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BMW · NHTSA safety record

2011 BMW 550I

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 84 safety complaints about the 2011 BMW 550I with the US government. Of those, 1 describes a crash, 11 mention a fire and no death is recorded. 3 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 32 complaints, 38% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 54,000 miles, the median across the 62 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers April 2012 to January 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

84 complaints on file

84

Complaints

1

Describe a crash

11

Mention fire

0

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 32 · 38%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20 · 24%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 14 · 17%
POWER TRAIN 14 · 17%
TIRES 12 · 14%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 8 · 10%
WHEELS 6 · 7%
AIR BAGS 5 · 6%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 4 · 5%
SEAT BELTS 4 · 5%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 3 · 4%
SERVICE BRAKES 3 · 4%
0 15 31

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 84.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2013 at 10.

12 9 6 3
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2012 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2011 BMW 550I, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test 4 DR RWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 9.3%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

3 on file

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

18V248000 · April 18, 2018

The 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.
The risk
If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 47,806 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

16V832000 · November 17, 2016

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 91 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

16V746000 · October 17, 2016

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

BMW of North America, LLC · up to 136,188 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fire · 43,200 miles

MY 2011 BMW 550IGT DRIVEN FOR 43200 MILES WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH IGNITION TURNED OFF (FOR AT LEAST 45 MINUTES). NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE TRUNK, WHERE THE BATTERY IS LOCATED. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10566247. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fire · 67,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT BACK INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING THAT CONNECTED TO THE FUSE BOX AND BATTERY WAS NOT PROPERLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAUSED THE FUSE BOX AND BATTERY TO MELT. THE CARPET IN THE TRUNK WAS SCORCHED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE MIRRORED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V126000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

NHTSA complaint 10808373. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire · 50,000 miles

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

NHTSA complaint 10984964, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

fire · 85,000 miles

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.

NHTSA complaint 11045596. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
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

NHTSA complaint 11714732, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

70,000 miles

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.

NHTSA complaint 11636463. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
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

NHTSA complaint 11583551, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fire

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.

NHTSA complaint 11564024. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

77,500 miles

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.

NHTSA complaint 11542593. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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

NHTSA complaint 11515017. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the BMW 550I

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2013 15 1 —
2012 35 2 —
2010 11 1 —

Other 2011 BMW models

328I 577 X5 263 528I 117 535I 112 X3 112 335I 98 5 Series 81 328XI 67

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every BMW on this site — 257 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst