Bmw 550i Reliability
386 NHTSA complaints (2006–2016). Complaint rate: 1663.8 per 1,000 vehicles.
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: Avoid the 2011–2012 Bmw 550i. The 2014–2016 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: ENGINE.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Bmw 550i Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 72 | 1.4% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 43 | 0.0% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 37 | 2.7% |
| AIR BAGS | 32 | 15.6% |
| TIRES | 30 | 0.0% |
| POWER TRAIN | 28 | 3.6% |
| WHEELS | 20 | 0.0% |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 18 | 0.0% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 17 | 0.0% |
| STEERING | 14 | 7.1% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | — | 30 | 3 | — | View 2006View→ |
| 2007AVOID | — | 48 | 3 | 2 | View 2007View→ |
| 2008AVOID | — | 49 | 2 | 6 | View 2008View→ |
| 2009GOOD | — | 2 | 0 | — | View 2009View→ |
| 2010 | — | 17 | 3 | — | View 2010View→ |
| 2011AVOID | — | 144 | 3 | 21 | View 2011View→ |
| 2012AVOID | — | 53 | 0 | 2 | View 2012View→ |
| 2013 | — | 26 | 0 | — | View 2013View→ |
| 2014GOOD | — | 6 | 0 | — | View 2014View→ |
| 2015GOOD | — | 9 | 0 | — | View 2015View→ |
| 2016GOOD | — | 2 | 0 | — | View 2016View→ |
See also: Bmw 550iaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
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