YearToAvoid

2009 BMW 550i Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

10/100

#10 most-complained of 11 550i years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2009 BMW 550i has 2 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 10 out of 100 — #10 highest of 11 550i model years. The most reported problem area is suspension, wheels & tires (2 complaints, 100% of the total).

Complaints
2
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
18
15 city / 22.5 hwy

Top 2009 BMW 550i problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (100%)
2009 BMW 550i complaints: complaints filed per month1Feb 2014Sep 2022
2 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2014 to Sep 2022; peak Feb 2014 (1).

2009 BMW 550i recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 13V407000Sep 11, 2013Electrical System134,100 vehicles

    Exterior lighting:tail lights

    BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).

    Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

2009 BMW 550i fuel economy and fuel cost

City
15 MPG
Highway
22.5 MPG
Combined
18 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$4,450
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2009 compared with other 550i years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020062007200820092010201120122013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007Avoid8037218
2008Avoid9032218
2009No verdict102118
2010Good4011118
2011Avoid10084318

All BMW 550i years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 BMW 550i a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 BMW 550i ranks #10 of 11 among 550i model years (Complaint Index 10/100). It has 2 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 BMW 550i?
The most reported problem areas are suspension, wheels & tires (2 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 51,000 miles.
Does the 2009 BMW 550i have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2009 BMW 550i, most recently reported 2013, covering electrical system.
What is the fuel economy of the 2009 BMW 550i?
EPA rates the 2009 BMW 550i at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 22.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.