2014 BMW 5 Series: common problems and reliability

The 2014 BMW 5 Series has 169 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. Owners most often flag n20 engine (528i) timing chain guide failure: frequency: very frequent. owners report this can cause catastrophic engine failure; 2012-2014 models are most affected, with 2013 specifically warned against.

Safety record for the 2014 model year

169
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
8
Crash reports
10
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2014 BMW 5 Series vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2014 a good year for the 5 Series?

Across the 19 5 Series model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (1996) to 866 (2011). With 169 complaints, the 2014 5 Series sits abovethe model's median of 110.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

electrical system
65
engine
47
engine and engine cooling
40
exterior lighting
13
fuel/propulsion system
12

Recalls affecting the 2014 5 Series

exterior lighting

Campaign 15V188000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such,…

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 24V527000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Se…

engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pump

Campaign 24V608000

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi…

What owners report on the F10 5 Series

Owners are sharply divided on the 2011-2013 F10. Many praise its timeless, elegant design, comfortable ride, and hydraulic steering, often calling it a true successor to the E39. However, reliability is a major concern: the N20 four-cylinder engine in the 528i

  • N20 engine (528i) timing chain guide failure: Frequency: very frequent. Owners report this can cause catastrophic engine failure; 2012-2014 models are most affected, with 2013 specifically warned against.
  • N63 V8 engine (550i) oil consumption and engine failure: Frequency: very frequent. Multiple owners describe the N63 as notoriously unreliable, with recalls for fuel pumps that still fail, and pre-LCI models known to blow engines.
  • Driveshaft flex disc wear: Frequency: isolated. One owner reported this as a chassis issue on a 528i (N52) at high mileage.
  • Rear differential bushing wear: Frequency: isolated. Reported alongside the flex disc issue on a high-mileage 528i.
  • Rod bearing issues on N55 (535i): Frequency: isolated. One owner reported a 535i with 75k miles developing knocking shortly after purchase; another mentioned rod bearings as a somewhat common issue, but this is not widely echoed.

Owner insights for the F10 5 Series. Read the full F10 owner report.

Typical used price

Used 5 Series listings typically run $15,199–$26,297 across 2011 to 2026 model years.

Other 5 Series model years

Compare every 5 Series year side by side to see how 2014 ranks against the rest.

2024 5 Series2023 5 Series2021 5 Series2020 5 Series2019 5 Series2017 5 Series2013 5 Series2012 5 Series2011 5 Series2010 5 Series2009 5 Series2007 5 Series2005 5 Series2004 5 Series2003 5 Series2000 5 Series1998 5 Series

Compare the 5 Series against its rivals

5 Series vs Acura RL5 Series vs Audi A55 Series vs Audi A65 Series vs BMW 3 Series
Full BMW 5 Series owner reportCompare against another car