Avoid: 2018, 2013, 2006, 2003, 2002 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2023 (few owner reports)
18 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 18 model years, the BMW M5 has 246 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 36 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. 2006 drew the most complaints (124), 2016 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (1).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for BMW M5 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.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2018 | 27 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2013 | 10 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2006 | 124 |
| 2003 | 18 |
| 2002 | 20 |
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2000 | 4 |
Highest: 2006 (124 complaints). Lowest: 2016 (1).
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily influenced by ownership costs.
Rod bearing failures leading to seized engines; described as one of the least reliable BMW engines ever made.
Described as an "absolute fortune" to maintain, with reports of $20,000+ spent over 10 years for low-mileage cars; major service bills anticipated as mileage approaches 100,000 km.
Numb brake feel due to regen, excessive mass, and electromechanical systems that detract from driver engagement; noted quality control issues like missing door assemblies and non-functional heaters in hybrid mode.
Older V8 models (S63, N63) noted to consume oil.
Specific note of a weird grinding/resonance between 32-34 mph in the G90 hybrid.
Owner insights cover all generations of the M5. Individual model years are broken down above.
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