NHTSA Data Explorer

BMW 550i

Data refreshed May 30, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the BMW 550i.

Complaints

678

Active records

Recalls

32

Active records

TSBs

763

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

0

Injuries

17

Crashes

23

Fires

35

Top reported issues — BMW 550i

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

212

Operating state

173

Reporting mechanism

166

Safety restraint issue

151

Performance issue

110

Engine behavior

108

Thermal issue

74

Fluid issue

61

Noise

40

Vibration/harshness

40

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

35

Braking behavior

29

Electrical issue

28

Ride/handling behavior

23

Lighting behavior

21

Steering behavior

21

Access/entry issue

20

Starting behavior

18

Smell

15

Safety restraint behavior

14

Infotainment behavior

12

Driver assistance issue

11

Recent change

11

Powering on/off behavior

10

HVAC behavior

3

Wiper/washer behavior

2

Communication/network issue

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2014 BMW 550I

Filed Mar 6, 2026


My engine keeps burning oil. Have to refill every 2 months. Needs repair or replaced engine. Purchased vehicle in 2023. Class action N63TU1

2011 BMW 550I

Filed Jan 31, 2026


1. TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied, noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. 2. CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary. I am reporting safety issues that were never addressed…

2008 BMW 5 SERIES

Filed Nov 5, 2025


My vehicle had a faulty PCV valve that was under Stop Drive, order. I received no correspondence from the NHTSA nor from BMW of North America in regards to this. My BMW X-5 had significant issues that are directly associated with this issue. After contacting BMW of North America directly because I could not reach anyone at my nearest BMW Service Department, it was escalated twice to attempt to arrange for my vehicle that I unknowingly continued to drive. My vehicle has sat undriven since May…

2011 BMW 550I

Filed Oct 25, 2025


Fire

My 2011 BMW 550i experienced an unexpected fire in my driveway while my wife and I were sleeping. The fire nearly caused our house to catch fire and also resulted in damage to my BMW Z4. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with someone regarding this matter. For your reference, the last seven digits of my VIN are [XXX] . You can reach me at [XXX] or via email at [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2015 BMW 550I

Filed Sep 23, 2025


Fuel pump failure causing engine to spontaneously shut down on road or freeway at any speed. This puts the safety of occupants in my car and the cars around me in danger as I need to put my hazards and safely move the car to the side of the road. No warning prior to failure. Warning and check engine light came on after problem occurred.

2008 BMW 550I

Filed Sep 13, 2025


Vehicle abruptly shut off while reversing out of my driveway. Vehicle restarted after a long crank and appeared to enter a reduced power mode/limp mode with a transmission fault that locked the transmission in 4th gear. Reading OBD2 codes revealed a code for the crankshaft position sensor. Inspection of the 3 terminal sensor revealed 2 of the terminal contacts on the sensor to be shorted out with melted plastic on both the sensor and the wiring connector plug. Shorted wire could be a result…

2013 BMW 550I

Filed Apr 17, 2025


The contact owned a 2013 BMW 550I. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast into the driveway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure; however, several unknown warning lights illuminated when the vehicle failed to restart. The contact's husband checked the vehicle and became aware of smoke…

2011 BMW 550I

Filed Jan 17, 2025


The contact owns a 2011 BMW 550I. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who declined to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

2014 BMW 550I

Filed Aug 30, 2024


This is for a 2014 BMW 550i. Getting a red warning light indicating the passenger airbag is malfunctioning. The driver side had a recall but not the passenger. This is very dangerous and should be addressed. The dealership wants over $2,700 to fix it. Doesn't feel right. Reading on the message boards and sounds to be a common problem with these cars. Could use your help.

2014 BMW 550I

Filed Jun 13, 2024


Passenger restraint system malfunction

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated May 30, 2026. Refreshed nightly.