2018 BMW M550I

23 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Aug 7, 2026Failure Jul 17, 2026Hartsdale, NYEngine

   Throughout my ownership, I have adhered to BMW’s recommended maintenance schedule, including routine oil changes and inspections. At no point was I advised of any engine issues, oil leaks, or conditions that could potentially lead to catastrophic engine failure. Most recently, the vehicle had change oil svc. at BMW of White Plains on June 25, 2026, at 69,456 miles. On July 17, 2026, while driving on the Bronx River Parkway, I unexpectedly noticed signs indicating that the vehicle was leaking oil. I was approximately three miles from BMW of White Plains and proceeded directly to the dealership. Before reaching the dealership, the engine lost power and ultimately failed. A few days later, I was informed by my BMW Service Advisor that the engine had sustained catastrophic internal damage and would require the replacement of the short block. The estimated repair cost exceeds $50,000. After six years of ownership, approximately 50,000 miles driven, and consistent maintenance performed by authorized BMW service centers, I find it extremely concerning that the engine could experience such a sudden, catastrophic failure without any prior warning or documented indication of an oil leak or impending engine issues. Most importantly, I believe this incident posed a significant safety hazard. The engine lost power while I was driving on a busy parkway, causing my vehicle to slow down and stall in traffic. Additionally, the active oil leak raised concerns about the potential risk of fire. A sudden loss of propulsion on a high-speed roadway put both myself and surrounding motorists at considerable risk.I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate whether this type of failure indicates a broader safety issue involving the N63 engine or related components. If similar incidents have occurred, I believe owners should be informed so they can take appropriate precautions before experiencing a potentially dangerous loss of power.

   NHTSA complaint 11755556
2. Filed Jan 16, 2026Failure Aug 11, 2025Lithonia, GAAdaptive cruise control, Assist, Steering

   To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Subject: Safety Complaint – 2018 BMW M550i Driver Assistance System I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a dangerous malfunction of the driver assistance systems in my 2018 BMW M550i. These systems behave unpredictably and cannot be reliably disabled, creating an unsafe driving condition. The vehicle’s driver assistance features (including steering and braking interventions) activate or restrict themselves unexpectedly while driving, sometimes without clear warnings. At other times, the system disables itself mid-drive. Despite repeated attempts, these features cannot be fully turned off, leaving me forced to rely on a computer system that makes erratic decisions affecting vehicle control. BMW dealerships acknowledge the issue but state no permanent fix exists unless I pay out of pocket. BMW corporate has declined goodwill repairs and claims the behavior is “normal,” despite the clear safety implications. I believe I should not be required to pay to correct a defect that impacts safe operation of the vehicle. This issue is especially concerning given prior BMW recalls involving driver assistance and steering sensor systems. An unpredictable or uncontrollable ADAS system undermines driver authority and increases crash risk. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue to determine whether it represents a broader safety defect and require BMW to provide a full repair at no cost. If the defect cannot be reliably repaired, I believe a buyback or vehicle replacement should be considered. This vehicle does not operate in a consistently safe manner, and I fear continued use places me and others at risk. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety concern.

   NHTSA complaint 11711486
3. Filed Aug 15, 2025Failure Aug 14, 2025Palm bay, FLAir bags, Seat belts

   I’m getting a passenger restraint system malfunction message on my infotainment. Says: “Passenger restraint system limited. Increased risk of injury in case of a collision. Continue wearing safety belt.” This is the second time this has occurred on this specific vehicle. First time was in 2021 and was repaired. Now it came up again.

   NHTSA complaint 11680940
4. Filed Apr 20, 2025Failure Apr 4, 2022Bronx, NYAir bags

   Passenger restrain system mail function

   NHTSA complaint 11655700
5. Filed Oct 25, 2024Failure Sep 1, 2024doleville, GAAir bags

   Passenger restrained seatbelt signal. There is bulletin in google: SIB 72 04 17. There are recalls for this vehicle but dealer want accept it.

   NHTSA complaint 11621999
6. Filed Oct 21, 2024Failure Sep 3, 2024Boston, MASidewall

   In the last 8 months, I have experienced 3 blowouts on the same side of the car. The tires were Continental Procontact SSR 245/40R19. In each instance, the sidewall failed and blew out. This has occurred on the highway as well as at low city speeds.

   NHTSA complaint 11621119
7. Filed Aug 22, 2024Failure Aug 16, 2022kissimmee, FLElectrical system, Blind spot detection, Assist

   Excessive amounts of water accumulated at interior floors from the A/C drain unit. Water damage to all sensors and bad odor. Worried car may catch fire while driving. A/C will sometimes work.

   NHTSA complaint 11610156
8. Filed Aug 1, 2024Failure Jun 18, 2024Miami, FLLatch

   The rear driver door does not open from the outside or inside of the vehicle. I had someone sitting behind the driver and they could not exit the vehicle, we had to assist so they can exit out the other side (passenger rear door). The handle on the outside of the car seems like if it is not connected to the door mechanism. This is a huge safety issue. I also took the car to the dealer to have the door covered under my extended warranty and they did not cover it under warranty.

   NHTSA complaint 11605826
9. Filed Aug 1, 2024Failure Jun 18, 2024Pinecrest, FLBody

   The rear driver door will not open. It seems the door handle does not open the door from the exterior of the vehicle. The door will also not open from the interior of the vehicle. It feels like the handle has come lose from the door latch mechanism to open the door of the vehicle. This is a big safety concern if there is a passenger sitting behind the driver and they cannot exit the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint 11605824
10. Filed Jun 29, 2024Failure Jun 29, 2024San Jose, CAAir bags, Seat belts, Seats

    Vehicle reported a Passenger Restraint Failure intermittently and upon getting diagnosed is related to a faulty seat occupancy sensor. If this sensor can fail ~4yrs of ownership with < 30k miles driven and it is critical to passenger restraint, it would seem that this should be fixed by BMW. With quick search, the problem doesn't seem isolated: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11597615
11. Filed May 29, 2024Failure May 29, 2024Columbus, OHAir bags, Seat belts, Seats

    Passenger restraint system malfunction. I took it to the dealership and was told it will cost $3785.91 to replace the passenger seat mat. Looking online, this problem appears to be widespread with many individual car owners complaining of the issue. Given that this is a life safety system and its apparent prevalence, it seems appropriate to consider this for a mandatory recall.

    NHTSA complaint 11591343
12. Filed Apr 30, 2024Failure Apr 29, 2024Vestavia, ALAir bags, Seat belts, Seats

    The passenger seat occupancy mat is faulty - same as in many other BMW models for which BMW has issued a 15 year warranty. The car chimes and states "fasten safety belt" for the passenger seat when the passenger seat is entirely empty. This error comes and goes, and stops when the belt is buckled.

    NHTSA complaint 11586141
13. Filed Oct 19, 2023Failure Oct 12, 2023Erie, PAAir bags, Occupant classification

    The passenger restraint malfunction continues to alarm and the dealership states that it is a seat-pad sensor and want over $2000.00 to replace. From a number of BMW forums, it appears that this was a common problem with earlier models and a subsequent 15-year warranty extension was granted because of the safety concerns. My car is well cared for and has very few miles on it, so I truly believe that BMW needs to either recall this faulty SAFETY component or replace it free of charge. Please protect me and my family by holding BMW accountable.

    NHTSA complaint 11550749
14. Filed Sep 8, 2023Failure Sep 5, 2023Homosassa, FLAir bags, Seat belts

    Passenger Restraint Warning Light has been coming on off and on and now stays on all the time. Dealer has confirmed car needs to have the OC3 mat replaced at a very high price. Car is a 2018 BMW M550ix. Apparently this has been a common problem with the BMWs.

    NHTSA complaint 11543378
15. Filed Aug 22, 2023Failure Aug 20, 2023Zionsville, INAir bags, Electrical system, Seat belts

    Passenger side sensor is faulty. BMW has issued Technical Service Bulletin to repair when found in warranty. The sensor will errantly warn airbag disable when person is not in seat.

    NHTSA complaint 11540031
16. Filed Jan 26, 2023Failure Jan 26, 2023Beverly hills, CAAir bags

    My old 5 series 2017 had this same problem, now my 2018 m550i has the airbag problem. A warning light for no reason pops up saying “passenger restraint system malfunction” and turns off the passengers airbag, BMW will not fix it out of warranty and charges 3,000$. Many people are driving around without airbags in a new car because of this.

    NHTSA complaint 11503861
17. Filed Nov 27, 2022Failure Nov 26, 2022Mount Pleasant, WIElectrical system, Adaptive cruise control, Automatic emergency braking

    On vacation road trip driving for about 3 hours. Instrument cluster completely shuts off and goes to black. Screen, vehit speed and rpm and all adas systems stop working. Sometimes turning the car off and on will address the issue other times it will constantly restart the instrument cluster when driving.

    NHTSA complaint 11495027
18. Filed Mar 29, 2022Failure Mar 28, 2022Rocklin, CAUnknown or other

    Sunroof on 2018 BMW M550i "exploded" while driving home from work. Weather was cloudy, light rain in the 50's, late March in northern California, USA. Sunroof was in closed position and cars HVAC was not being used to create temperature or pressure difference. Heated seat was being used. Had been parked outdoors under an awning during the day and had been on the road for less than 15 minutes. The automobile will be taken to the nearest dealership in the morning. Pictures were taken. Significant safety risk to occupants if glass shatters when the "slider" is in the open position.

    NHTSA complaint 11458748
19. Filed Sep 6, 2020Failure Aug 21, 202018,750 milesSaginaw, MIUnknown or other

    I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE SUNROOF EXPLODED OUT OF NO WHERE, BMW SAID A ROCK HIT IT OR SOMETHING BUT I AM 90% SURE A ROCK DIDN'T HIT IT. DID NOT SEE ANYTHING FLY UP TOWARDS THE CAR. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT WENT OFF IN THE CAR AND GLASS SHOWERING ALL OVER YOU BECAUSE I HAD THE SHADE OPEN. LUCKILY IT DID NOT GET INTO MY EYES TO CAUSE ANOTHER ACCIDENT. GLASS SHATTERED UPWARDS AND FROM DOING RESEARCH IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM

    NHTSA complaint 11353442
20. Filed Aug 18, 2020Failure Jul 3, 202034,000 milesPlano, TXVisibility/wiper

    DUE TO WEATHER CHANGE THE SUNROOF CAN SHATTER. THIS COULD HAD INJURED TO PASSENGER AND INFANTS IN CAR. BMW TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY ON FIXING IT

    NHTSA complaint 11350167