62 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.
Most common 2011 BMW 550i problems
28 of the 84 complaints (33%) are about the engine.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Engine
26
0
3
0
Tires
10
0
0
0
Electrical System
9
0
5
0
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system
6
0
1
0
Wheels
5
0
0
0
Power Train · transmission
5
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
3
0
0
0
Service Brakes · brakes
3
0
0
0
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control
3
0
1
0
Visibility/Wiper · wipers
2
0
0
0
3 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger18V248000
Filed Apr 18, 201847,806 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Risk. If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-inactive16V832000
Filed Nov 17, 201691 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit. These SCUs have an acceleration sensor that may have been incorrectly programmed and, as a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed Oct 17, 2016136,188 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 31, 2026KY
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 by BMW North America, and for which I received no notification. Although I purchased my vehicle used, I registered it with BMW USA. The vehicle is out of warranty, but it is affected by the conditions described in SIB 34 05 17 and SIB 31 01 12. BMW USA is refusing to correct these defects, despite their clear safety implications. I was never informed of these issues by BMW USA.
EngineFire
Filed Oct 25, 2025TX
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)
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 17, 202570,000 milesMD
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.
Power Train
Filed Apr 17, 2024MD
Vehicle displays Transmission Malfunction & DSC and xDrive malfunction, this vehicle is available upon request for inspection. Currently been to two dealerships and all I got from the first dealership is to replace transmission at 59k mile. I purchased a used transmission same problem exist in the replacement transmission. As I was driving on highway, the transmission began displaying message above and caused the vehicle suddenly slow down without warning lights causing me to avoid an accident by pulling over to avoid being rear ended. The problem has been reproduced by dealer: tech and service advisors manager( authorized to drive) and he charge me for a tow even after I mention to him I have AAA if he needs it. Service manager stated that it may need the mechatronics unit which $4k for part but they’re unsure because they didn’t take it apart but it’s a known issue. They mention that it’s a known problem for the TCM (mechatronic valve throttle body control module to go bad). Manufacturer has not inspected vehicle. So currently it’s at BMW of Owings Mills get a second opinion.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 7, 2024OK
Vehicle was parked while running errands, returned to leave and it would not start. Went to trunk to check battery connection and found that the positive battery cable had burnt in two where it connects to cable that runs to the engine compartment. Carpet cover and sound deadening coating had burnt and cable fell through trunk floor on top of gas tank. Car was towed and insurance refused to replace what caused fire, only what burnt from source ie. carpet cover and floor but not wiring. BMW dealer reports they don’t know what caused cable to overheat.
Engine
Filed Sep 5, 202377,500 milesNJ
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 550I. The contact stated that after having an oil change performed, he noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a stem valve cover failure. The contact was informed that the valve cover needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,500.
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 2, 2023CA
I purchased this car from a used dealer ship, drove it for less than a month. Then it started misfiring. I paid the car off in cash so I decided to change all of the coils and spark plugs so I did that outta my own pocket also. They put an insert inside of my 2nd spark plug so I need up getting it out and it wasn’t even a spark plug to my car. I was driving and it locked up the engine on me. I have a free engine replacement on this car right ? Any recalls that can fix this problem for me
Power Train
Filed Aug 4, 2022DE
I started my car to drive to an appointment and noticed that the car was jerking/bucking as I pulled out of my driveway onto the main road. I was unable to accelerate appropriately for oncoming traffic behind me because the car was jerking violently and it was a bit scary since this had not happened before. This continued for several days, primarily when I would attempt to drive the car in the morning. On one occasion the drive train malfunction light illuminated as I was making my way to an appointment at the Veterans Administration and I had to gingerly turn the car around and head back home. Someone could have ran into me because the car didn't have much power. What followed next was the inability to get my car to move when it was placed in reverse. I took the car to the dealership and was told that the car's transmission needs to be replaced ($11,000) because the car is trying to drive in reverse and first gear at the same time. What?!! In over 20 years of servicing BMW's, they have never seen a situation like this. I don't believe I should bear the cost for this when I bought a pretty expensive car in good faith, which has only 80,000 miles.
Power Train
Filed Feb 27, 2022NV
DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION COMES ON DASH, DUE TO TIMING CHAIN BEING OUT OF "TIME" MEANING THAT THE CRANSHAFT AND CHAIN HAS MOVE OUT OF PLACE, THIS REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT 10K, OTHER VEHICLES OF THE THIS TYPE ARE ALSO INCLUDED, THE RECALL FROM BMW IS CALL THE "N63 CUSTOMER SERVICE PACKET", N63 IS THE KIND OF ENGINE THAT THIS CAR AND OTHER IN SIMILAR SERIES AND YEARS ARE KNOWN AND INNEVIDATABLE TO PREVENT SINCE ITS A MANUFACTURER MISTAKE. I PERSONALLY LOST OUT ON A LOT OF MONEY DUE TO THE PROBLEM THAT LANDED IN MY HANDS.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 6, 2021NC
Light assembly has became compromised with moisture , casued a total light failure ! repair cost is $4000.00
Power Train
Filed Mar 4, 2021CA
BMW SAID THEY REPLACED THE STEM SEAL OR VALVE SEAL AROUND 50K MILES I GOT THE CAR AROUND 69K MILE AND AFTER IT HIT 90K MILE I STARTED TO SEE SOME SMOKE I REALLY DIDNT PAY ATTENTION UNTIL ONE DAY I WAS COIMING OUT OF MY HOUSE THEN THAT'S WHEN I SEEN THE BLUISH SMOKE I CALLED BMW AND SAID IF THE SHOP THAT DID THE WORK REALLY REPLACED THE SEAL CAUSE IF THEY DID AND FOR IT TO SMOKE AGAIN THE CAR HAS NOW 143K MILES AND I CAN'T SMOG IT CAUSE OF THE SMOKE IT WON'T PASS SMOG CHECK HERE IN CALIFORNIA
Electrical System
Filed Feb 19, 202199,000 milesNJ
DOOR OPENING DEFECT. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD LOCK AND NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE POSING A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AS ONE CANNOT GET OUT OF VEHICLE IN EMERGENCY. THIS IS NOTED WHEN VEHICLE IS IN STATIONARY OR PARKED POSITION.
Engine
Filed Jan 5, 202158,000 milesFL
THE CAR JUST DON'T GO THE SPEED IS SUPPOSED TO I CAN'T GO IN HIGHWAY BECAUSE THE CAR DON'T GO THAT FAST AND THAT IS NOT SAFE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY I SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT BUT THE PROBLEM ALWAYS COME BACK
Air Bags
Filed Sep 25, 2020102,000 milesFL
COMES UP DAYS DRIVER RESTRAINT MALFUNTION
Engine
Filed Sep 18, 2020CA
I AM HAVING OIL COME FROM MY OIL PAN WHICH I LATER FOUND OUT THAT IT COULD POSSIBLY BE COMING FROM MY OIL PAN GASKET WHICH SOME PEOPLE HAVE TOLD ME THERE WERE RECALLS ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM
Engine
Filed Aug 25, 202075,000 milesTX
THIS CAR HAVE BEEN N GREAT MAINTENANCE ALWAYS, AND SUDDENLY STARTED TO THROW WHITE SMOKE AS CRAZY... (75K MILES ONLY) I DID MY SEARCH AND TURNS OUT THAT IS A BIG PROBLEM THAT MANY BMW V8 ENGINE THAT THEY HAVE .... BIG HEADACHE TO SEE THIS KIND OF LUXURY CAR SMOKING LIKE THAT
Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2020140,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE SERVICED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR SIMILAR VEHICLES HOWEVER, THE VIN SHOWED NO OPEN RECALLS. FIELDS BMW LAKELAND (4285 LAKELAND PARK DR, LAKELAND, FL 33809) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE NHTSA.GOV WEBSITE. THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V248000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
EngineFire
Filed May 21, 2020130,000 milesMO
I OWN MY BMW 550I GRAN TURISMO SEDAN 2011 F10(N63). THERE IS A RECALL ON MY EXACT MODEL. NHTSA NUMBER: 18V248000/ ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. I AM HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUES THAT THE RECALL SHOWS. I HAVE PROOF OF DOCUMENTS SHOWING MY WATER PUMP FAILING, GETTING SERVICE WATER PUMP AND ALTERNATOR REPAIR. AUGUST 24, 2019 SHOWS SMALL EVAPORATIONS LEAK, CYLINDER MISFIRES AND HAS BAD HEAD GASKET. WATER PUMP FAILURE CAUSED MY ENGINE TO OVER HEAT AND BAD HEAD GASKETS.I ALSO HAD SIMILAR PROBLEM AS OTHER CUSTOMERS WITH THE TURBO COOLANT HOSES, MY HOSES CRACKED LIKE GLASS, EJECTING COOLANT ALL OVER THE ENGINE AND ALTERNATOR, WHICH CAUSED SMOKE REALLY BAD ALMOST LEADING TO AN CAR CRASH BECAUSE I COULDN'T SEE ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN I PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE ALTERNATOR WAS BURNING UP. I HAVE CONTACTED MANUFACTURER BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST AND I HAVE THE SAME EXACT ENGINE THAT IS RECALLED(N63/F10) I AM NEEDING MY CAR ADDED TO THE RECALL LIST, THIS MISTAKE NEARLY COST ME AND MY FAMILY LIFE. APRIL 12TH, THE CAR WAS IN MOTION, IN KANSAS CITY,MO ON THE HIGHWAY 435, BIG CLOUDS OF WHITE SMOKE, ENGINE LOSS POWER, CAUSING A CAR TO ALMOST CRASH INTO THE REAR OF THE CAR. *TR
Engine
Filed Apr 29, 2020120,000 milesMO
I OWN MY BMW 550I GRAN TURISMO SEDAN 2011 F10(N63). THERE IS A RECALL ON MY EXACT MODEL. NHTSA NUMBER: 18V248000/ ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. I AM HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUES THAT THE RECALL SHOWS. I HAVE PROOF OF DOCUMENTS SHOWING MY WATER PUMP FAILING, GETTING SERVICE WATER PUMP AND ALTERNATOR REPAIR. AUGUST 24, 2019 SHOWS SMALL EVAPORATIONS LEAK, CYLINDER MISFIRES AND HAS BAD HEAD GASKET. WATER PUMP FAILURE CAUSED MY ENGINE TO OVER HEAT AND BAD HEAD GASKETS.I ALSO HAD SIMILAR PROBLEM AS OTHER CUSTOMERS WITH THE TURBO COOLANT HOSES, MY HOSES CRACKED LIKE GLASS, EJECTING COOLANT ALL OVER THE ENGINE AND ALTERNATOR, WHICH CAUSED SMOKE REALLY BAD ALMOST LEADING TO AN CAR CRASH BECAUSE I COULDN'T SEE ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN I PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE ALTERNATOR WAS BURNING UP. I HAVE CONTACTED MANUFACTURER BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST AND I HAVE THE SAME EXACT ENGINE THAT IS RECALLED(N63/F10) I AM NEEDING MY CAR ADDED TO THE RECALL LIST, THIS MISTAKE NEARLY COST ME AND MY FAMILY LIFE. APRIL 12TH, THE CAR WAS IN MOTION, IN KANSAS CITY,MO ON THE HIGHWAY 435, BIG CLOUDS OF WHITE SMOKE, ENGINE LOSS POWER, CAUSING A CAR TO ALMOST CRASH INTO THE REAR OF THE CAR. I AM NOW LOCATED IN KANSAS CITY, MO. I CAN BE CONTACTED BY EMAIL: [XXX] OR CELL: [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jan 30, 2020GA
BOTH OF MY LOCK ACTUATORS DRIVER AND PASSENGER FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. ALSO THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WHEN BMW!
Engine
Filed Dec 18, 201955,000 milesNY
ENGINE INFORMATION CENTER SAYS TO ADD OIL, IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES, NUMEROUS TIMES. CAR SHUT DOWN ON ROAD AND WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. DEALER SAYS THE ENGINE HAS SEIZED. SINCE THE VEHICLE IS JUST OVER THE WARRANTY BY MILES, PAX 500 MILES, I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CAR ONLY HAS JUST OVER 50K MILES. IT WAS PURCHASED WITH 40K MILES ON IT BUT WAS PURCHASED FROM A DEALER NOT BMW. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE?
Electrical System
Filed Sep 21, 2019125,000 milesCA
THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MANY TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN 2014. FIRST, IT WAS UNKNOWN ISSUES THAT RESULTED IN THE INJECTORS, SPARK PLUGS, AND BATTERY BEING REPLACED. THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND IT WENT BACK TO THEM SEVERAL MORE TIMES BEFORE THEY EVENTUALLY BROUGHT AN ENGINEER IN THAT DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A STRETCHED TIMING CHAIN. THIS RESULTED IN A NEW TIMING CHAIN AND ALL PARTS ASSOCIATED AT 60,000 MILES. SINCE THEN WE HAVE HAD RECALL WORK A COUPLE OF TIMES. WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE TURBO COOLANT LINES REPLACED AND WE HAD TO HAVE A NEW WATER PUMP PUT IN AT 80,000 MILES BECAUSE OURS APPARENTLY FELL APART. THE CAR NEEDS A QUART OF OIL EVERY 500-700 MILES (THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE THE BEGINNING BUT IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE) AND THE NEWEST PROBLEM IS THAT IT THREW A DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION ERROR DRIVING UP A HILL. THIS ERROR IS RELATED TO A COMPLETE LACK OF COMPRESSION IN CYLINDER 3. THE CAR HAS 125,000 MILES. THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN BOUGHT BACK AS A LEMON BUT BMW ALWAYS HAS SOME EXCUSE.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 10, 2019110,000 milesCA
ON JULY 19, 2019, I DROVE MY CAR 2.5 MILES FROM MY OFFICE AND PARKED THE CAR AT MY RESIDENCE. THE CAR WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT AND NEXT DAY THE CAR FAILED TO START. WHEN THE HOOD WAS OPEN THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE OVERNIGHT WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED, LUCKY THE FIRE WAS SELF CONTAINED AND DID NOT SPREAD TO NEARBY HOMES. I CONTACTED MR. MIKE DISCEPOLO WITH BMW NORTH AMERICA AND AFTER 30 DAYS OF INVESTIGATION HE TOLD ME THAT THE FIRE WAS BECAUSE I FAILED TO MAINTAIN MY CAR, I SEARCHED THE NET AND HIS ANSWER WAS CONSISTENT WITH ANSWERS TO OTHER BMW CARS THAT START FIRE WHILE PARKED. ABC NIGHTLINE AND OTHER TV STATIONS INVESTIGATED PARKED BMW CARS FIRE AND BMW DENY THE PROBLEM. SEE ATTACHED HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=US56C7YQAYY HTTPS://WWW.10NEWS.COM/NEWS/TEAM-10/SAN-DIEGO-BMW-OWNERS-SAY-THEIR-USED-BMWS-SUDDENLY-CAUGHT-FIRE HTTPS://ABC7CHICAGO.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/BMW-CAR-FIRES-MORE-FIRES-REPORTED-IN-PARKED-CARS-WHILE-ENGINES-OFF/5121834/
Seat Belts
Filed Aug 1, 2019GA
SINCE JAN 2014 THE FUEL INJECTORS FAILED AND REPLACED 2 TIMES AND THE VEH IS CURRENTLY AT THE POSITION OF CRTIZ BMW DEALERSHIP IN GA SINCE FEB 12/2015 TO REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS FOR THE 3RD TIME AND ALSO TO REPAIR THE SEAT BELT MALF ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE THAT WERE FAILED TO WORK SINCE FEB OF 2014. ON FEB OF 2014 I HAVE REACHED OUT TO CRITZ BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE TO [XXX] AND ALSO CONTACTED BMW IN JUNE OF 2014 TO CUST CARE INDIVIDUALS AND [XXX], [XXX]THE CUSTOMER RELATION MGR MANY TIMES FROM OVER 6 MONTHS ABOUT THE SEAT BELT MALF SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THEN TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED BUT I WAS TOLD THAT BMW COULDN'T DUPLICATE OR REPAIR THE SEAT BELT. 3 PASSENGERS INCLUDING MY WIFE WERE AT RISK AND SAW THE LIGHT FOR SEAT BELT MALF WARNING LIGHT TURNED ON IN THIS VEH WHILE SETTING ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND I ALSO HAVE PHOTOS DATED SINCE FEB 2014. THE WARNING INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG WON'T DEPLOY IN CASE OF ANY ACCIDENT AND I HAD TO STOP THE VEH WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY FOR THE PASSENGER'S SAFETY AND I ALSO CONTACTED BMW EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND I WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTIONS. [XXX] AT CRITZ BMW MENTIONED THAT THE SERVICE DEPT AND BMW ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE WITH THE SEAT BELT AND THAT THEY ARE IN CONTACT TO REPLACE THE SEAT MAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE SENSOR. I WAS OFFERED BY BMW TO TRADE THIS VEHICLE AND I TOLD [XXX] THAT I WILL NOT TRADE THIS VEHICLE UNTIL ITS FIXED SINCE
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 17, 2019109,000 milesIL
DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILS CAUSING DEADLOCK. THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER/S ARE LOCKED IN THE VEHICLE WITH OUT AN EXPEDITIOUS PATH OF EXIT.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 13, 2019TN
IT'S A USED CAR AND I'M TRYING TO SEE WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 11, 201986,000 milesTX
I RECEIVED A CARD IN THE MAIL FROM BMW OF NORTH AMERICA INFORMING ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP OF MY 2011 BMW 550I. WHEN WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP IN AMARILLO TEXAS, AUTOPLEX BMW, WE WERE TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER [XXX] THAT WE ARE WELCOME TO BUY NEW CARS FROM THEM BUT THEY WILL NO LONGER HONER WARRANTY OR RECALL WORK FOR ANYONE WITH THE LAST NAME [XXX] OR WHO IS RELATED TO OR AFFILIATED WITH [XXX] IS THERE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN GIVE WITH THIS MATTER? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT *TR
Engine
Filed Feb 25, 201976,000 milesPR
THE ENGINE STOP WORKING FOR NO APPARENT REASON, OIL OK MAINTENANCE OK, DEALER SAID ENGINE WAS NO GOOD AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. NO EXPLANATION GIVEN!!
Electrical System
Filed Jan 27, 201942,000 milesVA
DURING DRIVING ON THE STREET, I STARTED TO SMELL LIKE TOXIC BURNING LIKE RUBBER AND/OR ANTIFREEZE BURNING AND WHEN I STOP AT HOME I COULD SEE LITTLE STEAM COMING FROM THE HOOD AREA AND ALSO OIL LEAK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE-TRANSMISSION REGION. I STOPPED DRIVING THE CAR NOW.
Engine
Filed Nov 19, 201890,000 milesTX
THIS VEHICLE WHEN BEING USED HAS EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF OIL AND OIL LEAKS. THIS PROBLEM CAUSE THE ENGINE, ENGINE TURBOS, VALVE STEMS AND SEALS AND OIL PAN SEALS TO GO BAD PRIOR TO NORMAL VEHICLE ENGINE/PART LIFE. THERE IS CURRENTLY A SETTLED CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT REPLACES THE ENGINE AT A PERCENTAGE BASED ON MILES ON CAR AT TIME OF BAD ENGINE TEST. BUT I BELIEVE THIS IS ALSO A POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE TREAT MORE LIKE A RECALL NOT A SUIT. YOU CAN VIEW MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS SUIT AT HTTPS://BANGCLASSSETTLEMENT.COM
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 24, 201855,000 milesIL
THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS. THE LATEST ONE WAS CAMPAIGN NO. 18V-248. BMW HAS YET TO DO ANYTHING FOR MY VEHICLE, EVEN AFTER IT BURNT ITSELF TO THE GROUND AND A PORTION OF MY HOME. THEY DID NOT ADD ANY EXPLANATION OR ATTEMPT TO INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION. IT IS STILL UNDEFINED HOW THIS VEHICLE LIT ITSELF ON FIRE AS IT WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF SITTING IN MY GARAGE, AFTER JUST BEING DRIVEN 5-10 MINUTES BEFORE THE FIRE STARTED.
Engine
Filed Oct 22, 201883,900 milesTX
ENGINE OVERHEATING,BURNING A LOT OF OIL,ALSO HAVING ISSUES WITH THE SPARK PLUG AND COILS,HAVING MISFIRES FOR THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HEAT EXPANDING GASKETS ALLOWING OIL TO REACH SPARK PLUGS LOOSING POWERTRAIN WHILE DRIVING CAUSING CAR TO SLOW DOWN,THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME IN THE LAST 2 YEARS THAT WE HAVE THIS ISSUE,ALSO HAVING ISSUES WITH WATER COMING INTO THE RIGHT SIDE BACK SEAT UNABLE TO PINPOINT THE PLACE WHERE WATER IS COMING IN FROM.
Structure › BodyFire
Filed Aug 22, 2018137,000 milesOR
VEHICLE STATIONARY FOR OVER 3 HOURS, PARKED IN A PARKING LOT (WORK LOCATION) AND BURST INTO FLAMES UNDER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. 8-22-18; 12:30 PM. BEAVERTON, OREGON FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND PUT FIRE OUT. SEE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Engine
Filed Jul 30, 201880,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL AND DRIVE TRAIN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY AUTO WORLD BMW (3822 SYCAMORE DAIRY RD, FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28303, 910-864-0000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW IGNITION COIL, INLET HOSE, AND RETURN HOSE WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL THE CONTACT BACK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jul 16, 201899,247 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE "ADD COOLANT" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADDED COOLANT, BUT THE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AGAIN APPROXIMATELY 30 DAYS LATER. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED VIA PHONE AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,247.
Engine
Filed Jun 12, 2018MD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V248000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (BMW OF ANNAPOLIS, 31 OLD MILL BOTTOM RD, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21409, (410) 349-9312) WAS UNABLE TO VERIFY WHEN THE REMEDY AND PARTS WOULD BE SUPPLIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine
Filed Apr 10, 201860,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER (GLOBAL IMPORTS BMW, 500 INTERSTATE N PKWY, ATLANTA, GA 30339, (800) 294-1853) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Apr 9, 2018120,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, A FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS SMOKE IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CRITZ BMW SAVANNAH (7009 ABERCORN ST, SAVANNAH, GA 31406) WHERE IT WAS AGAIN DIAGNOSED WITH A FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 17, 201798,000 milesCA
REGARDING: N63 FUEL PUMP FAILURE ON 2011 BMW 550I GT VIN # [XXX] DEAR NHTSA RECENTLY I HAD A SERIOUS ISSUE RELATING TO THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM ON MY 2011 BMW 550I GT. I WAS ACCELERATING ON A BUSY FREEWAY RAMP WITH MY TWO YOUNG SONS ABOARD, AND MY CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THIS PUT US IN A PRECARIOUS SITUATION WHEN AT THE MOMENT I NEEDED BRISK ACCELERATION, MY CAR WAS UNABLE TO ACHIEVE EVEN 40MPH. IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO GET THIS ISSUE SERVICED AT BMW OF SAN FRANCISCO SINCE THIS IS MY DAILY DRIVER. WHEN ALL WAS SAID AND DONE THE BILL CAME TO A LITTLE OVER $2100 WHICH INCLUDED ABOUT $450 IN DIAGNOSTICS. NOW THAT THE DUST HAS HAD A CHANCE TO SETTLE, I'D LIKE SOME RECOMPENSE ON THE FOLLOWING ISSUES. 'THE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE IS SAFETY RELATED AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE SAME WARRANTY AS THE LOW-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WHICH CARRIES AN EXTENDED 10-YEAR WARRANTY ON THESE CARS AND, WHICH ALSO HAS A TENDENCY TO FAIL AT INOPPORTUNE MOMENTS 'IN CLOSING, THIS CAR WAS ALWAYS SERVICED AT THE DEALER, AND WENT THROUGH THE CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. I FEEL THAT BMW SHOULD ALSO COVER THESE FUEL PUMPS AS PART OF THIS PROGRAM AND I'M ASKING FOR YOU TO REFUND THE COST OF THIS SERVICE. 'PLEASE REGISTER MY COMPLAINT, IF ENOUGH PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE AND REGISTER EACH INCIDENT, BMW HAS A CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM AND I WOULD BE ABLE TO GET MY $2086.25 BACK FOR THIS SAFETY RELATED REPAIR. [XXX], MONTARA ,CA INFORMATION RE
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fire
Filed Nov 13, 201785,000 milesMN
OUR CAR'S ELECTRICAL PANEL LIT UP BEFORE THE CAR STALLED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME, BMW REPLACE THE BATTERY. THE SECOND TIME, BMW REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. 12 DAYS AFTER BEING SERVICED BY BMW, OUR HOUSE BURNED DOWN DUE TO A FIRE ORIGINATING ON THE FRONT LEFT SIDE OF THE BMW. THAT AFTERNOON, MY HUSBAND HAD COME HOME FROM WORK, PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE, AND TURNED IT OFF. THE FIRE STARTED WITHIN 30MINUTES OF BEING SHUT OFF AND PARKED. WE RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL INFORMING US OUR BMW WAS UNDER RECALL FOR A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL PUMP INJECTOR.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 9, 2017FL
IN-TANK FUEL PUMP, IS CREATING A GAS ODOR INSIDE THE CAR.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 9, 2017FL
TAKATA RECALL
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 23, 2017VA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
EngineFire
Filed May 11, 201750,000 milesTX
THE 2011 BMW 550I HAD JUST RECENTLY BEEN PARKED AND TURNED OFF. AFTER NO MORE THAN 10 MINUTES AFTER IT WAS PARKED, IT BURST INTO FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THEN VERY QUICKLY SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CAR. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN AN ATTACHED GARAGE THUS NOT ONLY COMPLETELY BURNING THE CAR TO THE GROUND BUT ALSO PARTIALLY BURNING THE HOME DOWN AS WELL. RESULTING IN OVER $250,000 IN DAMAGE. THIS VEHICLE HAD ONE OF THE N63 ENGINES IN IT WHICH BMW HAD THREE VOLUNTEER RECALLS TO "CORRECT" THE FUEL INJECTOR ISSUE. 5 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FIRE, A CERTIFIED BMW DEALERSHIP EXECUTED THE THIRD ATTEMPT AT THIS RECALL. THIS BMW WAS ALSO UNDER A FULL COVERAGE MAINTENANCE WARRANTY, THUS IT HAD ONLY BEEN TO CERTIFIED BMW SERVICE CENTERS. DURING THE LAST RECALL UNDER CAMPAIGN 0013480200 SIB 11 16 14 IN CONJUNCTION WITH SIB 11 06 14 AND 61 30 14, THE OIL LIFE MILEAGE WAS REDUCED FROM 15,000 MILES TO 10,000 MILES WITH THE BMW SERVICE CENTER EXPLAINING THAT WAS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN BMW NA REQUESTED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLES MORE FREQUENTLY. WHEN I ASKED THE BMW REPRESENTATIVE ABOUT THIS SPECIFICALLY AT THE FIRE INVESTIGATION HE SAID IT WAS DUE TO "EPA REQUIREMENTS". HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE KNOWN ENGINE ISSUES THAT BMW HAS BEEN ATTEMPTING TO ADDRESS SINCE 2013.
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 21, 201753,000 milesTX
MY 2011 BMW 550I HAS THRICE HAD THIS WEIRD RESPONSE IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. AFTER DRIVING FOR 30M-1H SUDDENLY GOT MULTIPLE DIFFERENT WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE I LOST CONTROL OF STEERING (STIFF LIKE A DEAD BODY) AND BRAKES FOLLOWING WHICH THE CAR STALLED. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO SAID THIS WAS A BAD BATTERY WHICH DID NOT MAKE SENSE BUT THE CAR WAS RUNNING THEREAFTER SO I TOOK IT HOME. THE SECOND TIME THE DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED - I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR A FEW MINUTES LATER AND TOOK THE RISK OF DRIVING HOME. THE DEALERSHIP SAID SINCE THE CAR WAS RUNNING THEY COULD NOT RUN ANY DIAGNOSIS. THEREAFTER THE CAR RAN FINE FOR 3 WEEKS AND THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME I COULD RESTART IT BUT THE CAR WOULD ONLY MOVE A FEW FEET BEFORE STALLING. AFTER TOWING IT TO THE DEALER THEY TELL ME THAT THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR BOTH ARE BAD. I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT BUT THERE SHOULD NEVER BE A TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL ON STEERING AND BRAKES. THAT TO ME IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND BMW NEEDS TO FIX IT BUT THE DEALERSHIP DOES NOT SEEM TO KNOW WHAT TO DO. THEY JUST WANT TO FIX THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR AND CALL IT "PROBLEM RESOLVED" WITHOUT DIGGING FURTHER. I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY RECALLS EITHER. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT COULD GET ME KILLED.
Engine
Filed Feb 2, 2017WA
CAR PERFORMANCE GREATLY DECREASED, THEN FAILED TURBO, FUEL SMELL, AND DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING INTERMITTENTENTLY ON AND OFF, EITHER IN PARK OR IN MOTION. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. BMW NORTHWEST IS CURRENTLY DENYING ANY RECALLS ARE IN PLACE AND.
Engine
Filed Nov 15, 201686,212 milesLA
BMW N63 CUSTOMER CARE PACKAGE: A RECALL B001314 THAT BMW REFUSES TO CALL A RECALL. IM HAVING PROBLUM WITH THE CAR BURNING OIL EVERY 200 MILES HAD FUEL INJECTORS REPLACE TWICE. CAR STILLS RUNS BAD. MY CAR ONLY HAS 84K ON IT AND I HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLUMS OUT OF IT OIL CHANCE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON TIME.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum
Filed Sep 29, 2016101,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE DRIVE TRAIN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE LOST MOMENTUM. ALSO, THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH BOTH FEET. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VACUUM PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Engine
Filed Sep 7, 201673,000 milesDC
DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION CAR LOST POWER (NO ACCELERATION) ON THE HIGHWAY SHOCK VIOLENTLY, HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN LESS THEN A YEAR CAR DOES HAVE 70K MILES BUT THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN.
Engine
Filed May 31, 201640,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED EVERY TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSIS WAS NOT PROVIDED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE FAILURE STILL RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
Complaints 1-50 of 84, newest first, reproduced as filed.
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 18, 2018. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.