VehicleVerdict

2010 BMW 550i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 2010 BMW 550i — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

17

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other 550i years?

550i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted144 complaints2006: 30 complaints2007: 48 complaints2008: 49 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 17 complaints2011: 144 complaints2012: 53 complaints2013: 26 complaints2014: 6 complaints2015: 9 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 0 complaints
550i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 550i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 BMW 550i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine424%
Transmission318%
Electrical System318%
Fuel System212%
Other212%
Tires & Wheels212%
Brakes16%

Does the 2010 BMW 550i have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V407000LightingSeptember 11, 2013 · 134,100 units

Defect

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).

Consequence

Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I have been having issues , not sure what the problem is but the car doesn’t seem like it’s getting proper gas , & it shakes when I drive . I had to park it in the garage after having it towed home due to an unknown issue . ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 19, 2023 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 550I. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. BEFORE THE FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PANEL AND ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 10, 2016

“I have been having issues , not sure what the problem is but the car doesn’t seem like it’s getting proper gas , & it shakes when I drive . I had to park it in the garage after having it towed home due to an unknown issue . ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 19, 2023 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 550GT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ALERTED LOW TIRE PRESSURE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND THEN RESUMED OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE CENTER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 24, 2012

“LETTER FROM SENATOR GILLIBRAND ON BEHALF OF MADELINE SINGAS, WHO IS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF NASSAU COUNTY, SEEKING ASSISTANCE WITH A DOUBLE HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION FOLLOWING A FATAL CAR ACCIDENT IN HER COUNTY; *LD *JS *JS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 14, 2018

2010 BMW 550i — common questions

Is the 2010 BMW 550i reliable?

The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2010 550i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 2010 BMW 550i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2010 BMW 550i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 550i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 550i years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2008, 2007, 2015, 2014, 2016, 2017. The cleanest record among 550i years belongs to 2009.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.