How many fuel system complaints does the 2012 BMW 535i have?

NHTSA lists 15 Fuel System complaints for the 2012 535i, which is 28% of the 54 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a fuel pump recall for the 2012 BMW 535i?

Yes, recall 16V746000 covers the fuel pump module, with BMW dealers replacing it free of charge. Some 2012 535i owners in the complaint data report their VIN was not recognized as part of the recall despite matching year and model.

At what mileage do fuel system problems appear on the 2012 535i?

The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2012 535i is 93,500 miles.

What does the fuel pump failure feel like while driving?

Owners describe sudden stalling at speeds ranging from 20 mph to 70 mph, an illuminated fuel warning light, and an inability to restart the vehicle for 5 to 20 minutes.

Are fuel system complaints higher on the 2012 535i than other years?

The 2012 535i's 28% share is lower than the 2010 (59%) and 2011 (31%) model years but higher than 2013 (8%), 2014 (3%), and 2015 (4%).

2012 BMW 535i Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 15 Fuel System complaints for the 2012 BMW 535i, 28% of that year's 54 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 93,500. A related recall (16V746000) covers the fuel pump module, though several owners report their VINs were excluded.

Fuel System complaints: 15; 28% of 54
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 93,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Vehicle stalls suddenly at various speeds, from 20 mph up to highway speeds of 70 mph, and cannot be restarted for 5 to 20 minutes.
Owners report the fuel pump warning or malfunction indicator illuminates just before or during the stall event.
Some owners diagnosed with a fuel pump control voltage code (referenced as 481B01) traced to the electric fuel pump.
Several owners state their vehicle was covered under recall 16V746000 for the fuel pump module but dealers refused the repair because the VIN did not show up in the recall system.
Stalling sometimes occurs while the vehicle is in motion on a roadway, blocking traffic, with the gear selector locked in park and no manual override to neutral available.
One owner reports losing power on the freeway followed by a diagnosis that both fuel pumps needed replacement.

When 2012 BMW 535i fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 2, 2017, latest Oct 28, 2025.

15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2017 to Oct 2025; peak Mar 2019 (2).

Fuel System recalls for the 2012 BMW 535i

NHTSA 16V746000Oct 17, 2016Fuel System136,188 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Risk: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel System complaints by 535i model year

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

201034 (59%)
201135 (31%)
201215 (28%)
20133 (8%)
20141 (3%)
20151 (4%)
20160 (0%)
20170 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2012 BMW 535i have?: NHTSA lists 15 Fuel System complaints for the 2012 535i, which is 28% of the 54 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a fuel pump recall for the 2012 BMW 535i?: Yes, recall 16V746000 covers the fuel pump module, with BMW dealers replacing it free of charge. Some 2012 535i owners in the complaint data report their VIN was not recognized as part of the recall despite matching year and model.
At what mileage do fuel system problems appear on the 2012 535i?: The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2012 535i is 93,500 miles.
What does the fuel pump failure feel like while driving?: Owners describe sudden stalling at speeds ranging from 20 mph to 70 mph, an illuminated fuel warning light, and an inability to restart the vehicle for 5 to 20 minutes.
Are fuel system complaints higher on the 2012 535i than other years?: The 2012 535i's 28% share is lower than the 2010 (59%) and 2011 (31%) model years but higher than 2013 (8%), 2014 (3%), and 2015 (4%).