How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2011 BMW 535i have?

NHTSA lists 17 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 BMW 535i, which is 15% of the 112 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2011 BMW 535i transmission or drivetrain?

Yes. Recall 17V067000 covers the rear driveshaft CV joint on certain 2011 535i vehicles, among other models, with dealers inspecting and replacing the joint based on production date.

At what mileage do 2011 BMW 535i drivetrain problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 103,500 miles.

Did the 2011 BMW 535i drivetrain complaints involve crashes or fires?

No. NHTSA records zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries among these 17 complaints.

2011 BMW 535i Transmission & Powertrain Problems

Owners filed 17 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 BMW 535i, 15% of the year's 112 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 103,500. A related recall (17V067000) covers the rear driveshaft CV joint.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 17; 15% of 112
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 103,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners describe a 'drivetrain malfunction, maximum output not available' warning with sudden loss of power, sometimes requiring the car to be stopped and restarted.
Several report the CV joint or CV boot on the rear driveshaft tearing or failing, in some cases while driving on the highway.
Some describe the vehicle shutting off completely mid-drive and refusing to restart, in one case near 100,000 miles.
Owners report a torque converter clutch (TCC) pressure control solenoid fault code (P-2763) that required replacing the entire mechatronic unit because the part was not sold separately.
Multiple owners tie their symptoms directly to recall 17V067000 and say parts were unavailable or the recall repair was never completed.

When 2011 BMW 535i transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 15, 2014, latest Apr 20, 2026.

17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2014 to Apr 2026; peak Feb 2020 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 BMW 535i

NHTSA 17V067000Feb 2, 2017Transmission & Powertrain8,752 vehicles
Power train:driveline:constant velocity joint
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
Risk: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 535i model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20102 (3%)
201117 (15%)
201210 (19%)
20132 (5%)
20141 (3%)
20150 (0%)
20160 (0%)
20170 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2011 BMW 535i have?: NHTSA lists 17 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 BMW 535i, which is 15% of the 112 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 BMW 535i transmission or drivetrain?: Yes. Recall 17V067000 covers the rear driveshaft CV joint on certain 2011 535i vehicles, among other models, with dealers inspecting and replacing the joint based on production date.
At what mileage do 2011 BMW 535i drivetrain problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 103,500 miles.
Did the 2011 BMW 535i drivetrain complaints involve crashes or fires?: No. NHTSA records zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries among these 17 complaints.