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2013 BMW 535i recalls and problems

The 2013 BMW 535i has 1 safety recall and 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
39
Crashes / fires
1 / 2
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 BMW 535i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 BMW 535i recalls

Recall 15V-188: Exterior Lighting

Reported Mar 31, 2015 · 13,443 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

2013 BMW 535i problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System13
Engine10
Exterior Lighting8
Air Bags5
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Suspension3
Unknown or Other3
Power Train2
Tires2
Structure2
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility1
Steering1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 55,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 BMW 535i complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Oct 12, 2026
UKNOWN EXACT PROBLEM. 2013 BMW 535i with the same N55 motor with the [XXX] recall. Similar symptoms: Drivetrain malfunction and "camshaft stuck" code with loud metallic clanking in upper front of engine bay. Incident happened at rough 5-10mph pulling out of a parking lot just at 160,000 miles. Oil spilling everywhere and car was losing power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine · reported Nov 19, 2025
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 origin. The vehicle was completely off and had been parked for about 20 minutes. I was not in or near the car. The fire originated under the hood. This matches known fire patterns in BMW 5-series models from this generation involving electrical/engine components, even though my VIN shows no open…
Air Bags · reported Jul 22, 2025
Heard a clicking noise behind the steering wheel for a few days then I’ll the sudden the horn stopped working and all the controls on the steering wheel stopped working. I’m a mechanic so I took apart the clock spring stealing wheel compartment to find all of the wire broken and very very brittle. Cause for concern due to airbag malfunction and is no longer connected properly!!!I’ve been hearing a clicking noise behind the steering wheel for a few days. Then, suddenly, the horn stopped working, and all the controls on the steering wheel stopped working as well. Since I’m a mechanic, I…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 200,000 miles · reported Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine was overheating. Additionally, the contact noticed an abnormal burning odor while driving, with smoke coming from underneath the hood while at a complete stop. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Electrical System · reported Feb 18, 2025
After the replacement of all 02 sensors and fuses, the fault code returns and was traced back to the integrated supply module/IVm

Other BMW 535i years

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Compare all BMW 535i years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 BMW 535i have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 BMW 535i: 15V-188 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 BMW 535i?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (13 reports), followed by engine (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 55,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.