BMW 435i Complaints

49 consumer complaints on file.

#11760427August 28, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Following front brake service, a 2015 BMW 435xi developed two distinct braking anomalies: aggressive unintended brake application during highway driving in wet conditions with cruise control engaged, and low-speed dragging and abrupt grabbing just before coming to a complete stop. The technical symptoms strongly suggest a malfunction in the Dynamic Stability Control brake-drying routine or an issue with caliper return functionality and sticking brake pads.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738183May 15, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2016 BMW 435i. My vehicle experienced a sudden water pump failure while I was driving on the freeway. Without warning, the vehicle immediately entered “limp mode,” causing a sudden and dangerous loss of power in active traffic. This created a serious safety hazard because surrounding vehicles had to quickly avoid my car to prevent a collision. I am aware that there is an existing recall and/or known issue involving electric water pump failures on certain BMW vehicles, including similar 2016 BMW models, but my VIN does not qualify for recall coverage despite experiencing the exact same failure and safety-related symptoms. I believe this defect should be investigated further because it creates a substantial risk to driver and public safety when the vehicle suddenly loses power at highway speeds. Additionally, my vehicle has an ongoing issue with the parking collision warning/driver assistance system. The system will randomly trigger collision warnings and emergency alerts even when I am driving safely with no obstacles or vehicles in front of me. These false warnings are distracting and could potentially cause unsafe driver reactions or unnecessary braking events. I request that NHTSA investigate both issues: 1. Sudden electric water pump failure causing immediate limp mode and loss of power while driving. 2. Malfunctioning collision warning system producing false collision alerts without hazards present. These issues present significant safety concerns and appear consistent with known defects affecting similar BMW vehicles. Vehicle Information: * Year: 2016 * Make: BMW * Model: 435iThe I would like to mention I am an active first responder (EMT) and would recommend addressing these safety concerns
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703680December 8, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 435I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, the battery discharged abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the water pump had remained running unexpectedly when the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685069September 4, 2025
ENGINE
I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2015 BMW 435xi (N55 engine, ~79,000 miles) that suffered a sudden and complete engine failure due to the oil pump drive chain. While driving at highway speed, the vehicle experienced an instant loss of oil pressure and engine seizure without any warning lights or prior symptoms. I barely managed to steer the car to the shoulder and avoid being struck by surrounding traffic. This was a serious safety hazard, as the loss of power and steering control occurred in active highway conditions. Inspection revealed a catastrophic internal failure of the oil pump drive chain. This is not related to neglect, lack of maintenance, or external damage—the vehicle had received an oil service at a BMW dealership only two months prior. Importantly, the N55 engine uses the same oil pump chain and guide architecture as BMW’s N20/N26 4-cylinder engines. BMW has already acknowledged premature failures of this system in those engines and provided extended warranty coverage. The fact that this defect is now occurring in the N55 platform demonstrates a broader systemic issue. This failure at relatively low mileage creates a significant safety risk to drivers and passengers, as well as other vehicles on the road. A sudden seizure of the engine at highway speed leaves little to no opportunity to maneuver safely and avoid collisions. I urge the agency to investigate this issue as a potential design defect affecting the N55 engine family. BMW should be required to provide recall or warranty remedies similar to those extended for the N20/N26 engines. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641634February 10, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 435I. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine stalled. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the VANOS bolts had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640844February 5, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 435I. The contact stated that while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced and the computer needed to be reprogrammed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V189000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 96,911.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11629560December 9, 2024
ENGINE
Water pump causing no start and high battery drain.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11614039September 11, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I own a 2015 BMW 435i from Checkered Flag (Jaguar) in about 2017. The car is currently experiencing a fuel pump failure of exactly the type that is described here: [XXX] . Your VIN lookup does not show my car is covered by the recall, even though my car is exactly the make and model described in the recall notice. Moreover, the defect my car is experiencing is exactly the defect described in the recall notice. It makes little sense that some cars of this make and model would have a fuel pump problem but not others; it is far more likely the fuel pumps are common to all cares of this make and model and somehow my VIN was left off the recall list. I’d like to ask you to look further into it, as it appears to be quite a coincidence that my fuel pump failed in the manner described in the recall notice. My servicing dealership is Checkered Flag BMW in Virginia Beach VA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11514071March 27, 2023
AIR BAGS
Airbag sensors are defective. Vehicle states that restraint system is faulty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11503962January 27, 2023
STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 435I. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the chassis stabilization warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the electric power steering (EPS) to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with TSB: SIB321216, however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11474406July 17, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A strong odor of gasoline was noted and it dripped from the tank when the car was driven. Mechanic reported the tank had a leaking seam which he would patch with plastic, so the car can be used while waiting for a replacement tank.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11418919May 28, 2021
ENGINE
water entered the air intake at front of vehicle and caused engine damage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11376681November 27, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SOS DRIVE MALFUNCTION. TSB RELEASED, SEE NHTSA COMPLAINT/ MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION DATED 01JAN202, NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10171504 MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: B840416 DEALER REFUSES TO REPLACE DUE TO OUT OF WARRANTY AND WILL NOT ACCEPT 3RD PARTY WARRANTY. BMW USA, WILL NOT ASSIST EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND DEFECT.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11376398November 25, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
BACK UP CAMERA CUTS OFF WHEN IN REVERSE ALL THE TIME
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11363098October 6, 2020
ENGINE
ACCELERATED CAR AFTER STOP SIGN. HEARD A LOUD POP AND LOSS OF POWER. LOOKED UNDER HOOD AND FOUND THE CHARGE PIPE PLASTIC BUSTED AND OFF THE THROTTLE BODY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11350319August 19, 2020
POWER TRAIN
WHILE DRIVING AT MODERATE ACCELERATION I HEARD A POP AND FELT A LARGE DECREASE IN POWER. LOOKED UNDER HOOD AND SAW AN OBVIOUS PIPE BROKEN OFF. TOOK IT TO BEVERLY HILLS BMW.ADVISED IT WAS THE 'LEFT CHARGE PIPE' AND TO FIND OUT ITS THE VERY FEW THINGS NOT COVERED IN CA EMISSIONS 7 YEAR/70K WARRANTY. SEAMS FAIRLY COMMON. ESTIMATE $1,313.14!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11311609February 26, 2020
ENGINE
MY VEHICLE HAS 64,000 MILES AND I WAS EXITING THE DRIVEWAY AND ACCELERATING UP TO 45MPH WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN I ENCOUNTERED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WITH SOUNDED LIKE A BANG IN THE ENGINE. MY CAR IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN TO UNDER 30MPH AND STARTED SHAKING. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY 2 MINUTES FROM MY HOUSE. I BELIEVE THIS PART SHOULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE LOOKING AT ALL THE COMPLAINTS WITH OTHER OWNERS THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM THIS IS A PLASTIC PIECE THAT UNDER WHERE IN TEAR AND PRESSURE WHICH IS DESIGNED FOR IT IS FAILING. SOME OF THE STORIES I'VE HEARD ARE PRETTY SCARY ALSO LIKE PEOPLE BEING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THIS HAPPENING.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11311529February 25, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DOORS LOCKS HAVE A DOUBLE PULL FEATURE WHERE THE FIRST PULL WILL UNLOCK THE DOOR AND THE SECOND PULL WILL ALLOW THE DOOR TO OPEN. THE FIRST PULL WILL OCCASIONALLY FAIL TO UNLOCK THE DOOR LOCK MECHANISM. THE FAILURE PERMANENTLY PREVENTS THE DOOR FROM OPENING UNLESS THE OPERATOR PRESSES THE DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON, LOCATED ON THE CENTER DASH, MULTIPLE TIMES.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11306631February 3, 2020
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY 2014 BMW 435XI STALLS ON WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING. THE SAME ISSUE WAS REPORTED ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V189000 FOR MY VEHICLE MODEL AND YEAR. WHEN I INPUT MY VIN FOR THE RECALL, THE FUEL PUMP ISSUE ISN'T SHOWN. FOR THIS REASON, BWM WILL NOT PAY TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. MY GIRLFRIEND HAD THE SAME ISSUE ON HER 2013 BMW 328I AND BMW REPLACED HER FUEL PUMP AND THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED. I BELIEVE THE CLEAN POINT ESTABLISHED BY BMW FOR THIS FUEL PUMP ISSUE WASN'T CORRECT OR BAD PARTS WERE STILL IN VEHICLES OUTSIDE OF THE CLEAN POINT. MY CAR HAS STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING AT LEAST FOUR TIMES. IT'S NOT SAFE BECAUSE THE TRAFFIC AROUND ME HAS TO AVOID MY CAR UNTIL I REACH THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO STOP. I USUALLY JUST TURN THE CAR OFF AND WAIT A COUPLE OF MINUTES, RESTART AND THE CAR DRIVES NORMAL. I THINK IT HAS SOMETHING TO DUE WITH THE FUEL LEVEL. THE CAR ONLY STALLS WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IS AT OR BELOW 1/4 TANK. CURRENTLY, I KEEP MY CAR ABOVE HALF A TANK TO AVOID THE STALLING ISSUE. MY FEAR IS THE ISSUE WILL HAPPEN REGARDLESS OF THE FUEL LEVEL. I'M SENDING THIS LETTER BECAUSE LAST WEEK I WAS RUNNING LATE AND DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO FILL UP THE TANK AND MY CAR STALLED AT 1/4 TANK ON THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS ALMOST IN A ACCIDENT. PLEASE HELP!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11302967January 30, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INTERMITTENTLY UNABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WHEN PULLING THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE WHEN THE DOOR IS LOCKED, DUE TO THE BOWDEN CABLE BECOMING TWISTED YOU ARE UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR WITHOUT USING THE CENTER UNLOCK BUTTON. IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE OR THE BATTERY BEING DEAD YOU'D HAVE TO USE THE PASSENGER DOOR. THERE WAS A TSA FROM BMW ON THIS ISSUE FOR A LIMITED SET OF VEHICLE, SEE BELOW, THAT I FEEL NEED TO BE EXPANDED TO A RECALL REGARDING THE POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE IT APPEARS TO EFFECT MORE VEHICLES THEN ARE LISTED IN THE TSB. TSB 51 26 15, DATED SEP 1, 2015 DESCRIBES THE PROBLEM WHEN THE BOWDEN CABLE MALFUNCTIONS IN COLD WEATHER. REROUTING OF THE CABLE IS RECOMMENDED. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS THIS IN MORE DETAIL, [XXX]. THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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