2016 BMW 535i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2016 BMW 535i has a complaint index of 11, the second-lowest of all 10 model years, and ranks 9th worst (meaning 2nd best) with a Best verdict. It has 12 complaints and 2 recalls, mostly tied to airbags.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 11/100
- #9 of 10 535i years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 12
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 19.5 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2016 BMW 535i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags7 (58%)
- Other2 (17%)
- Seat Belts2 (17%)
- Engine1 (8%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (8%)
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 the driver or passenger air bag warning light stays on or flashes even when the seat is occupied.
- Some describe the passenger restraint system as malfunctioning, meaning the air bag reportedly would not deploy in a crash.
- One owner reported tires coming apart at 19,000 miles under normal driving conditions.
- Another owner reported an engine overheating warning at various speeds at 78,000 miles, later traced to a water-related issue by the dealer.
- One report described the head unit failing twice, disabling the rear view camera, tire pressure warnings, and distance-warning safety features.
- One owner mentioned a panoramic sunroof curtain repaired multiple times along with a passenger restraint system malfunction.
2016 BMW 535i recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V914000Dec 20, 2016Airbags3,506 vehicles
Air bags
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
Risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 15V718000Oct 30, 2015Other7,162 vehicles
Child seat
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535d xDrive, M5, 550i, 550i xDrive, and 535d sedans. The affected vehicles have an inboard lower anchor for child restraints on the left rear seat that may have been bent downwards, preventing the child seat from fully engaging both lower anchors. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Risk: If the child seat is not properly attached to the lower anchors, it can increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the inboard lower anchor on the left rear seat, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2016 BMW 535i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19.5 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 22.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,550
- 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.
2016 compared with other 535i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 BMW 535i reliable?
- Among 535i model years, 2016 has one of the lowest complaint indexes, at 11, and carries a Best verdict. It has 12 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls, mainly involving airbags.
- What problems does the 2016 BMW 535i have?
- The top problem area is airbags, accounting for 58% of complaints, followed by seat belts at 17%. Other reported issues include engine overheating, a malfunctioning head unit, and tire failure, each at 8% of complaints.
- Does the 2016 BMW 535i have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 535i: one for Takata airbag modules and one for a seat belt inboard lower anchor issue on the left rear seat.
- How does the 2016 535i compare to other years?
- The 2016 535i ranks 9th worst out of 10 model years with data, meaning it is one of the better years. The worst-ranked year is 2011, with a complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict.
- What is the median mileage for airbag complaints on the 2016 535i?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 36,000 miles for airbag-related complaints on the 2016 535i.