2014 BMW 550i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2014 BMW 550i ranks 9th worst out of 11 model years, with a complaint index of 20 and 6 complaints logged, earning a Best verdict relative to other 550i years. It has 2 recall campaigns, both airbag- and electrical-related, with no crashes, fires, or injuries reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 20/100
- #9 of 11 550i years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 6
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2014 BMW 550i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags2 (33%)
- Fuel System2 (33%)
- Engine1 (17%)
- Steering1 (17%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the high-pressure fuel injector failing or being shut down by the ECU, putting the car into a low-power mode with reduced speed and white smoke.
- Some describe the fuel pump stalling the car suddenly at highway speed, requiring a tow.
- Steering wheel vibration and a clicking noise were reported while driving, tied to the interactive steering system with no fix offered.
- Owners noted a passenger airbag warning light coming on even after the driver-side airbag recall was completed.
- One owner described the engine burning oil and needing refills every two months.
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?
- Among 550i model years, 2014 ranks 9th worst out of 11 years with a complaint index of 20 and only 6 complaints, giving it a Best verdict relative to the rest of the lineup.
- What problems does the 2014 BMW 550i have?
- NHTSA complaints for the 2014 550i center on airbags and fuel system issues, each making up 33% of complaints, followed by engine and steering issues at 17% each.
- Does the 2014 BMW 550i have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2014 550i: one for airbags (driver's front air bag replacement) and one for the electrical system covering rear reflex reflectors. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- What year BMW 550i should I avoid?
- Based on complaint index, 2011 (100), 2008 (90), and 2007 (80) are the worst-ranked 550i years and carry Avoid verdicts, while 2014 has one of the lowest complaint indexes at 20.
- How much does it cost to fuel a 2014 BMW 550i?
- EPA rates the 2014 550i at 19 mpg combined (16 city / 24 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200.