Home · 2014 BMW 535i · Complaints
These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.
8 of 30 complaints match · Electrical system · clear filters
This is a known and unaddressed issue. BMW headlight seals fail allowing condensation to build and erode electronics. Replacement costs exceed $15K and only OEM parts and BMW servicing are options. Many BMW repair shops refuse to do this work as it is overly complicated and expensive. This issue is well known and document and warrants compensation and/or recall.
NHTSA ODI 11721523
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 535I. The contact stated that the engine cooling fan was running at abnormal high speed upon starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently, and the vehicle hesitated to respond while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with defective water pump and water pump electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an undisclosed recall. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
NHTSA ODI 11627692
LEFT LIGHT IS NOT WORKING. I HAVE TO USE MY BRIGHT LIGHTS TO HAVE LIGHTS AT NIGHT. I HAVE NOTICE THIS ON SEVERAL OTHER BMW'S IN THIS YEAR RANGE 2013-2014. SOMETHING ELECTRICAL IS WRONG WITH THIS LIGHT.
NHTSA ODI 11586040
Possible PCV malfunction. Intense plastic burning smell, smoke coming from front ac vents. Dealer unable to replicate issue, valve cover replaced under warranty. Issue persists. 2 Vehicle inspections at same bmw dealer, were unable to identify burnt battery PCM as well. Occasional check engine light, gone after vehicle restart. Under hard acceleration burning plastic smell intensifies.
NHTSA ODI 11488539
THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE VEHICLE IN PARK, ALL OTHER DOORS DO. EVEN WITH A DOUBLE PULL IT WILL NOT OPEN. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN IT IS USING THE CENTER DASH MOUNTED UNLOCK BUTTON. A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD IF YOU NEED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY.
NHTSA ODI 11288006
PASSENGER FRONT DOOR ACTUATOR FAILURE CAUSING INABILITY TO UNLOCK AND OPEN THE DOOR. NORMALLY WITH DOOR LOCKED YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO A 'DOUBLE PULL' WITH DOOR LATCH TO OPEN THE DOOR SUCH AS IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU CAN NOT OPEN THE DOOR.
NHTSA ODI 11283060
WHEN TURNING ON THE MAX/AC BLOWER FAN THE FAN BECOMES INTERMITTENT/SPORADIC. THE FAN RUNS ON HIGH AND THEN SHUTS DOWN THEN RUNS ON HIGH AND SHUTS DOWN. ETC. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND ON CITY STREETS WITH NORMAL STRAIT AWAY DRIVING. IT HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE AND APPEARS TO HAPPEN EACH TIME THAT I TRY THE MAX/AC FAN.
NHTSA ODI 11156118
WHY THE VEHICLES IN OFF POSITION THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN ONCE YOU COMPLETE THE DOUBLE PULL ON THE DOOR HANDLE TRAPPING YOU IN THE VEHICLE THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IS TO ACTUALLY HIT THE DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON IN THE CENTER RASH. I FIND THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF I NEED TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE QUICKLY I WILL BE TRAPPED UNLESS I CAN ACTUALLY REACH THE DOOR BUTTON TO UNLOCK ALL THE DOORS THERE IS A VIDEO THAT I AM FORWARDING AS WELL ON YOUTUBE SHOWING THIS ACTUAL PROBLEM MANY OTHER CONSUMERS WHO HAVE PURCHASED IF YOUR VEHICLE IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES
NHTSA ODI 11025052
Working with the data? Download all 30 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 28, 2026