10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
211,600 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #4

May 082015

535

  • 129,500 miles
I was exiting the the freeway and when I was on a banked onramp the engine stopped running while vehicle was in motion. I lost power steering and the ability to release the brake. I nearly lost control of the vehicle as the unexpected loss in power steering caused me to loose grip on the wheel. The engine was in neutral when the engine stalled. Upon restarting the engine (which struggled to start) the "service engine soon telltale" illuminated and the vehicle entered "reduce engine power mode". after scanning the dtc (P3090) I learned the vehicle's high pressure fuel pump failed. I noticed BMW has a recall on the issue. Unfortunately their recall only covers the fuel pump to 120,000 miles and my vehicle has roughly 9,500 miles above the covered threshold. Based on my experience and reading online I feel the pump has some sort of design flaw that BMW has failed to properly address. I wish BMW would hold up to their integrity and continue to replace the fuel pump for the life of the vehicle.

- Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, USA

problem #3

Nov 012013

535 6-cyl

  • 580,000 miles
While driving about 35 mph on a busy street at rush hour I prepared to make a right turn by indicating. The fast turn single flashing started and the computer system in my 2008 535I said rear turn single malfunction. I slowed to my the turn and the person behind me slammed on their brakes and swerved to avoid hitting me and almost crashed into the person next them. I didn't realize why this happened, so I pulled over to check my lighting system and realized that the right rear lights weren't functioning properly. I opened the rear brake compartment and smelled burning melted plastic. I disconnected the brake light connector and found that it was melted. I searched online and found that there is a NHTSA recall for this problem for my year car. When I went to beverly hills BMW I was turned away. They told me that there wasn't a recall that covered my car. They were very rude about the whole and basically told me that I'd have to deal with myself and cover the costs. After more research, I have found many complaints about this online: www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?T=571079 appears to have been going on for a long time. But, BMW has been avoiding the safety issue!!! please file a complaint and get this safety issue resolved before someone dies as a result.

- Redondo Beach , CA, USA

problem #2

Aug 282013

535 6-cyl

  • 85,500 miles
The rear right tail light stopped functioning correctly, and the brake light, the running light, the reverse light, and the blinker stopped working. This created many potential accidents as oncoming drivers could not properly see me reversing or turning right. There is an active recall for the issue and BMW is replacing the rear tail lights for VIN's that the government has identified as having the issue. My vehicle has the issue. BMW refused to replaced the tail light that has permanent loss of functionality. I was forced to pay out of pocket funds for the item that has a recall and BMW North America has refused to assist in this matter. I spoke to [xxx] at BMW North America, he is a customer relations supervisor, and his contact information is in the BMW case file with id last 7 digits of my VIN. He indicated that BMW will not do anything unless the government forces them to by providing the VIN number to them as an effected vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Sheridan, WY, USA

problem #1

Oct 012012

535 6-cyl

  • 51,400 miles
Right rear brake light failure indicator on dash board turned on. Inspecting the light bulbs, all seemed to be in working condition. Fuses were also good. Found the ground wire pin and socket on the bulb holder burned out pretty severely. Problem appears to be intermittent as the indicator would turn on and off before eventually staying on permanently. Also, indicator would show turn signal failure at first, then brake light, then right back up light, then all three. Eventually it settled in on brake light only. Potential for accidents related to turn signals not working and warning other drivers of braking and/or turning. Also potential for an electrical fire beginning in the rear of the vehicle close to where the fuel filler cap is located. Checking online forums for a repair, it appears to be a common problem, and the subject of an earlier recall on other BMW models.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA