks or Stalls

Recall 16V746Oct 17, 2016136,188 vehicles affected

Some vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps with wire contacts that may not be crimped tightly enough.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Recall 14V176Apr 10, 2014156,137 vehicles affected

Most common 2011 BMW 535i problems

Problem areas named in the 112 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Engine37
Fuel/Propulsion System34
Electrical System17
Power Train17
Unknown Or Other8
Wheels7
Vehicle Speed Control6
Air Bags5
Exterior Lighting5
Engine And Engine Cooling4

What owners report

2026-04-20, Power Train
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.
2026-03-03, Vehicle Speed Control
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 seve
2025-08-21, Air Bags
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 ret
2025-06-16, Unknown Or Other
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
2025-03-28, Electrical System
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 ac

2011 BMW 535i questions

Does the 2011 BMW 535i have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2011 BMW 535i: Rear driveshaft joint may break, causing loss of power; Airbags May Not Deploy Correctly in a Crash; Fuel Pump Wires Can Melt, Causing Leaks or Stalls; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 535i?

Based on 112 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (37), Fuel/Propulsion System (34), Electrical System (17).

How do I check if a recall on my 2011 BMW 535i has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other BMW 535i years

Other 2011 BMW models