repaired · 2018 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak.
2012 BMW 535iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 54 owner complaints about the 2012 BMW 535i, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 16V-746 the manufacturer reports only 52% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 28, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 BMW 535i has problems
54 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
12Fuel/propulsion system
11Engine
10Power train
9Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
6Air bags
4Steering
4Exterior lighting
3Wheels
3Engine and engine cooling
2010 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 0 |
| Engine | 11 | 0 |
| Power train | 10 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 1 |
| Air bags | 6 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 20 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2012 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.
Best & worst years
2012 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
NHTSA crash tests
2012 BMW 535i safety ratings
2012 BMW 535 I 4 DR RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 BMW 535i, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What 535i owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
BMW N63 Engine Powertrain Issues 2012 535i The N63 engine, utilized in various BMW models including the 2012 535i, has been subject to multiple customer complaints regarding premature timing chain wear and other powertrain-related issues. This led BMW to introduce a "Customer Care Package,"…
While driving car stalled, dropped speed and engine warning light came on. Fuel pump was needed. Had to have car towed obtained a rental for 11 days. Fuel pump out of stock. Immediately after fuel pump was replaced less than two weeks the thermostat had to be replaced. Another tow and another…
ON OCTOBER 10TH, 2020 AT APPROXIMATELY 830AM, I WAS DRIVING WESTBOUND ON THE 118 FWY, MY 2012 BMW 535I SUDDENLY LOST POWER. I TRIED TO GIVE IT MORE GAS BUT IT WOULD NOT GO FASTER. IT IMMEDIATELY GAVE ME AN ERROR POINTING TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE FREEWAY SAFELY. AFTER BEING…
Own a 2012 535i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.