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Campaign 15V188 Posted March 31, 2015 13,443 units

2013-2014 BMW 5 Series Recall 15V188: Rear Reflectors

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 1, 2026

Recall 15V188 covers 13,443 2013-2014 BMW 5 Series and M5 vehicles with weak rear reflex reflectors. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.

BMW is recalling 13,443 2013-2014 525D Xdrive, Activehybrid 5, and M5 vehicles because the rear reflex reflectors do not reflect enough light and fail FMVSS 108. That reduced reflection makes the vehicle less visible to other drivers and raises crash risk; BMW dealers will replace the reflectors free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The rear reflex reflectors on the 2013-2014 BMW models in this recall are passive safety parts mounted at the back of the vehicle. They do not make their own light. Their job is to bounce another vehicle's headlights back toward the driver, so the rear of the BMW is easier to see when parked or moving in low light.

On affected vehicles, a supplier production process issue left the reflectors below the required minimum reflectance value. In plain terms, the part is present, but it does not send back enough light when headlights hit it from the tested angle. That is why the recall sits under exterior lighting, even though no bulb or wiring is involved.

There is no warning sign before failure. The reflector does not alert the driver, and you will not feel a change from the driver's seat. The issue is found through reflector testing, not through a dashboard warning light or a change in how the BMW drives.

Who's affected?

Spans 9 BMW models across the 2013-2014 model years, all tied to exterior lighting.

2014 BMW 525D Xdrive Exterior lighting
2013 BMW Activehybrid 5 Exterior lighting
2014 BMW 535I Exterior lighting
2013 BMW 535XI Exterior lighting
2014 BMW 535XI Exterior lighting
Units affected13,443
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.

What's the safety risk?

This recall concerns the rear reflex reflectors. Reduced rear visibility makes the BMW harder for other drivers to see and increases crash risk. Schedule the reflector replacement soon, and use extra care in low light or traffic until the repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 BMW 525D Xdrive, Activehybrid 5, 535I, 535XI, 528I, 528XI, 550XI, M5, or 550I is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free rear reflex reflector replacement that restores rear visibility.
  3. Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V188 when you call.
  4. Keep the rear lights and reflectors clean, and drive with extra care at dusk, at night, and in poor visibility until the repair is complete.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the rear reflex reflectors covered by recall 15V188. The new reflectors restore the required rear visibility function, and parts and labor are covered under the recall. BMW has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you already paid for a related rear reflector repair before the recall notice, ask BMW customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documented repair expenses.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

March 31, 2015 NHTSA published the recall
May 31, 2017 Dealer notification began
May 31, 2017 Dealer notification ended
July 24, 2017 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
July 27, 2017 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 15V188?

Recall 15V188 covers 13,443 2013-2014 BMW 525D Xdrive, Activehybrid 5, 535I, 535XI, 528I, 528XI, 550XI, M5, and 550I vehicles with rear reflex reflectors that do not reflect enough light. BMW dealers replace the rear reflectors for free.

What should I do if my 2013-2014 BMW 525D Xdrive, Activehybrid 5, 535I, 535XI, 528I, 528XI, 550XI, M5, or 550I is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V188. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule rear reflex reflector replacement. Reference recall 15V188 when you call. The dealer repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. BMW's recall remedy states that dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors free of charge. The repair is handled through a franchised BMW dealer, and BMW customer service is listed at 1-800-525-7417 for recall questions.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is reduced rear visibility to other vehicles. If the rear reflex reflectors do not reflect enough light, other drivers have less visual notice of the vehicle, increasing crash risk. BMW fixes the defect by replacing the rear reflex reflectors for free.

What if I bought this BMW used?

The free repair still applies to an included VIN. Used owners often miss the original owner letter, and the notice for this recall began July 28, 2017. Check your VIN, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 15V188.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V188000
BMW customer service1-800-525-7417
NHTSA recall #15V188
NHTSA recall # (full)15V188000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →