RoadVitals

2012 BMW 550I Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
35
Latest Sep 2, 2023
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 BMW 550I, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine1325.0%
  • Powertrain (other)47.7%
  • Electrical47.7%
  • Other / unspecified47.7%
  • Steering23.8%
  • Exterior lighting11.9%
  • Driver assistance11.9%
  • Brakes11.9%
  • Suspension11.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 occurred. There were no warning lamps, messages, or alerts prior to the problem occurring. The drivetrain malfunction light came on as soon as the engine cut off.

NHTSA ID 11542232 · filed Sep 2, 2023

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. The contact stated the smoke disappeared on its own. The contact stated that he continued driving the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the water pump to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V248000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID 11442082 · filed Nov 30, 2021
All 13 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 occurred. There were no warning lamps, messages, or alerts prior to the problem occurring. The drivetrain malfunction light came on as soon as the engine cut off.

NHTSA ID 11542232 · filed Sep 2, 2023

2012 F10 had issues while running as car installed and stopped completely multiple times in traffic. Fuel supply sign came on. Diagnosed as low pressure fuel pump degraded and need replacement. Same recall took place for 2007-2011 5 series model as well via recall campaign No. 16v-746: In-Tank Fuel Pump. 2012 have same issue and very dangerous to drive on road when vehicle stalls and stops while driving in traffic

NHTSA ID 11421987 · filed Jun 23, 2021
All 13 reports naming fuel system

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE NOW DRIVEN MY 2012 BMW 550I X DRIVE FOR APPROXIMATELY 22,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO REPLACE 5 RUN FLAT TIRES IN THE PAST 11 MONTHS. TWO GOODYEAR EXCELLENCE ROF AND 3 DUNLOP SP SPORT MAX GT. THREE TIRES DEVELOPED BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALL AND I CANNOT THINK OF A PREVIOUS IMPACT THAT STOOD OUT IN MY MIND. TWO TIRES RAPIDLY DEFLATED AFTER COMING IN CONTACT WITH POT HOLES. THE COMBINATION OF THE TIGHT SUSPENSION ALONG WITH THE LOW PROFILE OF THE RUN FLAT TIRES MAKES THIS COMBINATION VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10597826 · filed Jun 12, 2014

REPEATED SIDEWALL BUBBLES WITH 2012 BMW 550XI GOODYEAR LS II 245/40/19 RUNFLAT TIRES. 6 TIRES NEEDING TO BE REPLACED WITHIN 33,000 MILES DUE TO SIDEWALL BUBBLES. SIGNIFICANT ISSUE ALSO APPEARS ON SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE (WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM) AS WELL AS INDIVIDUALS THAT I HAVE DIRECTLY SPOKEN WITH WHO HAVE SAME CAR AND TIRE CONFIGURATION. ALTHOUGH I AM FILING A SINGLE COMPLAINT, THIS IS A DESCRIPTION OF WHAT HAPPENED TO 6 SEPARATE TIRES THAT WERE ON MY AUTOMOBILE. ALL 4 TIRE LOCATIONS WERE AFFECTED. OF NOTE, REPORTED TO BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS BUT THEY WOULD NOT PERMIT ME TO SPEAK WITH OR PROVIDE CONTACT INFORMATION TO THEIR PRODUCT SAFETY DEPARTMENT IN ORDER TO FILE A PRODUCT SAFETY COMPLAINT. THEREFORE, I AM FILING A COMPLAINT WITH YOUR AGENCY. THE INCIDENTS OCCURRED OVER 2013-2014 BETWEEN APPROXIMATELY MILE 15K AND 33K. ONE INCIDENT OCCURRED WITH A TIRE THAT WAS ONLY 3 WEEKS OLD (IT HAD JUST BEEN REPLACED). INCIDENTS WERE NOT ALWAYS ASSOCIATED WITH WINTER WEATHER OR POTHOLES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10577249 · filed Apr 3, 2014
All 8 reports naming tires & wheels

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 restart the car and excessive battery discharge message displayed. This is on top of me taking it to the dealership for excessive oil consumption and BMW was aware my motor would eventually give out.

NHTSA ID 11440813 · filed Nov 17, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 550I GRAN TURISMO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE JERKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CLASSIC BMW LOCATED AT 6800 DALLAS PKWY, PLANO, TX 75024, (214) 778-2600, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND THE SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.

NHTSA ID 11325994 · filed May 26, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 restart the car and excessive battery discharge message displayed. This is on top of me taking it to the dealership for excessive oil consumption and BMW was aware my motor would eventually give out.

NHTSA ID 11440813 · filed Nov 17, 2021

VEHICLE STOPS SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ID 11361395 · filed Sep 27, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BMW TEARS UP TIRES CAUSING THEM TO SHREAD WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD. AFTER TWO ALIGNMENTS IN A YEAR. NO FRONT END DAMAGE PER BMW.

NHTSA ID 11255453 · filed Sep 13, 2019

I HAVE NOW DRIVEN MY 2012 BMW 550I X DRIVE FOR APPROXIMATELY 22,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO REPLACE 5 RUN FLAT TIRES IN THE PAST 11 MONTHS. TWO GOODYEAR EXCELLENCE ROF AND 3 DUNLOP SP SPORT MAX GT. THREE TIRES DEVELOPED BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALL AND I CANNOT THINK OF A PREVIOUS IMPACT THAT STOOD OUT IN MY MIND. TWO TIRES RAPIDLY DEFLATED AFTER COMING IN CONTACT WITH POT HOLES. THE COMBINATION OF THE TIGHT SUSPENSION ALONG WITH THE LOW PROFILE OF THE RUN FLAT TIRES MAKES THIS COMBINATION VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10597826 · filed Jun 12, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON VARIOUS OCCASION, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE DURING THE STEERING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

NHTSA ID 11322413 · filed Apr 27, 2020

BMW TEARS UP TIRES CAUSING THEM TO SHREAD WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD. AFTER TWO ALIGNMENTS IN A YEAR. NO FRONT END DAMAGE PER BMW.

NHTSA ID 11255453 · filed Sep 13, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE STOPS SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ID 11361395 · filed Sep 27, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 occurred. There were no warning lamps, messages, or alerts prior to the problem occurring. The drivetrain malfunction light came on as soon as the engine cut off.

NHTSA ID 11542232 · filed Sep 2, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME INCREDIBLY HARD TO PRESS DOWN TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP WHILE IT WAS IN MOTION ON A STREET. THE CAR DEALER REPAIR TOLD ME THE VACUUM PUMP HAD FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 11184594 · filed Mar 6, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

BMW TEARS UP TIRES CAUSING THEM TO SHREAD WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD. AFTER TWO ALIGNMENTS IN A YEAR. NO FRONT END DAMAGE PER BMW.

NHTSA ID 11255453 · filed Sep 13, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .