2016 BMW 535I
Only 12 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 12 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 |
|---|---|
| 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
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 12 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
The passenger air bag signal flashes on and off even when someone is seating on the passenger seat.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240206
Air Bag warning light stays on.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240202
MY CAR IS SHOWING A WARNING SIGN PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION
NHTSA ODI report, 20200229
2 of 12 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
1 .Panoramic sunroof curtain has been repaired twice at the dealer and now it broke for the third time 2. the controls to the panoramic sunroof do not work at all 3.Passenger restrain system malfunction
NHTSA ODI report, 20240410
1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
THE HEAD UNIT OR THE CAR STOPPED WORKING. AS A RESULT, REAR VIEW CAMERA, ALL WARNING SYSTEMS OR THE CAR INCLUDING WARNINGS FOR LOW TIRE PRESSURE, WARNINGS FOR DISTANCE FROM OBJECTS IN FRONT, SIDE AND REAR ALL STOPPED WORKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210201
1 of 12 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
TIRES ARE COMING APART AND UNSERVICEABLE AT 19000 MILES OF NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE TIRE SHOP TELLS ME THEY ARE CLEARLY DEFECTIVE
NHTSA ODI report, 20180316
1 of 12 total reports mentions: forward collision avoidance.
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
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 BMW 535I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper 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.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 BMW 535I 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 535I?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 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.