2021 BMW M550I recalls and problems

The 2021 BMW M550I has 3 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 BMW M550I vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 BMW M550I recalls

Recall 26V-525: Power Train

Reported Aug 12, 2026 · 39,144 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.

Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a damaged driveshaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential, and apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 8, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.

Recall 21V-096: Back Over Prevention

Reported Feb 19, 2021 · 13,858 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 20V-598: Back Over Prevention

Reported Sep 30, 2020 · 312 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2021 BMW M550I problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train1

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 2021 BMW M550I complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Nov 8, 2024
The guibo (flex disc) in the powertrain has multiple visible cracks, posing a safety risk due to its potential to disrupt power transmission to the wheels. This malfunction could impact vehicle control, particularly at higher speeds, thus putting passengers and other road users at risk. A certified BMW service center has confirmed the problem, with BMW technicians recommending a replacement; however, both the dealer and BMW have declined to cover it under warranty. Although there were no warning lamps prior to the failure, slight vibrations or noises may have indicated an issue with the guibo.…

Other BMW M550I years

Compare all BMW M550I years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 BMW M550I have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 BMW M550I: 26V-525 (power train), 21V-096 (back over prevention), 20V-598 (back over prevention). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 BMW M550I?

Owners report power train problems most often (1 reports).

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.