2015 BMW 435i

Routine

Owners filed 16 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine3
000
Unknown or Other2
000
Structure › Body2
000
Fuel/Propulsion System2
000
Electrical System2
000
Air Bags2
102
Tires1
000
Suspension1
000
Service Brakes1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Side/Window24V288000
Filed Apr 24, 20245,761 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.

Risk. An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump15V189000
Filed Mar 31, 201518,054 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi Gran Turismo, and 2015 428i Gran Coupe, 428xi Gran Coupe, and 435i Gran Coupe vehicles. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

Risk. If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on May 28, 2015. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air Bags15V148000
Filed Mar 13, 20152,067 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 428i Convertible, 428i xDrive Convertible, 435i Convertible, and 435i xDrive Convertible vehicles manufactured October 22, 2014, to February 27, 2015. Due to a programming error, the driver's front air bag deployment timing may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk. If the driver's front air bag deployment timing is incorrect, there is an increased risk of personal injury in the event of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the air bag control module with corrected software version, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 28, 2026CT

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.

Engine
Filed Sep 4, 2025MA

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

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 11, 2024VA

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)

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 25, 202056,700 milesGA

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.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 30, 202043,000 milesGA

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

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 2, 2019AZ

DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE WHEN PULLING THE HANDLE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER VEHICLE IS ON OR OFF.

Suspension
Filed Dec 20, 201841,000 milesNY

THE FRONT STRUT MOVES DOWN THE SPINDLE HITTING THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT NO LOOSE BOLT FOUND DEFECTIVE DESIGN THE BOLT SECURE IT TO THE SPINDLE TOO SMALL AND NO NOTCH ON THE STRUT OR BRACKET ON STRUT TO SECURE THEM FROM COMING APART VERY DANGEROUS LOOSE VEHICLE CONTROL I'M A CERTIFIED ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 28, 201820 milesSC

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, AND THE ENGINE IS NOT OPERATING, THE "DOUBLE-PULL" OPERATION TO UNLOCK THE DOOR MALFUNCTIONS INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING OR NOTICE. THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH MANY VEHICLES ACROSS MULTIPLE PRODUCT OFFERINGS (BOTH SERIES AND YEAR) WITHIN THE BRAND.

Tires
Filed Nov 2, 201818,600 milesPA

MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 19,000 MILES AND BOTH FRONT TIRES HAVE GOLF BALL SIZE BLOW OUTS IN THE SIDE WALLS ON THE FRONT TIRES. ALMOST IN THE SAME SPOT ON THE TIRES. THE REAR TIRE ARE FINE

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 31, 201864,000 milesAZ

IMPROPER PLATING ON FUEL PUMP MAY RESULT IN STALL - WHICH IT HAPPENED TO ME ON THE HIGHWAY. CALLED BMW AND THEY SAID NO RECALL ON MY CAR, BUT WHEN YOU LOOK UP A 2015 435I, IT SHOWS IT HAS THAT RECALL. BMW WANTED TO CHARGE ME FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, WHEN I FEEL THEY SHOULD TAKE IT AS A RECALL. MY FIRST PROBLEM WITH BMW, AND THEY DON'T SEEM TO CARE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 27, 2018VA

THIS CAR WENT IN FRONT OF ME AND WOULD BREAK FAST TRYING TO MAKE ME CRASH INTO HIM, HE HAD LOTS OF KIDS IN THE CAR AND I DON'T KNOW WHY HE IS PUTTING THEM INTO THAT KIND OF RISK, I AM WORRIED ABOUT THEM BECAUSE I DO NOT THINK THE PERSON DRIVING IS IN HIS RIGHT MIND, MAYBE HE WAS INTOXICATED. PLEASE CHECK UP ON THIS FAMILY AND FILE A REPORT ON THIS MAN. THANK YOU

Electrical System
Filed Jun 25, 201824,260 milesLA

HVAC BLOWER/FAN MOTOR, WHILE WORKING FOR A WHILE AFTER STARTUP, STOPS WORKING AFTER ABOUT 45 MINUTES OF DRIVING.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Dec 2, 2015400 milesSC

I WAS TRAVELING WEST ON SC 153 ,UNIT 2 WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON I85 EXIT RAMP.DRIVER UNIT 2 FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY PROCEEDINGS ACROSS SC 153,CAUSING HIS F-250 2002 .CAUSING THE FRONT OF HIS VEHICLE TO STRIKE THE LEFT SIDE OF ME. RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A GAS STATION. MY SIDE AIRBAGS CAME BUT MY FRONT AIRBAGS DIDN'T COME . MY SIDE MIRROR FLEW IN AND HIT MY SON IN THE HEAD. IF MY AIRBAG WOULD HAVE CAME SON WOULDN'T GOT HIT

Engine
Filed Sep 17, 20152,000 milesCA

THE ENGINE VEHICLE POWER DIED DOWN WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD , THIS OCCURS 4 TO 5 TIMES WITHIN 20 MINUTES TIME DURATION, I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON FOR 4 SEPARATE TIMES WITHIN 20 MINUTES DURATION ,AND ALMOST GOT HIT BY THE CARS FROM BEHIND THE VEHICLE. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO, THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR WAS NOT WORKING ,FOR OVER 5 MINUTES I WAS TRYING TO ADJUST THE MIRROR THROUGH THE CONTROLS BUT MIRROR WAS NOT RESPONDING AND UNABLE TO DO SO, WHILE I WAS MERGING THE FREEWAY, I CANNOT SEE THE TRUCK BEHIND ME WHILE MERGING THE BUSY FREEWAY, AND ALMOST GOT HIT BY THE TRUCK. ROSEVILLE BMW WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE ANY PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE AND THEY WANT ME TO TAKE BACK THE CAR TO DRIVE. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR AGAIN, I'M REQUESTING A NEW SAFE WORKING CAR , ROSEVILLE, CA BMW REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANOTHER VEHICLE AS REPLACEMENT FOR THIS DEFECTIVE CAR.AND NOW, THIS PROBLEM IS BEING REPORTED TO BMW OF NORTH AMERICA CORPORATE OFFICE, HOPEFULLY, BMW NORTH AMERICA CORPORATE OFFICE IS TAKING CARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEIR CUSTOMER NEEDS FOR SAFETY ON THE ROADS.

Engine
Filed Jun 30, 20152,700 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW 435X (NA). WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD HYDRO LOCK FROM WATER ENTERING THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,700.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 9, 20157,900 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW 435I. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,900.

16 of 16 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201610000Routine
2015 — this page16300Routine
201423400Routine

Compare every 435i year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 24, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.