2014 BMW 535I Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 BMW 535I, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine1126.2%
- Electrical819.0%
- Body & structure49.5%
- Visibility37.1%
- Exterior lighting37.1%
- Brakes24.8%
- Other / unspecified24.8%
- Tires & wheels24.8%
- Driver assistance24.8%
- Powertrain (other)12.4%
- Steering12.4%
- Fuel system12.4%
- Airbags12.4%
- Suspension12.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The BMW, while turning at low speed into a parking space, suddenly accelerated and the braking system failed. Airbags deployed after multiple impacts with other vehicles and a fixed object, causing serious personal injury for the driver. The incident occurred on 01/16/2026. The vehicle is a total loss, has not yet been inspected, and is in storage. No warning lamps, messages or other issues were displayed or known prior to the failure. The vehicle was regularly maintained. The incident did not occur as a result of driver error or a medical issue.
2014 BMW 535i Oil housing filter started leaking oil into serpentine belt causing the belt to shred and snap then was sucked into the crankshaft causing the motor to seize. Car was towed to bmw dealership and was diagnosed with catastrophic engine failure resulting in $28,000 estimate for engine replacement. Then vehicle was towed to licensed BMW repair facility and was repaired for $15,000 engine replacement.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
This is a known and unaddressed issue. BMW headlight seals fail allowing condensation to build and erode electronics. Replacement costs exceed $15K and only OEM parts and BMW servicing are options. Many BMW repair shops refuse to do this work as it is overly complicated and expensive. This issue is well known and document and warrants compensation and/or recall.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 535I. The contact stated that the engine cooling fan was running at abnormal high speed upon starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently, and the vehicle hesitated to respond while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with defective water pump and water pump electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an undisclosed recall. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU CAN NOT OPEN THE DOOR.
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. TOOK TO DEALER AND IT HAPPENED IN FRONT OF SERVICE ADVISER, THEY INFORMED ME NOTHING IS WRONG.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON 12-JUL-2017 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30AM DRIVING WEST ON I-580 AT APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH LESS THAN 1 MILE EAST OF THE CASTRO VALLEY BLVD EXIT, IN DAILY COMMUTER TRAFFIC ON OPEN ROAD (NO OVERPASS OR OTHER STRUCTURES HANGING OVER THE ROAD) I HEARD A TREMENDOUSLY LOUD BANG, AND LOOKED AROUND TO SEE IF SOMETHING HAD HIT ME. I THEN HEARD THE SOUND OF BROKEN GLASS ABOVE ME IN THE SUNROOF "COMPARTMENT"; THE INTERIOR SHADE OF THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME. AFTER REGAINING MY COMPOSURE I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY EXIT THE FREEWAY, INSPECTED THE SUNROOF AND EXTERIOR OF THE CAR AND DID NOT NOTICE ANY DAMAGE OTHER THAN THE BROKEN SUNROOF GLASS. I RETURNED HOME, TOOK SOME PICTURES, INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FURTHER. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY DAMAGE TO ANY BODY PANELS OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE (INDENTATION) OF ANYTHING STRIKING THE GLASS AND DENTING THE INTERIOR SHADE/SHIELD OF THE SUNROOF.
THE HUGE REFLECTION OF THE DASHBOARD SPEAKER AND HEADUP DISPLAY INSTRUMENT ON THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVER WINDSHIELD FIELD OF VIEW , IS COVERING MORE THAT 60% OF THE DRIVER FIELD OF VIEW, WHICH CREATE AN VERY UNSAFE DRIVING MODE . THE DRIVER FIELD OF VIEW IS COVERED MORE THAT 60% OF THE REFLECTION OF THE CAR MANUFACTURER ADDED INSTRUMENTS. THE DISTURBING DRIVING MODE WAS REPORTED TO BMW USA AND BMW DEALER . THE REGISTRATION OF THE UNSAFE 2014 BMW HAVE BEEN CANCELED AND THE CAR RETURNED TO BMW DEALER. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
This is a known and unaddressed issue. BMW headlight seals fail allowing condensation to build and erode electronics. Replacement costs exceed $15K and only OEM parts and BMW servicing are options. Many BMW repair shops refuse to do this work as it is overly complicated and expensive. This issue is well known and document and warrants compensation and/or recall.
Driver-side headlight started getting condensation last winter. Brought the car to the dealer to see if they can replace the gasket but was told that it needs to be replaced and it could cost as much as $7,000 if the module needs to be replaced as well. That is ridiculous that it needs to be replaced at such ab absurd cost. Lights can stop working if it burns out and dangerous if it occurs at night and lose your headlights. Since it is summer now, condensation has not occurred until it starts raining.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The BMW, while turning at low speed into a parking space, suddenly accelerated and the braking system failed. Airbags deployed after multiple impacts with other vehicles and a fixed object, causing serious personal injury for the driver. The incident occurred on 01/16/2026. The vehicle is a total loss, has not yet been inspected, and is in storage. No warning lamps, messages or other issues were displayed or known prior to the failure. The vehicle was regularly maintained. The incident did not occur as a result of driver error or a medical issue.
THE BRAKES ON MY BMW 535XI 2014, WERE REPAIRED AND THE BMW SHOP ON A SATURDAY AND BY TUESDAY, WHILE TURNING THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND FAILED, CAUSING ME TO HIT ANOTHER VICHICLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WARNING ON DASH BOARD TELLING FLAT TIRE. NO SIGN OF ANY RUPTURE OR NAIL BUT END UP REPLACING IT. A SIMILAR INCIDENT ON AUGUST, SEPT AND NOW IN OCT.I STRONGLY BELIEVE THOSE RE DEFECTIVE TIRES. REPLACED FOUR TIRES IN LESS THAN A YEAR WITH REPLACEMENT COST OF $2000 PLUS. BMW REFRAIN TO HELP AND SO IS GOOD YEAR THE MANUFACTURER. TIRES BURST EVEN YOU PASS A ROUGH BUMP. IN OVER 30 YEARS OF DRIVING NEVER HAD AN INCIDENT LIKE THIS. SO AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. *TR
THE HUGE REFLECTION OF THE DASHBOARD SPEAKER AND HEADUP DISPLAY INSTRUMENT ON THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVER WINDSHIELD FIELD OF VIEW , IS COVERING MORE THAT 60% OF THE DRIVER FIELD OF VIEW, WHICH CREATE AN VERY UNSAFE DRIVING MODE . THE DRIVER FIELD OF VIEW IS COVERED MORE THAT 60% OF THE REFLECTION OF THE CAR MANUFACTURER ADDED INSTRUMENTS. THE DISTURBING DRIVING MODE WAS REPORTED TO BMW USA AND BMW DEALER . THE REGISTRATION OF THE UNSAFE 2014 BMW HAVE BEEN CANCELED AND THE CAR RETURNED TO BMW DEALER. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 535I. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SIDEWALLS OF THE TIRES RUPTURED AND CAUSED NUMEROUS FLATS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE TIRE INFORMATION WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,200.
WARNING ON DASH BOARD TELLING FLAT TIRE. NO SIGN OF ANY RUPTURE OR NAIL BUT END UP REPLACING IT. A SIMILAR INCIDENT ON AUGUST, SEPT AND NOW IN OCT.I STRONGLY BELIEVE THOSE RE DEFECTIVE TIRES. REPLACED FOUR TIRES IN LESS THAN A YEAR WITH REPLACEMENT COST OF $2000 PLUS. BMW REFRAIN TO HELP AND SO IS GOOD YEAR THE MANUFACTURER. TIRES BURST EVEN YOU PASS A ROUGH BUMP. IN OVER 30 YEARS OF DRIVING NEVER HAD AN INCIDENT LIKE THIS. SO AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The BMW, while turning at low speed into a parking space, suddenly accelerated and the braking system failed. Airbags deployed after multiple impacts with other vehicles and a fixed object, causing serious personal injury for the driver. The incident occurred on 01/16/2026. The vehicle is a total loss, has not yet been inspected, and is in storage. No warning lamps, messages or other issues were displayed or known prior to the failure. The vehicle was regularly maintained. The incident did not occur as a result of driver error or a medical issue.
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. THE CAR WAS NEVER RETURNED, DUE TO ENGINE VALVE FAILURE - LOSE PIPES AT THE FINAL ASSY OF THE ENGINE COMPONENTS . *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Possible PCV malfunction. Intense plastic burning smell, smoke coming from front ac vents. Dealer unable to replicate issue, valve cover replaced under warranty. Issue persists. 2 Vehicle inspections at same bmw dealer, were unable to identify burnt battery PCM as well. Occasional check engine light, gone after vehicle restart. Under hard acceleration burning plastic smell intensifies.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE BRAKES ON MY BMW 535XI 2014, WERE REPAIRED AND THE BMW SHOP ON A SATURDAY AND BY TUESDAY, WHILE TURNING THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND FAILED, CAUSING ME TO HIT ANOTHER VICHICLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
SATURDAY SEPT. 6, 2014 @ 09:30HRS NY QUEENS : STARTED THE VEHICLE A FEW TIMES AND EVERY TIME WITHIN SECONDS THE ENGINE DIED OUT. BMW ROAD ASSISTANCE ARRANGED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO THE BMW OF MANHATTAN SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIRS (AT THIS TIME APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 4000-4500 MILES). MONDAY SEPT. 8, 2014 @ 11:00HRS: VEHICLE DELIVERED TO THE DEALERSHIP. TUESDAY SEPT. 9, 2014 : WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS BEING TESTED. WEDNESDAY SEPT. 10, 2014 : ADVISED THAT FUEL PUMP WAS ORDERED, WAS COMING FROM 'OUT-OF-STATE' - MAY NOT ARRIVE UNTIL MONDAY. THURSDAY SEPT. 11, 2014 : UPDATED THAT FUEL PUMP HAD NOT YET ARRIVED. TUESDAY SEPT. 16, 2014 : I FOLLOWED UP ON THE STATUS OF THE PENDING PART AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE FIXED. FRIDAY SEPT. 19, 2014 : BMW RESPONDED: "THE PART IS STILL ON BACK ORDER ..............BACKORDER PART MEANS THE PART IS NOT READILY AVAILABLE AND HAS TO BE RELEASED FROM GERMANY ......". THE MESSAGE FURTHER STATED THAT SOME PARTS HAD ARRIVED (NO DETAILS PROVIDED) AND THE PENDING PART(S) WERE EXPECTED COMING MONDAY/TUESDAY. FRIDAY SEPT. 19, 2014 : I REQUESTED A COPY OF THE DETAILED DIAGNOSTIC REPORT TO HAVE A CLEAR IDEA OF THE PROBLEM AND WHAT PART(S) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED - I AM YET TO RECEIVE THIS REPORT. WEDNESDAY SEPT. 24, 2014 : WAS INFORMED THAT TECHS WERE WAITING FOR THE ADDITIONAL PART TO ARRIVE FROM GERMANY. THURSDAY SEPT. 25, 2014 : WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART FROM GERMANY HAD STILL NOT ARRIVED. WEDNESDAY OCT. 01, 2014 : AGAIN INFORMED THAT THE PART HAD NOT YET ARRIVED FROM GERMANY. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT I AM NOT BEING GIVEN A COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC OF WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, GIVEN THAT IT IS A NEW VEHICLE PURCHASED JUNE 1, 2014. I FIND THIS AN UNACCEPTABLE SITUATION. THUSDAY OCT. 02, 2014 : TODAY I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE PART ON BACK ORDER IS A FUEL INJECTOR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 535i. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, she depressed the brake pedal, however crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front of her. The contact stated that all three air bags deployed; however, the front driver-side air bag failed to deploy properly. The contact stated that smoke came out from the air bag and failed to fully inflate, not protect the contact. Neither the contact nor the driver of the other vehicle sustained any injuries. A police report was filed. Due to the accident, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the damage to the vehicle from the accident was repaired, and all air bags were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
you have serious construction going on at 21425 spring street at the veteran shelter where i stay. well the crew dug up sections of the road and cut it where it is a Sharpe dip to go up and down. i went over one at 1am on my way to work and it hit my undercarriage the following morning my car was leaking oil and now the ignition and battery are out ! i ask my insurance but it is not and accident it is damage to my vehicle that i cant afford and i need to get to work. now im in a hotel room trying to save the couple grand it will take to fix. i was told that you would help or even fix this because of the construction damage and so i am reaching out to you for your help? that is union grove wisconsin
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .