repaired · 2018 Q4
Exterior lighting
Risk. The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
2013 BMW 550iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 2013 BMW 550i, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 15V-188 the manufacturer reports only 69% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 17, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 BMW 550i has problems
15 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Engine
4Fuel/propulsion system
3Power train
2Seats1 crash/fire/injury
1Tires
1Electrical system
1Wheels
1Exterior lighting
1Fuel system, gasoline
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 1 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 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.
1 recall
2013 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.
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
2013 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
2013 BMW 550i safety ratings
2013 BMW 550 I 4 DR RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- 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.
The contact owned a 2013 BMW 550I. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast into the driveway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. No warning…
AFTER HAVING MY BMW AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR TWO WEEKS I HAD THE LOW BATTERY DISCHARGING MESSAGE COME ON WHEN I TOOK THE CAR HOME. THE DEALER ALSO PERFORMED AN OIL CHANGE LESS THAN 1K MILES PRIOR TO THIS PROBLEM. MY BATTERY DIED, LUCKILY AT EXACTLY THE TIME, I DROVE ONTO MY DRIVEWAY. THE CAR JUST…
AFTER HAVING MADE SEVERAL REPLACEMENTS TO PARTS (E.G. ALL THREE FUEL PUMPS) TO THIS VEHICLE OVER THREE, THE VEHICLE NOW REQUIRES A NEW ENGINE DUE TO THE FAILURE OF A ROD RING. THE ROOT CAUSE FOR THIS FAILURE REMAINS UNIDENTIFIED, HOWEVER BMW IS REFUSING TO IDENTIFY AND/OR ACCEPT ACCOUNTABILITY TO…
Own a 2013 550i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.