2011 BMW 535I Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 112 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,700miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the air bags of the 2011 BMW 535I, 4% of the 112 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,700 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My driver airbag has a malfunction but no recall. The dealership said it was a deformed bag that means maybe someone hit the cover / horn where the airbag is. I'm over 60 years old and couldn't hit a fly that hard.”
NHTSA complaint #11386653, filed 2021-01, 90 miles“The srs passenger malfunction light is turning on. I've notified Bmw and have shown them that there is an open recall on my car but they have refused to acknowledge my car has been affected.”
NHTSA complaint #10944203, filed 2017-01, 101,400 miles“In may, 2014 I was driving at approximately 50 miles per hour on the old valdosta highway when a school bus ran a stop sign and t-boned me on the drivers side and none of the airbags deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10933802, filed 2016-12, 22,000 miles“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535i. The contact stated that when pressing the accelerator pedal to drive from being idle at a red light, the driver's side air bag deployed out of the steering wheel without impact. The contact sustained burns to the left arm, right cheek, and chest area. The contact had suffered stomach issues due to inhaling the dust and fumes from the air bag. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed by AAA to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the horn module needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. …”
NHTSA complaint #11682140, filed 2025-08, 132,000 milesRelated recalls
- 16V832000Nov 17, 2016BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through…Covers: BMW 535I 2011, 550I 2011, 528I 2011
Related service bulletins
- 10227568Oct 1, 2022According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy…
- 10174015Apr 1, 2020TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked…
- 10146769Sep 1, 2017"AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT: ACSM FC 930A60 OR 930A1C SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION. According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be on when the vehicle…
- 10147091Feb 1, 2015"Airbag Warning Light: ACSM FC 930A60 or 930A1C Seat Occupancy Detection. According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be on when the vehicle…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 7 | 58% |
| 2015 | 3 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% |
| 2013 | 5 | 13% |
| 2012 | 6 | 11% |
| 2011 | 5 | 4% |
| 2010 | 5 | 9% |
| 2009 | 4 | 6% |
| 2008 | 7 | 9% |
| 1991 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW 535I
37 complaintsFuel system
35 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsWheels
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 BMW 535I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology