repaired · 2018 Q4
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
2006 BMW 550iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 23 owner complaints about the 2006 BMW 550i, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-428 the manufacturer reports only 30% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 31, 2023. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2006 BMW 550i has problems
23 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
13Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
3Electrical system
2Wheels
2Engine
2Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
2Steering
1Tires
1Engine and engine cooling
1Suspension
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 13 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 1 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2006 BMW 550i 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.
repaired · 2015 Q3
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE AND THE POWER STEERING COULD FAIL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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
2006 vs. every other 550i 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 median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2006 BMW 550i, and the recalls they led to.
- BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATIONLed to recall 08V-384
In owners' words
What 550i owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 550I. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS…
FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT WARMING ON I-DRIVE AND AIR BAD LIGHT LIT ON DASH. PASSENGER RESTRAINT FAILURE. FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIR BAG,BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER.FASTEN AND CONTINUE TO WEAR BELTS. ON 24-7. FROM THE MOMENT YOU START THE CAR TILL THE MOMENT YOU…
Own a 2006 550i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.