Before you buy
This 2012 Bmw 550i has 45 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2012 Bmw 550i Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2012 Bmw 550i trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2012 Bmw 550i Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Bmw 550i has 45 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Bmw
- Model
- 550i
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 45
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 19
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2012 Bmw 550i problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Fuel/Propulsion System
Tire Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Fuel/Propulsion System, Tire Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2012 Bmw 550i?
The 2012 Bmw 550i looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2012 Bmw 550i
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine and fuel system for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, fuel, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect tires and wheels before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine and fuel system for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, fuel, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect tires and wheels before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Bmw 550i, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 45 NHTSA complaints for the 2012 BMW 550i, issues appear concentrated in the engine, fuel/propulsion system, and tires. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the data is limited to a single model year and low confidence.
- Engine Problems account for the largest share of complaints (17 out of 45).
- Fuel/Propulsion System and Tire Issues each have 11 complaints.
- Transmission/Drivetrain issues were reported 7 times.
- Engine Problems
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Tire Issues
Full breakdown
All 2012 Bmw 550i complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Bmw 550i. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 17 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Bmw 550i. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I was driving when the vehicle engine randomly shut down with out warning I was on the freeway at the time and could have been hit by a car. I took thr car to an auto repair shop, had the problem inspected snddiagnosed and was told the engine was faulty. I had the engine replaced…
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 550i. The contact stated after parking and exiting the vehicle, he noticed coolant leaking on the front driver’s side and saw white smoke exiting near the water pump. The contact stated the low coolant fluid and the drivetrain malfunction warning light…
My car died in an intersection unexpectedly as if my battery had died. My infant was in the backseat. This was suck a busy intersection that police dept had to park behind me to keep me from being hit. The car could not be put in neutral to move it out of the way. After over an h…
Engine is available for inspection upon request. Earlier this month, my 550i completely shut off at a traffic light. When attempting to restart the engine, the Starter strained very hard and smoke came out of the engine. Engine was immediately shut off and the car was towed to …
2012 F10 had issues while running as car installed and stopped completely multiple times in traffic. Fuel supply sign came on. Diagnosed as low pressure fuel pump degraded and need replacement. Same recall took place for 2007-2011 5 series model as well via recall campaign No. 1…
THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP CAUSED A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND TOTALED THE CAR WITH LESS THAN 60K MILES ON IT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CON…
VEHICLE STOPS SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 550I GRAN TURISMO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE JERKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CLASS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON VARIOUS OCCASION, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. TH…
WHEN YOU FIRST TURN THE CAR ON IT SOUNDS VERY LOUD FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES (LOUDER THAN NORMAL). WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR WILL START SHAKING AND THE CAR COMPUTER POPS UP SAYING DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION AND YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER TO RESTART. HESITATE BEOFRE TAKING OFF AT A RED…
WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR WILL START SHAKING AND THE CAR COMPUTER POPS UP SAYING DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION AND YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER TO RESTART THE CAR. BUT IT DOES IT AGAIN 5-10 MINUTES LATER
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY A POP SOUND HAPPEN AND CAR STARTED TO DRIVE AND SHACKING OCCURRED AND SHIFTING OF GEARS WAS ERRATIC. TRANSFER CASE FAILED MADE VERY DIFFICULT TO GET OUT OF WAY OF TRAFFIC BIT OF STALL AND HESITATION.
WHEN I PRESS ON THE GAS TO ACCELERATE THE "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION" ERROR COMES ON. MY CAR ONLY HAVE 51,000 MILES. I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND WAIT A MINUTE TO RESUME DRIVING.
SON WAS DRIVING CAR AND CAR JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT ANY WARNING. CAR WAS TOWED TO BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE $3000 TO TEAR DOWN ENGINE TO SEE WHY ENGINE LOCKED UP. CAR WAS BOUGHT 31 MAY 2019 AND SHUT DOWN AFTER DRIVING A LITTLE OVER 3,000 MIL…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 5501. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE "SERVICE REQUIRED SOON" MESSAGE ILLUMINATED ON THE MESSAGE CENTER AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GLOBAL IMPORTS (550 INTERSTATE NORTH …
CAR WILL STALL JERK AND STALL LOSSES POWER WHILE ACCELERATING.
BMW TEARS UP TIRES CAUSING THEM TO SHREAD WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD. AFTER TWO ALIGNMENTS IN A YEAR. NO FRONT END DAMAGE PER BMW.
TAKATA RECALL CAR USES EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL, A QUART EVERY WEEK.
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON A ROAD WHEN A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I PARKED THE CAR HOME, SINCE I WAS CLOSE TO HOME. THE SAME WEEK I TOOK THE CAR TO A BMW SPECIALIST BECAUSE THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. AFTER $467.00 SPENT ON LABOR, JUST TO TELL ME I NEED A NEW ENGINE. THI…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Bmw 550i.
Safety recalls
2012 Bmw 550i recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Bmw 550i. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2012 Bmw 550i buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Bmw 550i reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 45 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Bmw 550i looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Bmw 550i?▾
#1: Engine Problems (17 complaints). #2: Fuel/Propulsion System (11 complaints). #3: Tire Issues (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Bmw 550i?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Bmw 550i?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Bmw 550i, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 45 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Bmw 550i have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Bmw 550i. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Bmw 550i?▾
The 2012 Bmw 550i looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Bmw 550i reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Bmw 550i based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.