2009 BMW 335xi Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 BMW 335xi has a complaint index of 78, ranked 3rd-worst of 10 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 18 complaints, 3 recalls, and no fires or deaths, with fuel system issues (61% of complaints) dominating.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 78/100
- #3 of 10 335xi years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 18
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Fuel System
Top 2009 BMW 335xi problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System11 (61%)
- Engine5 (28%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (17%)
- Electrical System2 (11%)
- Airbags1 (6%)
- Other1 (6%)
- Steering1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of power and high pressure fuel pump failures during highway driving, in some cases the pump was replaced multiple times.
- Some drivers describe the reduce engine power warning coming on unexpectedly at speed, in one case followed by loss of control.
- Owners describe long engine starting times paired with abrupt power loss, described as a recurring chronic issue.
- One driver reported a timing belt failure after hitting a speed bump at low speed.
- Owners report an electric water pump failing at higher mileage, with smoke or steam from the engine compartment.
- One owner described intermittent failure of the LED turn signal in the rear tail light, creating a visibility concern in traffic.
2009 BMW 335xi recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V513000Jul 3, 2024Airbags394,029 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 17V676000Oct 25, 2017Electrical System702,965 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2009 compared with other 335xi years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 BMW 335xi reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 335xi ranks 3rd-worst among 10 model years with a complaint index of 78, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other 335xi years.
- What is the main problem with the 2009 BMW 335xi?
- Fuel system issues, mainly high pressure fuel pump failures, make up 61% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 18,500.
- Does the 2009 BMW 335xi have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2009 335xi, covering airbag modules and wiring/electrical connectors, none marked do-not-drive.
- Which BMW 335xi model years should be avoided?
- NHTSA data shows 2008 (complaint index 100) and 2011 (complaint index 89) also carry Avoid verdicts, while 2010 and 2014 are rated Good.