YearToAvoid

2009 BMW 535i Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

89/100

#2 most-complained of 10 535i years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2009 BMW 535i has 71 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 89 out of 100 — #2 highest of 10 535i model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is fuel system (42 complaints, 59% of the total). Complaints report 2 crashes, 2 fires, and 1 injury.

Complaints
71
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
2 / 2
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
19.5
16.5 city / 25 hwy

Top 2009 BMW 535i problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Fuel System42 (59%)
  2. Engine28 (39%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain6 (8%)
  4. Airbags4 (6%)
  5. Brakes3 (4%)
  6. Electrical System3 (4%)
  7. Other3 (4%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (4%)
  9. Seat Belts2 (3%)
  10. Steering2 (3%)
2009 BMW 535i complaints: complaints filed per quarter72009 Q32011 Q22013 Q32014 Q42016 Q12017 Q42019 Q12022 Q1
96 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2009 Q3 to 2025 Q3; peak 2009 Q4 (7).

2009 BMW 535i recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 13V407000Sep 11, 2013Electrical System134,100 vehicles

    Exterior lighting:tail lights

    BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).

    Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

2009 BMW 535i fuel economy and fuel cost

City
16.5 MPG
Highway
25 MPG
Combined
19.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$4,100
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2009 compared with other 535i years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002008200920102011201220132014201520162017
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2008Caution6774120
2009Avoid8971119.5
2010Avoid7858120
2011Avoid100112423

All BMW 535i years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 BMW 535i a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 BMW 535i ranks #2 of 10 among 535i model years (Complaint Index 89/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 71 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 BMW 535i?
The most reported problem areas are fuel system (42 complaints), engine (28 complaints), and transmission & powertrain (6 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 75,434 miles.
Does the 2009 BMW 535i have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2009 BMW 535i, most recently reported 2013, covering electrical system.
What is the fuel economy of the 2009 BMW 535i?
EPA rates the 2009 BMW 535i at 19.5 MPG combined (16.5 city / 25 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.