2016 BMW 535D
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 58 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 9 total reports mention: engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Valve cover leak Oil filter housing leak Super common that these items leak in the bmw N57 diesel engines. Increased risk of fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250404
3 of 9 total reports mention: fuel system, diesel.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 535D. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. No warning lights were illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250414
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 535D. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220121
1 of 9 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
1 ST TIRE BLOWN 13000 MILES AT 45 MPH ON LAKE HAVASU CITY,AZ 2ND TIRE BLOWN 16000 MILES AT 65 ON 5FWY LOS ANGELES,CA AT 14 000 MILES HAD TO REPLACE A TIRE FOR A PUNTURE SO NO BIG DEAL BUT 3 GOODYEAR EAGLE LS 245/45R18 RUN ON FLAT BEFORE 20 000...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180305
1 of 9 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS SUDDENLY FAILED CAUSING A IMMEDIATE ENGINE STALL WITHOUT WARNING. WILL NOT RESTART EVEN THOUGH IT DOES TURN OVER. CODE READS LOW FUEL PRESSURE AT FUEL RAIL. FUEL TANK LIFT PUMP IS WORKING CORRECTLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240725
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 15V718000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 16V914000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019.
Campaign 18V755000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 21V586000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755.
Campaign 21V907000 — check if this car was fixed
High pressure fuel pump failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 BMW 535D — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, diesel issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V718000 (child seat, seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V914000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V755000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V586000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V907000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2016 BMW 535D reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW 535D?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 BMW 535D have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.