YearToAvoid

2010 BMW 550i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2010 BMW 550i has a complaint index of 40 and ranks 7th worst out of 11 model years, earning a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 11 complaints, 1 recall, and 1 crash for this year, with engine issues being the top problem area.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
40/100
#7 of 11 550i years
Verdict
Good
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
11
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
1
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2014
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
18
15 city / 22 hwy
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Top 2010 BMW 550i problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine4 (36%)
  2. Electrical System3 (27%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain3 (27%)
  4. Fuel System2 (18%)
  5. Other2 (18%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (18%)
  7. Brakes1 (9%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Engine hesitates for one to two seconds when accelerating from a slow roll or in the 10-30 mph range, confusing other drivers.
  • Vehicle stalled without warning while driving 60 mph, with the entire instrument panel and warning lights illuminating beforehand.
  • Drivetrain malfunction light comes on and the vehicle shakes uncontrollably, reportedly recurring despite dealer visits.
  • Front wheel developed a hairline crack that caused a run-flat tire to lose pressure while driving around 35 mph.
  • Transmission drops into a low gear and cuts speed significantly during freeway or street driving.
  • Front brake pads and rotors were replaced multiple times for a persistent squeaking noise that a technician could not diagnose.
2010 BMW 550i complaints: complaints filed per month2Feb 2010Nov 2013Oct 2016Feb 2018Mar 2022
11 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2010 to Dec 2023; peak Jul 2018 (2).

2010 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].

2010 BMW 550i fuel economy and fuel cost

City
15 MPG
Highway
22 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.

2010 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
2008Avoid9032218
2009No verdict102118
2010Good4011118
2011Avoid10084318
2012Caution7035217

All BMW 550i years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 BMW 550i reliable?
Compared to other 550i model years, the 2010 ranks 7th worst out of 11 years with a complaint index of 40 and a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 11 complaints and 1 recall for this year.
What are the biggest problems with the 2010 BMW 550i?
Engine complaints make up 36% of reports, with a median failure mileage of 36,000 miles. Electrical system and transmission/powertrain issues each account for 27% of complaints, occurring at higher median mileages of 70,000 and 74,000 miles.
Does the 2010 BMW 550i have any recalls?
NHTSA lists one recall for the 2010 550i, covering an electrical system issue where increased resistance at the rear lamp bulb carrier contacts could cause taillight problems. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2010 550i compare to other years like 2011?
The 2010 model year is far less problem-prone than 2011, which has 84 complaints and a complaint index of 100 with an Avoid verdict. The 2010 550i's complaint index of 40 is less than half that figure.
What is the fuel economy of the 2010 BMW 550i?
EPA rates the 2010 550i at 18 mpg combined (15 city / 22 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450.

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.