BMW M5 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 105 owner complaints and 21 safety recalls on file for the BMW M5, across 21 model years (1995–2026). The 2006 model year has the most complaints (39). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.
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BMW M5 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical M5 year: 2006, 2013. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common BMW M5 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 44 | 10 | 2 |
| Engine | 23 | 8 | 0 |
| Power Train | 13 | 8 | 1 |
| Electrical System | 11 | 8 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Seats | 7 | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All BMW M5 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 M5 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2025 M5 | 1 | 2 | — | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2022 M5 | 1 | 0 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2021 M5 | 2 | 1 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2020 M5 | 2 | 3 | — | Engine | |
| 2019 M5 | 8 | 3 | — | Engine | |
| 2018 M5 | 6 | 3 | — | Engine | |
| 2016 M5 | 1 | 2 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2015 M5 | 3 | 1 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2014 M5 | 2 | 1 | — | Engine | |
| 2013 M5 | 10 | 2 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2010 M5 | 1 | 2 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2009 M5 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2008 M5 | 6 | 2 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2007 M5 | 6 | 1 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2006 M5 | 39 | 1 | — | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2003 M5 | 3 | 1 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2002 M5 | 6 | 2 | — | Visibility | |
| 2001 M5 | 4 | 3 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2000 M5 | 4 | 2 | — | Air Bags | |
| 1995 M5 | 0 | 1 | — | — |
More from BMW: all BMW models · BMW VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW M5 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2006 (39), 2013 (10) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical M5 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the BMW M5?
Air Bags, with 44 complaints across 10 model years.
How many recalls does the BMW M5 have?
21 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.