2008 BMW 550i Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2008 BMW 550i recalls

Most common 2008 BMW 550i problems

Problem areas named in the 32 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	9
Exterior Lighting	7
Air Bags	6
Engine	5
Power Train	4
Seat Belts	4
Unknown Or Other	2
Suspension	2
Tires	2
Fuel System, Gasoline	2

What owners report

2025-09-13, Engine
Vehicle abruptly shut off while reversing out of my driveway. Vehicle restarted after a long crank and appeared to enter a reduced power mode/limp mode with a transmission fault that locked the transmission in 4th gear. Reading OBD2 codes revealed a code for the crankshaft position sensor. Inspection of the 3 terminal sensor revealed 2 of the terminal contacts on the sensor to be shorted out with melted plastic on both the sensor and the wiring connector plug. Shorted wire could be a result of a leaking coolant passage at rear of engine within bellhousing where sensor is located. Coolant intrusion into sensor connector resulted in electrical short and melted connections.

2023-11-09, Engine
The contact owns a 2008 BMW.The contact stated that he was getting ready to drive the vehicle, however when he started the vehicle, the ABS and check engine lights illuminated.The contact stated that he noticed the vehicle was overheating and turned the vehicle off.The contact heard an unusual sound which came from under the hood.The contact inspected and noticed that the coolant reservoir lid had detached and dented the hood due to the vehicle overheating.The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer.The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided no assistance.The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

2023-10-22, Exterior Lighting
The daytime running lights aka Angel Eyes wiring is sub-standard. The plastic coating on the wires for the daytime running lights/Angel Eyes has melted away exposing bare wiring that has fused causing the lights to malfunction and not work. I believe the manufacturer is aware of this sub-standard issue and needs to provide a suitable fix or replacement for the sub-standard wiring of their product.

2023-08-07, Electrical System
I was driving and came to a stop and noticed smoke and an odd smell coming from under the hood. The heater control valve and the wire connector started to smolder and melt the plastic. If it wasn’t for me disconnecting the connector wire to the heater control valve, it would have definitely would have caught on fire.There was no warning other than the smoke and smell coming from the car. I am in the process of the car getting inspected from a bmw service center

2022-06-02, Exterior Lighting
The wiring in my headlight assembly is crumbling and the headlight is shorting out. The coating on the wiring is trash. I own a 08 Bmw550i. BMW should be ashamed. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

2008 BMW 550i questions

Does the 2008 BMW 550i have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2008 BMW 550i: Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights; Engine And Engine Cooling. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 550i?

Based on 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (9), Exterior Lighting (7), Air Bags (6).

How do I check if a recall on my 2008 BMW 550i has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.