BMW 550i years to avoid (and the best years)

145 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 recalls across 4 model years, 2010 to 2013. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.

145complaints
5recalls
2reported crashes
12reported fires
1reported injuries

Which BMW 550i years should you avoid?

No BMW 550i model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical BMW 550i year has 25 complaints on file. The busiest year is the 2011 (84).

What are the best BMW 550i years?

The BMW 550i years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2010 (11), 2013 (15) and 2012 (35). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.

NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.

Every model year

Year	Complaints	vs typical year	Recalls	Crashes	Injuries	Our read	Most reported
2013	15	0.6×	1	0	1	Few red flags	Engine
2012	35	1.4×	2	0	0	Few red flags	Fuel system
2011	84	3.4×	3	1	0	Some concerns to check	Engine
2010	11	0.4×	1	1	0	Few red flags	Engine

Most reported problem areas

Share of the 96 complaints sorted by system, all years together.

Engine & powertrain52 (54%)
Steering, suspension & tires18 (19%)
Electrical & infotainment8 (8%)
Structure & body6 (6%)
Airbags & seat belts5 (5%)

Recalls (5)

Engine · 18V248000 · Apr 2018 · model years 2011, 2012
If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 16V832000 · Nov 2016 · model year 2011
Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints may increase the risk of injury.
Fuel system · 16V746000 · Oct 2016 · model years 2011, 2012
The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 15V188000 · Mar 2015 · model year 2013
The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 13V407000 · Sep 2013 · model year 2010
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.