2013 BMW 550i recalls
Reported Mar 31, 2015 · 13,443 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
2013 BMW 550i problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Engine | 8 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Seats | 2 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Wheels | 1 | |
| Tires | 1 | |
| Suspension | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | |
| Electrical System | 1 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Pressure Sensor — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,343 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2013 BMW 550i complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Engine · at 126,000 miles · reported Apr 17, 2025
The contact owned a 2013 BMW 550I. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast into the driveway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure; however, several unknown warning lights illuminated when the vehicle failed to restart. The contact's husband checked the vehicle and became aware of smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined…
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 96,280 miles · reported Sep 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 550i. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the warning message illuminated on the instrument panel stating, âDriving moderately and drive pit not availableâ. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the high-speed fuel pump on the passengerâs side was replaced but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the high-speed pressure sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 96,280.
Electrical System · reported Jul 11, 2022
I have soft closing doors on my vehicle. My doors wonât unlock/open, the only way I can get the driver side door open is using the physical key. When trying to unlock the door with the key fob, it makes the sound but none of the doors unlock. The unlock button inside doesnât work and when trying to open the other doors (passenger side and rear doors) manually, it wonât open! Thank goodness I didnât have anyone in the backseat, otherwise I would have to call the fire department and they would probably have to end up breaking the glass if they couldnât crawl through the front. I feel…
Power Train · at 62,127 miles · reported Feb 9, 2021
Guibo flexible disc failed during routine pa inspection. Technician said it was cracked and failed the inspection. My vehicle only has 62000 miles on it and the cv joint failed. I believe their was a recall for 2011 and 2012 models for the same issue.I was charged more than 1000 dollars for the repair of the flexible disk at the dealership and had no choice but to fix it so it would pass state inspection. I did not want the drive axle to fall off the car. This is ridiculous for a car with such low mileage.
Engine · at 72,343 miles · reported Jun 8, 2020
After having my bmw at the dealership for two weeks I had the low battery discharging message come on when I took the car home. The dealer also performed an oil change less than 1k miles prior to this problem. My battery died, luckily at exactly the time, I drove onto my driveway. The car just stopped. I'm just glad I wasn't on the highway or going faster speeds. I attempted to jump it and charge it but it wouldn't start. I had the car towed to the dealership and was told my engine had locked up and there were metal shavings in the oil filter and I need a new engine ($13,000). I don't know how…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2013 BMW 550i have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 BMW 550i: 15V-188 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 BMW 550i?
Owners report engine problems most often (8 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,343 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.