MYRModel Year Report

2011 BMW 550I

○ Not enough data
2011 BMW 550I
RENDERED 2026-10-31T18:20:10.309Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
84
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2011

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine

38% of complaints

Complaints per year

2006: 23 complaints 2006 2007: 37 complaints 2008: 32 complaints 2008 2009: 2 complaints 2010: 11 complaints 2011: 84 complaints 2011 84 2012: 36 complaints 2013: 15 complaints 2014: 6 complaints 2014 2015: 6 complaints 2016: 1 complaint 2016 2017: 0 complaints
2006: 23 complaints 2006 2007: 37 complaints 2007 2008: 32 complaints 2008 2009: 2 complaints 2009 2010: 11 complaints 2010 2011: 84 complaints 2011 84 2012: 36 complaints 2012 2013: 15 complaints 2013 2014: 6 complaints 2014 2015: 6 complaints 2015 2016: 1 complaint 2016 2017: 0 complaints 2017
2006: 23 complaints 2006 2007: 37 complaints 2007 2008: 32 complaints 2008 2009: 2 complaints 2009 2010: 11 complaints 2010 2011: 84 complaints 2011 84 2012: 36 complaints 2012 2013: 15 complaints 2013 2014: 6 complaints 2014 2015: 6 complaints 2015 2016: 1 complaint 2016 2017: 0 complaints 2017

2011: 84 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200623
200737
200832
20092
201011
201184
201236
201315
20146
20156
20161
20170

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

38% · 32 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-10-25

Also filed under Electrical system

Electrical system

24% · 20 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-07

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-13

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and electronic stability control (esc)

Fuel/propulsion system

17% · 14 reports
FIRE

Power train

17% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing driveline.

Tires

14% · 12 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2016-12-16Air bags16V832000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2017-02-08Fuel system, gasoline16V746000 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...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2018-06-15Engine and engine cooling18V248000 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...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 BMW 550I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 32 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 14 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 16V832000 · Air bags
  • Recall 16V746000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 18V248000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2011 BMW 550I reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 550I?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 550I have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.