NHTSA vehicle safety data
2021 BMW M550I Recalls & Complaints
The 2021 BMW M550I has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 BMW M550I. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2021 BMW M550I owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2021 BMW M550I, describing incidents dated September 10, 2024.
Most-cited components
- Power Train 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #11624298 · Filed
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…
Loss of Rear Wheel Power from Driveshaft Damage
NHTSA #26V525000 · Power Train — Driveline — Driveshaft · NHTSA notice
Reported August 12, 2026 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 36,823 vehicles
Completion not yet reported (dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified October 8, 2026
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Rearview Camera Image Malfunction/FMVSS 111
NHTSA #21V096000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice
Reported February 19, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 13,858 vehicles
Repair completion: 97.63% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified April 16, 2021
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Rearview Camera Image Obscured/FMVSS 111
NHTSA #20V598000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice
Reported September 30, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 312 vehicles
Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified November 18, 2020
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other BMW M550I model years
Check your 2021 BMW M550I VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW M550I at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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