Owners have filed 26 complaints
about the 2010 BMW 535XI with NHTSA between 2012 and 2019.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 24
Against the median year of the BMW 535XI. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 79
15.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 14
8% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2010 BMW 535XI
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
830.8%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 52,000 mi
Airbags
415.4%
Median failure at 125,000 miles
Electrical System
415.4%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 52,500 mi
Engine & Cooling
415.4%
Median failure at 63,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
27.7%
Median failure at 48,705 miles
Other & Unspecified
13.8%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 83,000 mi
Stability & Traction Control
13.8%
Median failure at 45,000 miles
Lights
13.8%
Median failure at 75,000 miles
Steering
13.8%
Median failure at 1 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
28.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
416.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1040.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
624.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
312.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2012peak 4Feb 2019
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 60,000 milesN Tonawanda, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BLOWER MOTOR SHORTED AND CAUSED WIDESPREAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING HEADLIGHTS AND THEIR CONTROL. A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE BLEW OUT OF THE VENTS AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING MOVED FROM THE GARAGE TO THE PARKING LOT AT A 3RD PARTY SERVICE PROVIDER.
NHTSA complaint #11043796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesSaint Petersburg, FMFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2010 BMW 535XI, CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN MAINTAINED AT BMW DEALERSHIP, AND CURRENT ON ALL INSPECTIONS, REPAIRS, AND MAINTENANCE. FIRE OCCURRED IN DUNCAN DOUGHNUTS DRIVE THROUGH, SLIGHT SMELL OF SMOKE WHILE AT DRIVE THROUGH LINE. WHILE RECEIVING FOOD AT WINDOW LESS THAN A MINUTE OR TWO LATER, AND WHILE IN PARK. FLAMES SHOT THROUGH HOOD AT MIDDLE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT BY WINDSHIELD AND REAR 1/3 OF THE MIDDLE OF THE HOOD WITH INTENSE SMOKE. IMMEDIATEL REACTION WAS TO PUT IN DRIVE AND MOVED FOREWORD TO GET AWAY FROM BUILDING TO GET OUT OF DOOR AS ENGINE DIED, WE SCRAMBLED OUT OF VEHICLE. 2 EMPLOYEES IMMEDIATELY ASSISTED WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, BUT ENGINE COMPARTMENT QUICKLY ENGULFED 1ST IN THE MIDDLE HOOD THEN LEFT HOOD AND EVENTUALLY THROUGH THE WHEELWELL. I HAVE ALL SERVICE RECORDS, AND HAVE HAD ALL REQUIRED REPAIRS, RECALLS AND MAINTENANCE PERFORMED EXCLUSIVELY AT BMW DEALERSHIP. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT JUST CATCH FIRE AND BURN FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND WITHOUT AND WARNING LIGHTS OR INDICATORS. CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE HERE THAT REQUIRES FURTHER INVESTIGATION. I'M REALLY LUCKY THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THAT THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND NOT IN MY GARAGE, OR GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. GLAD THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY FROM THE BUILDING FAR ENOUGH TO PREVENT IT FROM CATCHING ON FIRE ALSO AND CAUSING ADDITIONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS 2010 BMW 535XI HAS ADMITTEDLY BEEN A FREQUENT FLIER AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP. IT HAS HAD THE VALVE COVERS REPLACED, CV JOINT REPLACED, , VANOS SOLENOID VALVES REPLACED, SHAFT SEAL REPLACED, REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED, COOLANT PUMP REPLACED, OIL FILTER HOUSING REPLACED, FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED TWICE, BULB HOLDERS REPLACED, SIDE LIGHTS REPLACED, REPROGRAMMED ECT.
NHTSA complaint #10985883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesSaint Petersburg, FMFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2010 BMW 535XI, CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN MAINTAINED AT BMW DEALERSHIP, AND CURRENT ON ALL INSPECTIONS, REPAIRS, AND MAINTENANCE. FIRE OCCURRED IN DUNCAN DOUGHNUTS DRIVE THROUGH, SLIGHT SMELL OF SMOKE WHILE AT DRIVE THROUGH LINE. WHILE RECEIVING FOOD AT WINDOW LESS THAN A MINUTE OR TWO LATER, AND WHILE IN PARK. FLAMES SHOT THROUGH HOOD AT MIDDLE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT BY WINDSHIELD AND REAR 1/3 OF THE MIDDLE OF THE HOOD WITH INTENSE SMOKE. IMMEDIATEL REACTION WAS TO PUT IN DRIVE AND MOVED FOREWORD TO GET AWAY FROM BUILDING TO GET OUT OF DOOR AS ENGINE DIED, WE SCRAMBLED OUT OF VEHICLE. 2 EMPLOYEES IMMEDIATELY ASSISTED WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, BUT ENGINE COMPARTMENT QUICKLY ENGULFED 1ST IN THE MIDDLE HOOD THEN LEFT HOOD AND EVENTUALLY THROUGH THE WHEELWELL. I HAVE ALL SERVICE RECORDS, AND HAVE HAD ALL REQUIRED REPAIRS, RECALLS AND MAINTENANCE PERFORMED EXCLUSIVELY AT BMW DEALERSHIP. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT JUST CATCH FIRE AND BURN FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND WITHOUT AND WARNING LIGHTS OR INDICATORS. CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE HERE THAT REQUIRES FURTHER INVESTIGATION. I'M REALLY LUCKY THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THAT THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND NOT IN MY GARAGE, OR GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. GLAD THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY FROM THE BUILDING FAR ENOUGH TO PREVENT IT FROM CATCHING ON FIRE ALSO AND CAUSING ADDITIONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS 2010 BMW 535XI HAS ADMITTEDLY BEEN A FREQUENT FLIER AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP. IT HAS HAD THE VALVE COVERS REPLACED, CV JOINT REPLACED, , VANOS SOLENOID VALVES REPLACED, SHAFT SEAL REPLACED, REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED, COOLANT PUMP REPLACED, OIL FILTER HOUSING REPLACED, FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED TWICE, BULB HOLDERS REPLACED, SIDE LIGHTS REPLACED, REPROGRAMMED ECT.
NHTSA complaint #10985883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesSaint Petersburg, FMFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2010 BMW 535XI, CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN MAINTAINED AT BMW DEALERSHIP, AND CURRENT ON ALL INSPECTIONS, REPAIRS, AND MAINTENANCE. FIRE OCCURRED IN DUNCAN DOUGHNUTS DRIVE THROUGH, SLIGHT SMELL OF SMOKE WHILE AT DRIVE THROUGH LINE. WHILE RECEIVING FOOD AT WINDOW LESS THAN A MINUTE OR TWO LATER, AND WHILE IN PARK. FLAMES SHOT THROUGH HOOD AT MIDDLE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT BY WINDSHIELD AND REAR 1/3 OF THE MIDDLE OF THE HOOD WITH INTENSE SMOKE. IMMEDIATEL REACTION WAS TO PUT IN DRIVE AND MOVED FOREWORD TO GET AWAY FROM BUILDING TO GET OUT OF DOOR AS ENGINE DIED, WE SCRAMBLED OUT OF VEHICLE. 2 EMPLOYEES IMMEDIATELY ASSISTED WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, BUT ENGINE COMPARTMENT QUICKLY ENGULFED 1ST IN THE MIDDLE HOOD THEN LEFT HOOD AND EVENTUALLY THROUGH THE WHEELWELL. I HAVE ALL SERVICE RECORDS, AND HAVE HAD ALL REQUIRED REPAIRS, RECALLS AND MAINTENANCE PERFORMED EXCLUSIVELY AT BMW DEALERSHIP. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT JUST CATCH FIRE AND BURN FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND WITHOUT AND WARNING LIGHTS OR INDICATORS. CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE HERE THAT REQUIRES FURTHER INVESTIGATION. I'M REALLY LUCKY THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THAT THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND NOT IN MY GARAGE, OR GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. GLAD THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY FROM THE BUILDING FAR ENOUGH TO PREVENT IT FROM CATCHING ON FIRE ALSO AND CAUSING ADDITIONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS 2010 BMW 535XI HAS ADMITTEDLY BEEN A FREQUENT FLIER AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP. IT HAS HAD THE VALVE COVERS REPLACED, CV JOINT REPLACED, , VANOS SOLENOID VALVES REPLACED, SHAFT SEAL REPLACED, REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED, COOLANT PUMP REPLACED, OIL FILTER HOUSING REPLACED, FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED TWICE, BULB HOLDERS REPLACED, SIDE LIGHTS REPLACED, REPROGRAMMED ECT.
NHTSA complaint #10985883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 125,000 milesMonmouth Junction, NJ
AIR BAGS
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILED, MEANING THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DOES NOT KNOW IF SOMEONE IS SITTING THE IN PASSENGER SEAT. APPARENTLY, THIS WAS A RECALL ISSUE FOR 2006 BMWS, BUT THE MANUFACTURER FAILS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR NEWER ONES LIKE THOSE IN 2010. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH WILL SHOW THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11174967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesMonmouth Junction, NJ
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILED, MEANING THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DOES NOT KNOW IF SOMEONE IS SITTING THE IN PASSENGER SEAT. APPARENTLY, THIS WAS A RECALL ISSUE FOR 2006 BMWS, BUT THE MANUFACTURER FAILS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR NEWER ONES LIKE THOSE IN 2010. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH WILL SHOW THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11174967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesMonmouth Junction, NJ
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILED, MEANING THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DOES NOT KNOW IF SOMEONE IS SITTING THE IN PASSENGER SEAT. APPARENTLY, THIS WAS A RECALL ISSUE FOR 2006 BMWS, BUT THE MANUFACTURER FAILS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR NEWER ONES LIKE THOSE IN 2010. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH WILL SHOW THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11174967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesN Tonawanda, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BLOWER MOTOR SHORTED AND CAUSED WIDESPREAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING HEADLIGHTS AND THEIR CONTROL. A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE BLEW OUT OF THE VENTS AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING MOVED FROM THE GARAGE TO THE PARKING LOT AT A 3RD PARTY SERVICE PROVIDER.
NHTSA complaint #11043796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesSaint Petersburg, FMFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2010 BMW 535XI, CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN MAINTAINED AT BMW DEALERSHIP, AND CURRENT ON ALL INSPECTIONS, REPAIRS, AND MAINTENANCE. FIRE OCCURRED IN DUNCAN DOUGHNUTS DRIVE THROUGH, SLIGHT SMELL OF SMOKE WHILE AT DRIVE THROUGH LINE. WHILE RECEIVING FOOD AT WINDOW LESS THAN A MINUTE OR TWO LATER, AND WHILE IN PARK. FLAMES SHOT THROUGH HOOD AT MIDDLE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT BY WINDSHIELD AND REAR 1/3 OF THE MIDDLE OF THE HOOD WITH INTENSE SMOKE. IMMEDIATEL REACTION WAS TO PUT IN DRIVE AND MOVED FOREWORD TO GET AWAY FROM BUILDING TO GET OUT OF DOOR AS ENGINE DIED, WE SCRAMBLED OUT OF VEHICLE. 2 EMPLOYEES IMMEDIATELY ASSISTED WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, BUT ENGINE COMPARTMENT QUICKLY ENGULFED 1ST IN THE MIDDLE HOOD THEN LEFT HOOD AND EVENTUALLY THROUGH THE WHEELWELL. I HAVE ALL SERVICE RECORDS, AND HAVE HAD ALL REQUIRED REPAIRS, RECALLS AND MAINTENANCE PERFORMED EXCLUSIVELY AT BMW DEALERSHIP. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT JUST CATCH FIRE AND BURN FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND WITHOUT AND WARNING LIGHTS OR INDICATORS. CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE HERE THAT REQUIRES FURTHER INVESTIGATION. I'M REALLY LUCKY THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THAT THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND NOT IN MY GARAGE, OR GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. GLAD THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY FROM THE BUILDING FAR ENOUGH TO PREVENT IT FROM CATCHING ON FIRE ALSO AND CAUSING ADDITIONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS 2010 BMW 535XI HAS ADMITTEDLY BEEN A FREQUENT FLIER AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP. IT HAS HAD THE VALVE COVERS REPLACED, CV JOINT REPLACED, , VANOS SOLENOID VALVES REPLACED, SHAFT SEAL REPLACED, REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED, COOLANT PUMP REPLACED, OIL FILTER HOUSING REPLACED, FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED TWICE, BULB HOLDERS REPLACED, SIDE LIGHTS REPLACED, REPROGRAMMED ECT.
NHTSA complaint #10985883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesSaint Petersburg, FMFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2010 BMW 535XI, CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN MAINTAINED AT BMW DEALERSHIP, AND CURRENT ON ALL INSPECTIONS, REPAIRS, AND MAINTENANCE. FIRE OCCURRED IN DUNCAN DOUGHNUTS DRIVE THROUGH, SLIGHT SMELL OF SMOKE WHILE AT DRIVE THROUGH LINE. WHILE RECEIVING FOOD AT WINDOW LESS THAN A MINUTE OR TWO LATER, AND WHILE IN PARK. FLAMES SHOT THROUGH HOOD AT MIDDLE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT BY WINDSHIELD AND REAR 1/3 OF THE MIDDLE OF THE HOOD WITH INTENSE SMOKE. IMMEDIATEL REACTION WAS TO PUT IN DRIVE AND MOVED FOREWORD TO GET AWAY FROM BUILDING TO GET OUT OF DOOR AS ENGINE DIED, WE SCRAMBLED OUT OF VEHICLE. 2 EMPLOYEES IMMEDIATELY ASSISTED WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, BUT ENGINE COMPARTMENT QUICKLY ENGULFED 1ST IN THE MIDDLE HOOD THEN LEFT HOOD AND EVENTUALLY THROUGH THE WHEELWELL. I HAVE ALL SERVICE RECORDS, AND HAVE HAD ALL REQUIRED REPAIRS, RECALLS AND MAINTENANCE PERFORMED EXCLUSIVELY AT BMW DEALERSHIP. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT JUST CATCH FIRE AND BURN FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND WITHOUT AND WARNING LIGHTS OR INDICATORS. CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE HERE THAT REQUIRES FURTHER INVESTIGATION. I'M REALLY LUCKY THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THAT THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND NOT IN MY GARAGE, OR GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. GLAD THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY FROM THE BUILDING FAR ENOUGH TO PREVENT IT FROM CATCHING ON FIRE ALSO AND CAUSING ADDITIONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS 2010 BMW 535XI HAS ADMITTEDLY BEEN A FREQUENT FLIER AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP. IT HAS HAD THE VALVE COVERS REPLACED, CV JOINT REPLACED, , VANOS SOLENOID VALVES REPLACED, SHAFT SEAL REPLACED, REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED, COOLANT PUMP REPLACED, OIL FILTER HOUSING REPLACED, FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED TWICE, BULB HOLDERS REPLACED, SIDE LIGHTS REPLACED, REPROGRAMMED ECT.
NHTSA complaint #10985883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesSaint Petersburg, FMFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2010 BMW 535XI, CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN MAINTAINED AT BMW DEALERSHIP, AND CURRENT ON ALL INSPECTIONS, REPAIRS, AND MAINTENANCE. FIRE OCCURRED IN DUNCAN DOUGHNUTS DRIVE THROUGH, SLIGHT SMELL OF SMOKE WHILE AT DRIVE THROUGH LINE. WHILE RECEIVING FOOD AT WINDOW LESS THAN A MINUTE OR TWO LATER, AND WHILE IN PARK. FLAMES SHOT THROUGH HOOD AT MIDDLE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT BY WINDSHIELD AND REAR 1/3 OF THE MIDDLE OF THE HOOD WITH INTENSE SMOKE. IMMEDIATEL REACTION WAS TO PUT IN DRIVE AND MOVED FOREWORD TO GET AWAY FROM BUILDING TO GET OUT OF DOOR AS ENGINE DIED, WE SCRAMBLED OUT OF VEHICLE. 2 EMPLOYEES IMMEDIATELY ASSISTED WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, BUT ENGINE COMPARTMENT QUICKLY ENGULFED 1ST IN THE MIDDLE HOOD THEN LEFT HOOD AND EVENTUALLY THROUGH THE WHEELWELL. I HAVE ALL SERVICE RECORDS, AND HAVE HAD ALL REQUIRED REPAIRS, RECALLS AND MAINTENANCE PERFORMED EXCLUSIVELY AT BMW DEALERSHIP. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT JUST CATCH FIRE AND BURN FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND WITHOUT AND WARNING LIGHTS OR INDICATORS. CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE HERE THAT REQUIRES FURTHER INVESTIGATION. I'M REALLY LUCKY THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THAT THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND NOT IN MY GARAGE, OR GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. GLAD THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY FROM THE BUILDING FAR ENOUGH TO PREVENT IT FROM CATCHING ON FIRE ALSO AND CAUSING ADDITIONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS 2010 BMW 535XI HAS ADMITTEDLY BEEN A FREQUENT FLIER AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP. IT HAS HAD THE VALVE COVERS REPLACED, CV JOINT REPLACED, , VANOS SOLENOID VALVES REPLACED, SHAFT SEAL REPLACED, REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED, COOLANT PUMP REPLACED, OIL FILTER HOUSING REPLACED, FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED TWICE, BULB HOLDERS REPLACED, SIDE LIGHTS REPLACED, REPROGRAMMED ECT.
NHTSA complaint #10985883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesSchaumburg, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING BMW 535 XI 2010 MODEL AND VIN NUMBER IS [XXX] ON HIGHWAY SUDDENLY "BATTERY MALFUNCTION" SHOWED; SHE WANT TO TAKES CAR ON SHOULDER BUT STEERING STOPPED WORKING. FINALLY SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR IN ONE OF REPAIR SHOP. REPAIR SHOP TOLD THE BELT TIED WITH STEERING WAS JAMMED AND IN BROKEN CONDITION. IT WAS LIFE THREAT AND THERE IS NO SIGNAL ON THIS. BOUGHT THIS KIND OF EXPENSIVE CAR AND THERE IS NO SAFETY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10948369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesSchaumburg, IL
STEERING
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING BMW 535 XI 2010 MODEL AND VIN NUMBER IS [XXX] ON HIGHWAY SUDDENLY "BATTERY MALFUNCTION" SHOWED; SHE WANT TO TAKES CAR ON SHOULDER BUT STEERING STOPPED WORKING. FINALLY SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR IN ONE OF REPAIR SHOP. REPAIR SHOP TOLD THE BELT TIED WITH STEERING WAS JAMMED AND IN BROKEN CONDITION. IT WAS LIFE THREAT AND THERE IS NO SIGNAL ON THIS. BOUGHT THIS KIND OF EXPENSIVE CAR AND THERE IS NO SAFETY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10948369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,400 milesCoatesville, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE TRAVELING IN THE MIDST OF TRAFFIC ON BUSY ROADWAY THE FUEL PUMP STOPPED OPERATING(ON-BOARD COMPUTER DISPLAY). I RECEIVED A MESSAGE INDICATING THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE BUT SHOULD BE CHECKED. I MANAGED TO STEER THE VEHICLE FROM THE MAIN ROADWAY BEFORE THE POWER STEERING CEASED TO OPERATE. THIS IS THE THIRD INCIDENT IN WHICH THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE OCCURRED. A PREVIOUS REPOST WAS MADE TO THE NHTSA #(10938620). A SAFETY RECALL WAS ACTIVATED FOR SEVERAL VEHICLE WITH THE SAME HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, BUT MY VIN IS NOT LISTED IN THE DATABASE. I FEAR FOR MY LIFE AND FOR THE LIVES OF OTHERS THAT COULD BE LINKED TO THE POTENTIAL TRAGEDY THAT MAY OCCUR. TODAY MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BMW SERVICE CENTER FOR ASSESSMENT. OF COURSE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND I AM WAITING FOR AN OUTCOME AND FEEL VULNERABLE. I FEAR THAT I WILL BE STUCK WITH THE EXCESSIVE EXPENSE OF RESOLVING THE ISSUE OR THE RISK OF LOSING MY LIFE.
NHTSA complaint #10944420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,110 milesCoatesville, PA
POWER TRAIN
TWO TIMES IN THE PAST FIVE DAYS MY 2010 BMW 535XI HAS SHUT DOWN. EACH TIME IT HAS MALFUNCTIONED(12/24/16 AND 12/29/16), THE AUTOMATIC DOWNSHIFT ACTIVATED). ONCE WHILE TRAVELING UP A HILL AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES PER HOUR AND ONCE WHILE TRAVELING IN EXCESS OF 55 MILES PER HOUR ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOLLED TO A LOCAL GARAGE. SHORTLY AFTER ARRIVING THE TOW OPERATOR STARTED THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED WITHOUT HESITATION A SECOND TIME. I LEFT THE VEHICLE AT THE REPAIR SHOP AND PICKED IT UP FOUR DAYS LATER. IT HAS STARTED AND OPERATED AS BEFORE UNTIL DAY FIVE WHEN I WAS TRAVELING UPHILL AND IT INITIATED A DOWNSHIFT AND STOPPED OPERATING. EACH TIME THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE INDICATOR CAME ON. IT IS A SCARY FEELING, ESPECIALLY SINCE EACH TIME I WAS IN THE MIDST OF OTHER VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10938620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,110 milesCoatesville, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TWO TIMES IN THE PAST FIVE DAYS MY 2010 BMW 535XI HAS SHUT DOWN. EACH TIME IT HAS MALFUNCTIONED(12/24/16 AND 12/29/16), THE AUTOMATIC DOWNSHIFT ACTIVATED). ONCE WHILE TRAVELING UP A HILL AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES PER HOUR AND ONCE WHILE TRAVELING IN EXCESS OF 55 MILES PER HOUR ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOLLED TO A LOCAL GARAGE. SHORTLY AFTER ARRIVING THE TOW OPERATOR STARTED THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED WITHOUT HESITATION A SECOND TIME. I LEFT THE VEHICLE AT THE REPAIR SHOP AND PICKED IT UP FOUR DAYS LATER. IT HAS STARTED AND OPERATED AS BEFORE UNTIL DAY FIVE WHEN I WAS TRAVELING UPHILL AND IT INITIATED A DOWNSHIFT AND STOPPED OPERATING. EACH TIME THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE INDICATOR CAME ON. IT IS A SCARY FEELING, ESPECIALLY SINCE EACH TIME I WAS IN THE MIDST OF OTHER VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10938620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,110 milesCoatesville, PA
ENGINE
TWO TIMES IN THE PAST FIVE DAYS MY 2010 BMW 535XI HAS SHUT DOWN. EACH TIME IT HAS MALFUNCTIONED(12/24/16 AND 12/29/16), THE AUTOMATIC DOWNSHIFT ACTIVATED). ONCE WHILE TRAVELING UP A HILL AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES PER HOUR AND ONCE WHILE TRAVELING IN EXCESS OF 55 MILES PER HOUR ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOLLED TO A LOCAL GARAGE. SHORTLY AFTER ARRIVING THE TOW OPERATOR STARTED THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED WITHOUT HESITATION A SECOND TIME. I LEFT THE VEHICLE AT THE REPAIR SHOP AND PICKED IT UP FOUR DAYS LATER. IT HAS STARTED AND OPERATED AS BEFORE UNTIL DAY FIVE WHEN I WAS TRAVELING UPHILL AND IT INITIATED A DOWNSHIFT AND STOPPED OPERATING. EACH TIME THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE INDICATOR CAME ON. IT IS A SCARY FEELING, ESPECIALLY SINCE EACH TIME I WAS IN THE MIDST OF OTHER VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10938620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pueblo, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2010 BMW 535 XI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE MANUFACTURER AGREEMENT TO COVER COST OF SPARK PLUGS REPLACEMENT UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT DENIES COVERAGE FOR FAULTY LOW PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR. *SMD
NHTSA complaint #10887315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,166 milesBrooklyn, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL INJECTORS FAILED AT 51000 MILES CASUING LOSS OF ENGINE POWER RANDOMLY WITHOUT WARNING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. TECHNICIAN STATES I NEED ALL SIX INJECTORS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10809874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesStaten Island, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR I HAD THESE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10788160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesStaten Island, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR I HAD THESE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10788160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesMeridian, ID
ENGINE
HAD 3 IGNITION COILS REPLACED AT 49000 MILES. WAS CAUSING ROUGH IDLE. HAD 3 MORE IGNITION COILS REPLACED AT 67000 MILES. WAS CAUSING ROUGH IDLE. HAD FUEL INJECTOR REPLACED IN CYLINDER 3.
NHTSA complaint #10641301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBirmingham, AL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED IT WITH AN ENGINE LOSS. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE CAM SHAFT IN THE ENGINE BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #10592759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesMaple Grove, MN
ENGINE
INJECTORS FAIL AT JUST 59000; REQUIRE ALL SIX INJECTORS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10573910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesMountain View, CA
AIR BAGS
AFTER HITTING A BUMP WHEN ENTERING A DRIVEWAY, WATER SPILLED IN THE REAR CARGO AREA OF THE STATION WAGON, WATER DRAINED INTO SPARE TIRE WHEEL WELL WHERE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES RESIDE SHORTING OUT MOST MAJOR CONTROLS-ANTI LOCK BRAKES, LOAD LEVELING, TRANSMISSION, TRACTION CONTROL, ETC. IT IS THE LOWEST POINT OF THE CAR'S INTERIOR.
NHTSA complaint #10567488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesMountain View, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER HITTING A BUMP WHEN ENTERING A DRIVEWAY, WATER SPILLED IN THE REAR CARGO AREA OF THE STATION WAGON, WATER DRAINED INTO SPARE TIRE WHEEL WELL WHERE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES RESIDE SHORTING OUT MOST MAJOR CONTROLS-ANTI LOCK BRAKES, LOAD LEVELING, TRANSMISSION, TRACTION CONTROL, ETC. IT IS THE LOWEST POINT OF THE CAR'S INTERIOR.
NHTSA complaint #10567488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesMountain View, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
AFTER HITTING A BUMP WHEN ENTERING A DRIVEWAY, WATER SPILLED IN THE REAR CARGO AREA OF THE STATION WAGON, WATER DRAINED INTO SPARE TIRE WHEEL WELL WHERE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES RESIDE SHORTING OUT MOST MAJOR CONTROLS-ANTI LOCK BRAKES, LOAD LEVELING, TRANSMISSION, TRACTION CONTROL, ETC. IT IS THE LOWEST POINT OF THE CAR'S INTERIOR.
NHTSA complaint #10567488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,300 milesAirmont, NY
POWER TRAIN
EXPERIENCING HARD BUMP WHEN BRAKING, HARD SHIFTS IN SPORT MODE, SLOW TO ENGAGE IN REVERSE AND HUNTING FOR THE RIGHT GEAR WHEN COASTING. THIS DELAYED AND JERKY RESPONSE PRESENTS A SEVERE DRIVING RISK AND DANGER AS THE VEHICLE BEHAVIOR IS UNPREDICTABLE AND INCONSISTENT. THESE ARE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A KNOWN MECHATRONICS FAILURE, HOWEVER BMW REFUSES TO FIX THIS UNTIL A CODE IT THROWN. UNFORTUNATELY THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY SHOULD NOT REQUIRE A CODE!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10560885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesBirmingham, AL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535XI. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 50 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,000. ...UPDATED 10/17/12
NHTSA complaint #10476548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.