VehicleVerdict

1986 BMW 635 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1986 BMW 635 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other 635 years?

635 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted1 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 1 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 1 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints
635 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 635 years to avoid →

Does the 1986 BMW 635 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V063000OtherFebruary 26, 2013 · 4 units

Defect

US Specs is recalling one 2002 Porsche Carrera, one 1997 BMW 750IL, and two 1986 BMW 635 CSI vehicles for failing to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111, "Rearview Mirrors." While performing conformity-related modifications for the US market, labels with an incorrect size font were applied to the passenger side mirror.

Consequence

Drivers of these vehicles may not know the proximity of the objects in the passenger side mirror, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

US Specs will notify owners and correct the statement on the passenger mirror of the affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact US Specs at 1-443-502-2331.

86V151000LightingNovember 10, 1986 · 97,300 units

Defect

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH COULD OVERHEAT, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO MELTING OF PLASTIC INTERNAL PARTS IN AREA OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS.

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SWITCH PLUNGER COULD JAM, RENDERING BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER INOPERATIVE OR CONTINUOUSLY ILLIMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION.

Remedy

REPLACE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH REVISED SWITCH WITH INCREASED ELECTRICAL LOAD CAPACITY.

1986 BMW 635 — common questions

Is the 1986 BMW 635 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1986 BMW 635 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 BMW 635. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 BMW 635 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.