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Fuel systemPart report

2012 BMW 535I Fuel system Problems

Complaints
15about this part
Share
28%of 54 total for the year
Median mileage
93,500miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the fuel system of the 2012 BMW 535I, 28% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I check engine light comes on about something with a fuel leak and Bmw says it's something to do with admissions! I would like this to be taken care of please. This is a real issue. The other issue is the electric calipers get stuck and cause a big bang when u pull out of the parking spot when you first leave. Don't happen after that. The mechanic said this was the problem cause everything else looked fine.”

NHTSA complaint #11183886, filed 2019-03, 46,500 miles

“On october 10th, 2020 at approximately 830am, I was driving westbound on the 118 fwy, my 2012 Bmw 535I suddenly lost power. I tried to give it more gas but it would not go faster. It immediately gave me an error pointing to the fuel system. I was able to exit the freeway safely. After being inspected by a certified mechanic, it was determined that both of my fuel pumps need to be replaced. There is a recall for fuel pumps for the 2012 Bmw 535I but my specific VIN number does not fall under the recall. It's obvious I have the same issue as other 2012 Bmw 535I.”

NHTSA complaint #11366920, filed 2020-10, 71,000 miles

“Vehicle stall intermittently while driving on lawrence expressway. Sometime cannot restart. Engine code revealed fuel pump issue 481b01 ekps control voltage too low. There is a recall on 2012 Bmw 535I on fuel pump but dealer refused to replace according to recall since the VIN do not show up in their system. (even the year and model is part of the recall)”

NHTSA complaint #11204728, filed 2019-04, 65,000 miles

“Car stalled suddenly while in motion on a city street. Unable to restart the vehicle for 15 - 20 minutes while blocking the roadway. Transmission locked in park mode and override to neutral gear was not available. Inability to manually put gear into neutral poses additional problems.”

NHTSA complaint #11323074, filed 2020-05, 105,000 miles

“Car stalled suddenly while in motion on a city street near a parking lot. Unable to restart blocking the roadway. Transmission locked in park mode and override to neutral gear was not available. Waited for tow truck while cars were blocked off. This could have been very dangerous if happened on a busy freeway or street. Inability to manually put gear into neutral poses additional problems.”

NHTSA complaint #11110377, filed 2018-07, 83,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201514%
201413%
201338%
20121528%
20113531%
20103459%
20094259%
20081520%

Other parts of the 2012 BMW 535I

Engine
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW 535I

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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