VehicleVerdict

2013 BMW 550i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 2013 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.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

26

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other 550i years?

550i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 550i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 BMW 550i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine831%
Fuel System519%
Transmission312%
Other28%
Seats28%
Tires & Wheels28%
Electrical System14%
Suspension14%
Lighting14%
Brakes14%

Does the 2013 BMW 550i have recalls?

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

15V188000LightingMarch 31, 2015 · 13,443 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ENGINE CONTINUES TO BURN THROUGH OIL APPROXIMATELY EVERY 1,500 MILES, WHICH COULD LEAVE THE VEHICLE STRANDED AND INOPERABLE. IT'S UNACCEPTABLE IN A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 23, 2013

“The contact owns a 2013 BMW 550i. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the warning message illuminated on the instrument panel stating, “Driving moderately and drive pit not available”. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the high-speed fuel pump on the passenger’s side was replaced…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 17, 2022

“GUIBO FLEXIBLE DISC FAILED DURING ROUTINE PA INSPECTION. TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS CRACKED AND FAILED THE INSPECTION. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 62000 MILES ON IT AND THE CV JOINT FAILED. I BELIEVE THEIR WAS A RECALL FOR 2011 AND 2012 MODELS FOR THE SAME ISSUE.I WAS CHARGED MORE THAN 1000 DOLLARS FOR THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 8, 2021

“I HAVE GOODYEAR 245/40R19 RUN FLATS ON MY VEHICLE. A HUGE BUBBLE CAME UP AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO IMPACT AND NOT COVERED ON MY WARRANTY. I KNOW, THERE HAS BEEN NO IMPACT. SINCE THEN ANOTHER BUBBLE ON ANOTHER TIRE HAS MANIFESTED. IT IS A COST OF OVER $1000 TO REPLACE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 5, 2013

“I STARTED THE CAR AND TURNED ON THE HEATED SEATS AND WENT INSIDE. I CAME BACK OUT A FEW MINUTES LATER AND SAT DOWN. I SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC AND COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT UNTIL MY BACKSIDE WAS BURNED BY THE HEATING ELEMENT. I HAD SECOND DEGREE BURNS FROM THE SEAT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · February 20, 2018

2013 BMW 550i — common questions

Is the 2013 BMW 550i reliable?

The record is thin — 26 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 2013 550i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), fuel system (5 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 2013 BMW 550i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 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.

How safe is the 2013 BMW 550i?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 BMW 550i earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.