repaired · 2019 Q3
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
2012 BMW 550iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 36 owner complaints about the 2012 BMW 550i, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-746 the manufacturer reports only 52% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 26, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 BMW 550i has problems
36 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
14Engine1 crash/fire/injury
11Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
8Tires
4Wheels
4Power train
4Electrical system
2Steering
2Fuel system, gasoline
1Vehicle speed control
44 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 14 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 11 | 1 |
| Tires | 8 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2012 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 · 2018 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak.
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
2012 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
NHTSA crash tests
2012 BMW 550i safety ratings
2012 BMW 550 I 4 DR RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What 550i owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I was driving when the vehicle engine randomly shut down with out warning I was on the freeway at the time and could have been hit by a car. I took thr car to an auto repair shop, had the problem inspected snddiagnosed and was told the engine was faulty. I had the engine replaced and the same issue…
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 550i. The contact stated after parking and exiting the vehicle, he noticed coolant leaking on the front driver’s side and saw white smoke exiting near the water pump. The contact stated the low coolant fluid and the drivetrain malfunction warning lights were illuminated.…
My car died in an intersection unexpectedly as if my battery had died. My infant was in the backseat. This was suck a busy intersection that police dept had to park behind me to keep me from being hit. The car could not be put in neutral to move it out of the way. After over an hour we were able to…
Own a 2012 550i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.