VehicleVerdict

2013 BMW 535i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 59 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 11.8 times the median 535i year — the 2013 model ranks #6 of 21 535i years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (13), engine (10), and lighting (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

59

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other 535i years?

535i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 535i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 BMW 535i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1322%
Engine1017%
Lighting814%
Airbags58%
Other47%
Tires & Wheels35%
Fuel System35%
Suspension35%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Body & Structure23%
Transmission23%
Speed Control12%
Seats12%
Steering12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2013 BMW 535i have recalls?

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

15V188000LightingMarch 31, 2015 · 13,443 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“My 2013 BMW 535i (VIN [XXX] ) caught fire spontaneously while parked, turned off, and unoccupied on 11/18/2025 in Westbury, NY. A passerby saw smoke and called 911. Nassau County Police and the Westbury Fire Department responded. Firefighters informed me at the scene that the fire was mechanical in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 18, 2025 · fire

“My 2013 BMW 535i (VIN [XXX] ) caught fire spontaneously while parked, turned off, and unoccupied on 11/18/2025 in Westbury, NY. A passerby saw smoke and called 911. Nassau County Police and the Westbury Fire Department responded. Firefighters informed me at the scene that the fire was mechanical in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 18, 2025 · fire

“WATER AND MOISTURE IS ACCUMULATING IN BOTH HEADLIGHTS WHEN IT RAINS CAUSING THEM NOT TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. I'VE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURE AND WAS ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NOT TAKE ACTION AS THE VEHICLES IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE TWO OTHER CARS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 14, 2019

“DRIVING NEW 2013 535I (HEAVILY EQUIPPED) ABOUT 50 MPH IN 55 MPH ZONE ON A CLEAR EVENING W/LOW TRAFFIC. SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING BMW COLLIDED INTO REAR-END OF ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLE LACKING ANY WARNING LIGHTS OR FLARES. BMW RAMMED ADVERSE PARKED VEHICLE APPROX. 16' BEFORE PULL APART. AIR BAGS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 29, 2013 · crash

“DRIVING NEW 2013 535I (HEAVILY EQUIPPED) ABOUT 50 MPH IN 55 MPH ZONE ON A CLEAR EVENING W/LOW TRAFFIC. SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING BMW COLLIDED INTO REAR-END OF ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLE LACKING ANY WARNING LIGHTS OR FLARES. BMW RAMMED ADVERSE PARKED VEHICLE APPROX. 16' BEFORE PULL APART. AIR BAGS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 29, 2013 · crash

2013 BMW 535i — common questions

Is the 2013 BMW 535i reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 59 complaints put the 2013 model at #6 of 21 535i years. It is one of the 535i years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 535i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (13 complaints), engine (10 complaints), lighting (8 complaints).

Does the 2013 BMW 535i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 BMW 535i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 BMW 535i under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.

How safe is the 2013 BMW 535i?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 BMW 535i earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.