BMW M5 problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 15 recalls on file for the BMW M5 (2006–2026).

Complaints
30
Recalls
15
Model years
16
Worst year
—

Complaints by model year

2200620072200820092010220132201422015120165201882019220202202112022120252026
NHTSA complaints per BMW M5 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 M5 model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 M500001—
2025 M510002Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2022 M510000—
2021 M520101Electrical System
2020 M520003Engine
2019 M580003Engine
2018 M550003Engine
2016 M510002—
2015 M520001Engine
2014 M520001Engine
2013 M520002Engine
2010 M500002—
2009 M500002—
2008 M520102Engine
2007 M500001—
2006 M520001Electrical System

Most common BMW M5 problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    18 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    5 complaints
  • Electrical System
    4 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    3 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    2 complaints
  • Airbags
    2 complaints
  • Brakes
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    2 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints

Complaint trend

2021
Complaints about the BMW M5 received by NHTSA each month.

BMW M5 recalls

  • Recall 26V096000Feb 19, 202658,713 vehiclesModel years 2025–2026

    Risk: A damaged wiring harness can short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 24V104000Feb 12, 2024266,716 vehiclesModel years 2025

    Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V598000Sep 30, 2020312 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021

    Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

  • Recall 19V883000Dec 11, 20193,012 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020

    Risk: An electrical short circuit can cause the transmission to shift to neutral resulting in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V684000Sep 27, 2019257,473 vehiclesModel years 2018–2020

    Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V513000Jul 3, 2019115 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 18V473000Jul 17, 20181,645 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: An incorrect fuel reading may lead to the vehicle stalling and increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V323000May 16, 2018846 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: If the fuel pump stops, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V914000Dec 20, 20163,506 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V540000Jul 19, 2016956 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: Due to the improper weld, the driveshaft may fracture and fail, causing loss of drive to the rear wheels and a loss of propulsion. Additionally, if the car is turned off and exited without the parking brake applied, the car may roll. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V718000Oct 30, 20157,162 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the child seat is not properly attached to the lower anchors, it can increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  • Recall 15V188000Mar 31, 201513,443 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 13V407000Sep 11, 2013134,100 vehiclesModel years 2008–2010

    Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 12V475000Sep 28, 2012696 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2013

    Risk: Separation of the pump's driveshaft from the rotor could lead to a sudden loss of oil pressure causing the possibility of complete engine failure, resulting in an engine stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

  • Recall 12V126000Mar 26, 2012367,682 vehiclesModel years 2006–2010

    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.

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