2014 BMW 535I
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 5 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 2008 | 74 |
| 2009 | 71 |
| 2010 | 58 |
| 2011 | 112 |
| 2012 | 54 |
| 2013 | 38 |
| 2014 | 30 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
33% of complaints: engine — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR BECAME UNDRIVABLE . IT WAS TAKEN AT THE DEALERVFACILITY -NEW CAR , WITH 180 MILES ON IT - FOR THE ENGINE ISSUE AND STATE EMISSION STICKER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140819
27% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN TURNING ON THE MAX/AC BLOWER FAN THE FAN BECOMES INTERMITTENT/SPORADIC. THE FAN RUNS ON HIGH AND THEN SHUTS DOWN THEN RUNS ON HIGH AND SHUTS DOWN. ETC. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND ON CITY STREETS WITH NORMAL STRAIT AWAY DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181205
10% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
PASSENGER FRONT DOOR ACTUATOR FAILURE CAUSING INABILITY TO UNLOCK AND OPEN THE DOOR. NORMALLY WITH DOOR LOCKED YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO A 'DOUBLE PULL' WITH DOOR LATCH TO OPEN THE DOOR SUCH AS IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191130
DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK USING THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE, EFFECTIVELY TRAPPING THE DRIVER INSIDE. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM OCCURS WHILE STATIONARY AFTER ENGINE IS STOPPED AND VEHICLE IN PARK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171106
10% of complaints: exterior lighting — 3 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 15V188000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Pedestrian alert sounds
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe,...
Remedy: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 24V527000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2014 BMW 535I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V188000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V527000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2014 BMW 535I reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2014 BMW 535I is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2014 BMW 535I?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2014 BMW 535I have?
2 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.