Across 2 model years, the BMW i5 has 28 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and electrical system. 2024 drew the most complaints (20), 2025 the fewest (8).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for BMW i5 vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2024 (20 complaints). Lowest: 2025 (8).
Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a clear distinction between praise for its luxury, comfort, and refinement, and criticism for its driving dynamics, software reliability, and platform origins.
Includes complete audio system failure (no sound from any source), iDrive screen going blank/not booting, personal assistant malfunctions, and general bugginess.
Failures to unlock or start the vehicle, potentially leaving the owner stranded, requiring a physical key as a backup.
Described as feeling like a "boat," with noticeable understeer, lack of agility, and steering that lacks feedback and precision compared to expectations for BMW or rivals like Porsche.
Criticism that the vehicle is built on a shared ICE/EV platform, resulting in less interior space and cargo capacity compared to dedicated EV architectures.
Failures to send commands to the vehicle (e.g., charging limits) and general system glitches.
Owner insights cover all generations of the i5. Individual model years are broken down above.
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