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2011 BMW 550i Gran TurismoProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2011 BMW 550i Gran Turismo, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-248 the manufacturer reports only 66% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Lowest repair rate 66%Owner complaints71 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage105kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 23, 2019. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2011 BMW 550i Gran Turismo has problems

7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system31
Engine21
Power train20
Steering10
Structure11
Air bags10
Wheels10
Engine and engine cooling10
Fuel/propulsion system10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2011 BMW 550i Gran Turismo recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

66%repaired · 2019 Q3

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 18V-248 · Apr 18, 2018 · 47,806 vehicles · 31,460 repaired

Risk. If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

86%repaired · 2018 Q3

Driveline: constant velocity joint

Recall 17V-067 · Feb 2, 2017 · 8,752 vehicles · 7,546 repaired

Risk. If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

2011 vs. every other 550i Gran Turismo year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 550i Gran Turismo median. How we score

'10'11'12
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 550i Gran Turismo owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I FEEL THAT IS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON MY CAR. FROM THE START WAS TOLD THE CAR CHECKED OUT HOWEVER HAD TO GET ANOTHER STARTER, TRANSMISSION CASE, BLOCKS ETC. I SPENT OVER 14K AND STILL HAVE PROBLEM WITH REPAIRS THAT I THOUGHT WAS COVERED. NOW AC BLOWER GONE AFTER PICKING UP FROM THE DEALER…
Complaint 11234104 · Jul 23, 2019 · 109,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I GRAN TURISMO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V248000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). BMW OF SOUTH ATLANTA (4171 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291, [PHONE])…
Complaint 11110930 · Jul 12, 2018
THE CAR WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE DEPARTMENT. IT WAS AND IS A COMPLETE LOSS. IT HAD BEEN DRIVINE 30 MILES ABOUT AN HOUR BEFORE.
Complaint 10981687 · May 1, 2017 · 100,000 miles

Own a 2011 550i Gran Turismo?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.