repaired · 2015 Q1
Exterior lighting: tail lights
Risk. Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
2009 BMW 535iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 72 owner complaints about the 2009 BMW 535i, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 13V-407 the manufacturer reports only 75% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: MTSRider18, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 BMW 535i has problems
72 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
24Fuel/propulsion system2 crash/fire/injury
21Engine1 crash/fire/injury
17Fuel system, gasoline1 crash/fire/injury
7Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
6Power train
4Air bags
3Electrical system
2Exterior lighting
2Electronic stability control (ESC)
128 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 24 | 2 |
| Engine | 21 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 17 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 7 | 1 |
| Power train | 6 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 2 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 12 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2009 BMW 535i recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Mileage at failure
When do fuel/propulsion system problems start?
98kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 23 fuel/propulsion system complaints. 52% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles12under 100k miles11100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other 535i year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 535i median. How we score
'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 535i owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The car stop running completly when I was wainting at the stop light An anounsmemt came out in my dash saying that I have to repleaced the fuel pump I know that there was a recall abuot this problem but I never got any notice or letter from bmw
VEHICLE WAS OPERATING ON PUBLIC HIGHWAY AT 40 MPH IN FORWARD GEAR. ELECTRONIC FUEL PUMP STOPPED CAUSING IMMEDIATE ENGINE POWER FAILURE AND LOSS OF FORWARD MOVEMENT CONTROL. IT WAS SNOWING AND THERE WAS NO SHOULDER. NO SAFE LANE OR OTHER AREA TO COAST IMMEDIATELY INOPERABLE VEHICLE INTO. HEAVY…
AT LEAST ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK MY VEHICLE ALL OF A SUDDEN LOSE POWER THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT COME DASH. THEN ON THE IDRIVE SYSTEM IT ALWAYS SAY "FUEL PUMP" PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS UNEXPECTED AND HAS PUT ME IN DANGEROUS SITUATION ON THE HIGHWAY. I PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND PUT THE…
Own a 2009 535i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.