BMW 5 Series problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 2 owner complaints and 8 recalls on file for the BMW 5 Series (2005–2023).

Complaints
2
Recalls
8
Model years
8
Worst year
—

Complaints by model year

2005200620071200820092010120112023
NHTSA complaints per BMW 5 Series model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Every BMW 5 Series model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2023 5 Series00001—
2011 5 Series10004Engine
2010 5 Series00005—
2009 5 Series00003—
2008 5 Series10003Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2007 5 Series00003—
2006 5 Series00003—
2005 5 Series00002—

Most common BMW 5 Series problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    2 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1 complaints

BMW 5 Series recalls

  • Recall 23V821000Dec 6, 2023552 vehiclesModel years 2023

    Risk: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V707000Oct 20, 2023157,796 vehiclesModel years 2010–2011

    Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V119000Mar 2, 2022917,106 vehiclesModel years 2006–2010

    Risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

  • Recall 12V161000Apr 10, 20122,846 vehiclesModel years 2011

    Risk: This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.

  • Recall 12V126000Mar 26, 2012367,682 vehiclesModel years 2005–2010

    Risk: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.

  • Recall 11V521000Oct 20, 201132,084 vehiclesModel years 2011

    Risk: This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.

  • Recall 10V446000Oct 1, 2010198,352 vehiclesModel years 2005–2010

    Risk: Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 10V331000Jul 22, 20106,080 vehiclesModel years 2010–2011

    Risk: If this occurs, the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster would display a larger amount of fuel than was actually in the tank. As a result, if the tank became empty, the vehicle could stall increasing the risk of a crash.

Other BMW models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology