BMW 5 Series reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 1,733 complaints about the BMW 5 Series with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and electrical system. BMW has filed 60 warranty extensions and 36 service campaigns for it, and there are 54 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the BMW 5 Series? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the 5 Series a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 1,733
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 60
- Filed by BMW
- Service campaigns
- 36
- Filed by BMW
- Safety recalls
- 54
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the 5 Series with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | Electrical system (100%) | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | Wheels (50%) | 6 | 16 |
| 2024 | 18 | Brakes (44%) | 7 | 16 |
| 2023 | 9 | Engine (33%) | 3 | 11 |
| 2022 | 19 | Transmission and drivetrain (26%) | 4 | 6 |
| 2021 | 28 | Electrical system (25%) | 9 | 10 |
| 2020 | 17 | Electrical system (29%) | 8 | 15 |
| 2019 | 39 | Electrical system (31%) | 3 | 19 |
| 2018 | 110 | Airbags (43%) | 7 | 19 |
| 2017 | 38 | Airbags (24%) | 2 | 21 |
| 2016 | 83 | Electrical system (40%) | 7 | 14 |
| 2015 | 100 | Electrical system (44%) | 4 | 19 |
| 2014 | 152 | Engine (35%) | 6 | 21 |
| 2013 | 193 | Engine (46%) | 4 | 15 |
| 2012 | 265 | Engine (38%) | 6 | 13 |
| 2011 | 479 | Engine (25%) | 10 | 12 |
| 2010 | 180 | Engine (23%) | 12 | 14 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single 5 Series model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by BMW
Warranty extensions and service campaigns BMW filed with NHTSA for the 5 Series, in its own words. A warranty extension means BMW pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionJun 2026· Electrical system· model years 2025
Due to an implementation error in various OBD diagnostics in the vehicle's control units, in very rare cases itmay happen that stored fault memory codes (DTCs) and the MIL (warning light) are not automaticallydeleted even though the underlying malfunction has already been…
- Warranty extensionSep 2025· Engine· model years 2014
The N57T diesel engine’s Auxiliary Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler’s component-specific extended limited warranty (ELW) now includes more Model vehicles.
- Warranty extensionAug 2025· Engine· model years 2014–2016
N47/N57 diesel engine EGR cooler revised ext ltd wty(elw) coverage/procedure
- Warranty extensionAug 2025· Engine· model years 2014–2016
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler (with EGR Valve) and the Auxiliary Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 25 years without mileage limit as determined from the original first…
- Warranty extensionJul 2025· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2020–2021
The Fuel Injector Condition-Specific Repair Coverage Program applies to qualifying repairs for the required replacement of one or more the fuel injectors which were determined to have failed due to a buildup of external corrosion in the engine’s center fuel injector bore area…
- Warranty extensionMay 2025· Engine· model years 2017–2020
The high-temperature (HT) coolant expansion tanks breathing line/pipe limited warranty for defects in materials and / workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionMay 2025· Engine· model years 2023
The high-voltage battery assemblys refrigerant circuit expansion valves limited warranty for defects in materials and/ or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from theoriginal first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionApr 2025· Airbags· model years 2016–2019
The Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Front Passenger’s Seat Occupancy Capacitive Interior Sensor (CIS) Mat for defects in materials and/or workmanship that causes a false seat occupancy alert to occur has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles as determined from the…
- Warranty extensionJan 2025· Electrical system· model years 2018–2019
The Telematics Control Units (TCU) Internal Emergency (Backup) Battery for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 6 years without mileage limitation, as determined from the vehicles original first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Electrical system· model years 2018–2019
The Telematics Control Units (TCU) Internal Emergency (Backup) Battery for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 6 years without mileage limitation, as determined from the vehicles original first in-service / delivery date.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Engine· model years 2017–2020
The NVLD modules limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the vehicles original in-service / first delivery date.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Engine· model years 2017–2020
The NVLD limited emissionrelated warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2019–2021
The Fuel Injector Condition-Specific Repair Coverage Program applies to qualifying repairs for the required replacement of one or more the fuel injectors which were determined to have failed due to a buildup of external corrosion in the engine’s center fuel injector bore area…
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Electrical system· model years 2018–2019
The High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assembly Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service/first delivery date.
- Warranty extensionOct 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2017
EVAP system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15 YEARS/150,000 miles
- Warranty extensionSep 2024· Engine· model years 2017–2023
For this vehicle, the EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles, from the original 10 years/120,000 miles, as determined from the original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionJun 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2018
Component-Specific Extended Limited Warranty (ELW) Issues with the fuel supply module/level sensor assembly and its related components, the fuel doorcover pot (ejector and drive), the filler flap (door) itself and/or the emergency release mechanism arenot included under this…
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Engine· model years 2017–2019
EVAP system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
- Warranty extensionDec 2022· Fuel system· model years 2011–2016
For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionAug 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2017
For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Radiator Grille Upper and Lower Active Air Flaps to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionAug 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2017–2023
Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Leak Diagnosis Module with hose assembly (NVLD, shown) to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's…
- Warranty extensionAug 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2017–2023
Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Radiator Grille Upper and Lower Active Air Flaps to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original…
- Warranty extensionAug 2022· Body and structure· model years 2018–2019
For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Radiator Grille Upper and Lower Active Air Flaps to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionJun 2022· Fuel system· model years 2015
Component specific limited warranty extension for the Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve.
- Warranty extensionMay 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2016
Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionMay 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2017–2022
Note: Before performing a repair and submitting a claim, first confirm that the vehicle has the above Notice of Limited Warranty Extension in the DCSnet Warranty Inquiry Vehicle Comments section.
- Warranty extensionApr 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2017
Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension. This component-specific limited emission warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship.
- Warranty extensionApr 2022· Fuel system· model years 2017
Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension.
- Warranty extensionNov 2021· Engine· model years 2017–2021
For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's delivery unit with in-tank pump to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionNov 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2017–2021
For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Charge Air Intercooler to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every 5 Series model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine484 (28%)
- Electrical system333 (19%)
- Fuel and propulsion236 (14%)
- Transmission and drivetrain225 (13%)
- Engine and cooling175 (10%)
- Other or unspecified146 (8%)
- Airbags129 (7%)
- Tires102 (6%)
Safety recalls
54 recalls cover at least one 5 Series model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
The electrical wiring harness for the air conditioning system may become damaged during replacement of the cabin air filter.
Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
The electrical connection between the starter-generator and battery may come loose.
The air bag control unit may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in the air bags not deploying as intended.
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
The steering spindle may break requiring a greater steering effort to control the vehicle.
Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models.
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
And 39 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- DP26009Defect petition· opened Sep 2026, still open· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2022
Driveshaft to rear differential connection failure
- EA23001Engineering analysis· opened Mar 2023, still open· Fuel system (diesel)· model years 2014–2016, 2018
High pressure fuel pump failure
Led to recall 24V957.
- DP22005Defect petition· opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023· Electrical system· model years 2012–2016, 2018–2022
Pedestrian alert sounds
Led to recall 22V063000.
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2014–2017
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
- PE13030Preliminary evaluation· opened Sep 2013, closed Oct 2013· Brakes· model years 2012–2013
Loss of power assist braking
Led to recall 13V454000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 BMW 5 Series has the complaint text and every document.
Was the work actually done on the car you're looking at?
Model-year records can't tell you about one car. A BMW service history check returns that vehicle's own dealer records by VIN.
Check a BMW's service historyCommon questions
Is the BMW 5 Series reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 1,733 owner complaints, 60 warranty extensions and 36 service campaigns BMW filed, and 54 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2011 (479), 2012 (265), 2013 (193). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the BMW 5 Series?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (28%), electrical system (19%), fuel and propulsion (14%). BMW has filed 60 warranty extensions covering the 5 Series, listed on this page.
Which 5 Series model years have the most complaints?
2011 (479), 2012 (265), 2013 (193). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the 5 Series with each other rather than with other models.
Has BMW extended the warranty on the 5 Series?
Yes: electrical system (model years 2025); engine (model years 2014); engine (model years 2014–2016), and 57 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a 5 Series?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 54 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.