VehicleVerdict

2018 BMW M550i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 41 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 27.3 times the median M550i year — the 2018 model ranks #1 of 6 M550i years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (27% of the total).

41

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other M550i years?

M550i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted41 complaints2018: 41 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 3 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 1 complaints2023: 2 complaints
M550i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M550i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 BMW M550i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1127%
Driver Assistance615%
Seat Belts615%
Electrical System410%
Tires & Wheels37%
Seats37%
Other25%
Body & Structure25%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Latches & Locks12%
Steering12%
Engine12%

Does the 2018 BMW M550i have recalls?

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

19V684000Driver AssistanceSeptember 27, 2019 · 257,473 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence

The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“My old 5 series 2017 had this same problem, now my 2018 m550i has the airbag problem. A warning light for no reason pops up saying “passenger restraint system malfunction” and turns off the passengers airbag, BMW will not fix it out of warranty and charges 3,000$. Many people are driving around…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 26, 2023

“On vacation road trip driving for about 3 hours. Instrument cluster completely shuts off and goes to black. Screen, vehit speed and rpm and all adas systems stop working. Sometimes turning the car off and on will address the issue other times it will constantly restart the instrument cluster when…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 26, 2022

“I’m getting a passenger restraint system malfunction message on my infotainment. Says: “Passenger restraint system limited. Increased risk of injury in case of a collision. Continue wearing safety belt.” This is the second time this has occurred on this specific vehicle. First time was in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 14, 2025

“On vacation road trip driving for about 3 hours. Instrument cluster completely shuts off and goes to black. Screen, vehit speed and rpm and all adas systems stop working. Sometimes turning the car off and on will address the issue other times it will constantly restart the instrument cluster when…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 26, 2022

“VEHICLE WAS DRIVING AT MODERATE SPEED AND HIT A SMALL POT HOLE CREATING A 3 INCH CUT WHERE TIRE AND RIM LIP MEETS. DAMAGE TO TIRE WAS NOT NOTICEABLE UNTIL ONE DAY LATER WHEN TIRE WAS DEFLATED. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED POTENTIAL DANGER TO DRIVER,PASSANGER AND TO OTHER ONCOMING VEHICLES.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 31, 2019

2018 BMW M550i — common questions

Is the 2018 BMW M550i reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 41 complaints put the 2018 model at #1 of 6 M550i years. It is one of the M550i years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 M550i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (11 complaints), driver assistance (6 complaints), seat belts (6 complaints).

Does the 2018 BMW M550i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 BMW M550i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW M550i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the M550i years to avoid are 2018. The cleanest record among M550i years belongs to 2019.

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.