2014 BMW 550i Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
17/100
#6 most-complained of 7 550i years
The 2014 BMW 550i ranks 6th of 7 model years with a Complaint Index of 17, the second-lowest in the lineup, earning a "Best" verdict relative to other 550i years. It has 6 complaints, 2 recalls, and no crashes, fires, or injuries reported.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16 city / 24 hwy
Top 2014 BMW 550i problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags2 (33%)
- Fuel System2 (33%)
- Engine1 (17%)
- Steering1 (17%)
What owners report
- Owners report the high-pressure fuel injector fails or gets deactivated by the ECU, putting the drivetrain into a diminished power mode and sometimes producing white smoke, with a median failure mileage of 53,500.
- Owners describe a sudden stall on the highway traced to a fuel pump issue, raising safety concerns during highway driving.
- Owners report a clicking noise and steering wheel vibration linked to the interactive steering system, with BMW acknowledging the issue but offering no fix, at a median mileage of 11,750.
- Owners describe a red warning light for a malfunctioning passenger airbag, noting the driver-side airbag had a recall but the passenger side did not.
- Owners report the engine burning oil frequently enough to require refilling every couple of months, referencing the N63TU1 engine.
2014 BMW 550i recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V527000Jul 11, 2024Airbags1,145 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Remedy: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 15V188000Mar 31, 2015Electrical System13,443 vehicles
Exterior lighting
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2014 BMW 550i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,200
- 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.
2014 compared with other 550i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 BMW 550i reliable?
- Compared to other 550i model years, the 2014 ranks 6th of 7 with a Complaint Index of 17 and a "Best" verdict. It has 6 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls, with no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported.
- What problems does the 2014 BMW 550i have?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem area is airbags, making up 33% of complaints, followed by fuel system issues also at 33%. Fuel system complaints had a median failure mileage of 53,500.
- Does the 2014 BMW 550i have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for airbags (campaign 24V527000) involving driver's front air bag replacement, and one for the electrical system (campaign 15V188000) covering rear reflex reflectors that may not reflect enough light.
- How does the 2014 550i compare to the 2011 or 2012 550i?
- The 2014 550i has a Complaint Index of 17, far below the 2011 model's 100 and the 2012 model's 83, both rated "Avoid." The 2014 is one of the better years for the 550i.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2014 BMW 550i?
- The EPA rates the 2014 550i at 19 mpg combined (16 city / 24 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200.