How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 BMW 550i?

NHTSA lists 21 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 BMW 550i, which is 25% of the 84 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2011 BMW 550i electrical system?

The data shows no related recalls listed for the Electrical System component on the 2011 BMW 550i.

Did the electrical problems cause fires?

Yes, 8 of the 21 electrical complaints for the 2011 BMW 550i involved fires, with no reported crashes or injuries.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically appear on the 2011 BMW 550i?

The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2011 BMW 550i is 54,000 miles.

How does the 2011 550i compare to other years for electrical complaints?

The 2011 model year has 21 Electrical System complaints, far more than 2012's 4, 2013's 2, 2010's 3, and 2015's 1, making it the year with the most complaints in this category.

2011 BMW 550i Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 21 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 BMW 550i, 25% of all 84 complaints filed for the year. Eight of those complaints involved fires, with a median failure mileage of 54,000 miles. No related recalls are listed for this component in the data.

Electrical System complaints: 21; 25% of 84
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 8
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 54,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report the battery or fuse box in the trunk overheating and smoking or catching fire while the car is parked and turned off.
Several complaints describe the positive battery cable burning through where it connects near the trunk floor, sometimes melting the carpet and sound-deadening material.
Some owners experienced the vehicle stalling while driving around 35 to 40 mph, with drivetrain malfunction and check engine warnings appearing before the car lost power.
One complaint describes wiring connected to the fuse box and battery becoming detached from the trunk floor panel, leading to a stall and inability to shift into park.
Multiple owners reported fires starting in the engine compartment or trunk area while the vehicle sat parked overnight or in a driveway, in some cases spreading to nearby structures.
One owner noted the electrical panel lighting up before the car stalled on separate occasions, with the battery and alternator both replaced shortly before a fire occurred.

When 2011 BMW 550i electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 7, 2013, latest Oct 25, 2025.

21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2013 to Oct 2025; peak Sep 2019 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2011 BMW 550i

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Electrical System complaints by 550i model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20103 (27%)
201121 (25%)
20124 (11%)
20132 (13%)
20140 (0%)
20151 (17%)
20160 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 BMW 550i?: NHTSA lists 21 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 BMW 550i, which is 25% of the 84 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 BMW 550i electrical system?: The data shows no related recalls listed for the Electrical System component on the 2011 BMW 550i.
Did the electrical problems cause fires?: Yes, 8 of the 21 electrical complaints for the 2011 BMW 550i involved fires, with no reported crashes or injuries.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically appear on the 2011 BMW 550i?: The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2011 BMW 550i is 54,000 miles.
How does the 2011 550i compare to other years for electrical complaints?: The 2011 model year has 21 Electrical System complaints, far more than 2012's 4, 2013's 2, 2010's 3, and 2015's 1, making it the year with the most complaints in this category.