2013 BMW 535xi Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2013 BMW 535xi has a complaint index of 33 with 4 complaints and 1 recall, ranking 5th worst out of 7 model years — better than 2008, 2011, 2010, and 2012 but data is limited.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 33/100
- #5 of 7 535xi years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 4
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Top 2013 BMW 535xi problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (50%)
- Brakes1 (25%)
- Engine1 (25%)
- Structure & Body1 (25%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (25%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Front tires developed bubbles after hitting a small pothole or bump at under 30 mph, reported around 3,550 miles.
- Brakes reportedly failed to respond during stop-and-go highway traffic, leading to a rear-end crash at about 40 mph and occurring near 502 miles.
- Moisture buildup inside the ventilation system allowed mold growth, which owners linked to respiratory and asthma-like symptoms among frequent riders.
- A clicking noise from the front of the vehicle preceded a universal joint failure that punctured the oil pan and caused an oil leak, reported near 106,000 miles.
2013 BMW 535xi recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 15V188000Mar 31, 2015Electrical System13,443 vehicles
Exterior lighting
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2013 compared with other 535xi years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 BMW 535xi reliable?
- NHTSA lists only 4 complaints and 1 recall for the 2013 535xi, giving it a complaint index of 33 — the 5th worst among the 7 model years with data, but with a much smaller complaint count than years like 2008 or 2011.
- What problems does the 2013 BMW 535xi have?
- Owner complaints cover Suspension, Wheels & Tires (50% of complaints), plus single reports each for Brakes, Engine, Structure & Body, and Transmission & Powertrain.
- Does the 2013 BMW 535xi have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 15V188000) covers the electrical system, involving rear reflex reflectors that may not reflect enough light; BMW replaced them free of charge.
- How does the 2013 535xi compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 33, the 2013 535xi ranks better than the 2008 (Avoid, index 100), 2011 (Avoid, index 83), 2010 (Caution, index 67), and 2012 (Caution, index 50) model years.