2013 BMW 535xi Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2013 BMW 535xi has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 13,443 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 15V188000 2015-03-31 13,443 affected
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…

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.

Complaints by component

ENGINE
1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:UNIVERSAL JOINT
1
SERVICE BRAKES
1
1crashes1injuries
STRUCTURE
1
1injuries
SUSPENSION
1
TIRES
1
Total complaints6

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“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…”

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:UNIVERSAL JOINT · reported 2018-07-23

“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…”

ENGINE · reported 2018-07-23

“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…”

SUSPENSION · reported 2018-07-23

“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…”

STRUCTURE · reported 2017-08-17

“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…”

TIRES · reported 2014-03-12

“On sunday, aug. 11, 2013 while traveling in heavy stop and go traffic on I-90w, mass. Pike near exit 10a, traffic about 100 yards ahead stopped in the travel lane. I tapped the brakes with no response and proceeded to apply additional pressure, again no response. My new bmw crashed, at about 40…”

SERVICE BRAKES · reported 2013-08-11
Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2013 BMW 535xi as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.