VehicleVerdict

2009 BMW 535i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 100 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 20.0 times the median 535i year — the 2009 model ranks #3 of 21 535i years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 42% of all reports (42 of 100), far ahead of engine at 28.

100

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other 535i years?

535i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted156 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 9 complaints1990: 3 complaints1991: 5 complaints1992: 5 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 0 complaints2008: 116 complaints2009: 100 complaints2010: 81 complaints2011: 156 complaints2012: 86 complaints2013: 59 complaints2014: 46 complaints2015: 37 complaints2016: 15 complaints2017: 0 complaints
535i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 535i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 BMW 535i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System4242%
Engine2828%
Transmission66%
Airbags55%
Other44%
Electrical System44%
Seat Belts22%
Suspension22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Steering22%
Lighting22%
Brakes11%

Does the 2009 BMW 535i have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V407000LightingSeptember 11, 2013 · 134,100 units

Defect

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).

Consequence

Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE CAR SHUTS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN IT'S BEING USED BECAUSE OF THE FUEL PUMP. I THINK IT'S UNFAIR THAT THE 2008 MODELS GOT RECALLS UP TO 10 YRS AND 120,000 MILES. I FEEL LIKE THE 2009 BMW XI WAS MISSING FROM THIS RECALL. THE SAME HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WAS THE PROBLEM FOR THE RECALL. I'M BOTH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 26, 2018 · crash

“2009 BMW 535I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE MALFUNCTION THAT CAUSED VEHICLE FIRE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TOWED, WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO UNUSUAL SERVICE HISTORY. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED TWICE, ONCE AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 1, 2012 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 535I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN AND THE "ENGINE POWER MALFUNCTION" INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN BMW DEALER IN COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 15, 2018

“ I GOT A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION: FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER RESTRAINT PROBLEM. THIS RESULTED IN A RED AIRBAG LIGHT AND RED PASSENGER BELT TO COME ON THE DASH AND IDRIVE. THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AND BELT TENSIONER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 9, 2012

“THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY JERKS UPON INITIAL ACCELERATION, AS WELL AS WHILE CRUISING. THE PROBLEM ORIGINALLY STARTED DURING WARMER WEATHER, BUT NOW IT SEEMS TO OCCUR ALL YEAR ROUND. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE ISSUE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 25, 2015

2009 BMW 535i — common questions

Is the 2009 BMW 535i reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 100 complaints put the 2009 model at #3 of 21 535i years. It is one of the 535i years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 535i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (42 complaints), engine (28 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).

Does the 2009 BMW 535i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 BMW 535i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 535i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 535i years to avoid are 2011, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. The cleanest record among 535i years belongs to 1995.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.