Menu

2013 BMW 550xiProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2013 BMW 550xi, 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.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Lowest repair rate 69%Owner complaints70 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage91kEngine, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 1, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2013 BMW 550xi 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
Engine20
Fuel/propulsion system20
Electrical system10
Latches/locks/linkages10
Structure10

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

1 recall

2013 BMW 550xi 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.

69%repaired · 2018 Q4

Exterior lighting

Recall 15V-188 · Mar 31, 2015 · 13,443 vehicles · 9,300 repaired

Risk. The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, 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

2013 vs. every other 550xi 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 550xi median. How we score

'13'14'16
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 550xi owners report

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

I WAS DRIVING MY BMW 550 XI ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH WHEN I HAD WHAT WAS TERMED BY THE BMW SERVICE TECHNICIAN AS A "CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE". AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT I SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER TO THE DRIVE TRAIN. I IMMEDIATELY HAD TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AS ON A…
Complaint 11144760 · Nov 1, 2018 · 67,500 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 550XI. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE EMITTED SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE BMW OF ROANOKE DEALER (2824 FRANKLIN RD SW, ROANOKE, VA 24014, [PHONE]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE STEM…
Complaint 11113868 · Jul 26, 2018 · 115,000 miles

Own a 2013 550xi?

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