BMW 550i years to avoid
The BMW 550i years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2008, 2007, 2015, 2014, 2016, 2017 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2009 is the cleanest year on record.
386
Total complaints
11
Recall campaigns
2006–2017
Years covered
8
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
550i years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | High complaint rate | 144 | |
| 2012 | High complaint rate | 53 | |
| 2008 | High complaint rate | 49 | |
| 2007 | High complaint rate | 48 | |
| 2015 | Open safety investigation | 9 | |
| 2014 | Open safety investigation | 6 | |
| 2016 | Open safety investigation | 2 | |
| 2017 | Open safety investigation | 0 |
Every 550i year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017avoid | 0 | 0 | |
| 2016avoid | 2 | 2 | |
| 2015avoid | 9 | 0 | |
| 2014avoid | 6 | 2 | |
| 2013 | 26 | 1 | |
| 2012avoid | 53 | 2 | |
| 2011avoid | 144 | 3 | |
| 2010 | 17 | 1 | |
| 2009 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2008avoid | 49 | 2 | |
| 2007avoid | 48 | 2 | |
| 2006 | 30 | 3 |
Common questions
What are the worst BMW 550i years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the 550i years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2008, 2007, 2015, 2014, 2016, 2017. The cleanest year on record is 2009.
What is the best year for the BMW 550i?
By complaint volume, 2009 has the cleanest NHTSA record among 550i years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the BMW 550i have?
Across all model years, the 550i has 11 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 386 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.