VehicleVerdict

2013 BMW 535xi problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2013 BMW 535xi — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other 535xi years?

535xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted123 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 123 complaints2010: 26 complaints2011: 44 complaints2012: 23 complaints2013: 6 complaints2014: 0 complaints
535xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 535xi years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 BMW 535xi problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes117%
Engine117%
Body & Structure117%
Suspension117%
Tires & Wheels117%
Transmission117%

Does the 2013 BMW 535xi 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 535XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A CLICKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 23, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 535XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A CLICKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 23, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 535XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A CLICKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 23, 2018

“CPSC:THIS CAR HAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT CREATES THE ACCUMULATION OF MOISTURE INSIDE THE VENTILATION SYSTEM AND THE GROWTH OF MOLD.*BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FREQUENT RIDERS OF THE VEHICLE WERE EXPERIENCING RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS AND ASTHMA LIKE SYMPTOMS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND DI D NOT OFFER ANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 17, 2017

“BOTH FRONT TIRES DEVELOPED A BUBBLE AFTER GOING OVER A SMALL POTHOLE/BUMP AT UNDER 30MPH. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS CAR THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR JUST OVER 7 MONTHS AND 3500 MILES. THESE STOCK TIRES ON 2013 BMW 535XI AWD WITH M SPORT PACKAGE -- GOODYEAR EAGLE LS2 - SIZE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 12, 2014

2013 BMW 535xi — common questions

Is the 2013 BMW 535xi reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2013 BMW 535xi have recalls?

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

Which BMW 535xi years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 535xi years to avoid are 2008, 2011, 2014. The cleanest record among 535xi years belongs to 2007.

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.