2021 BMW M5: common problems and reliability
· F90One of the weaker M5 years.
3 owner complaints, most about power train. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 M5?The 2021 BMW M5 has 3 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. Owners most often flag coolant expansion tank failure or leaking: owners across multiple threads report leaks, coolant consumption requiring top-offs, and a recall/tsb replacement; some note the replacement part can still fail.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 BMW M5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other M5 years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the M5?
Across the 19 M5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 124 (2006). With 3 complaints, the 2021 M5 sits about the same as the model's median of 4.
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
Recalls affecting the 2021 M5
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 20V598000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 21V096000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
power train:driveline:driveshaft
Campaign 26V525000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles. 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.
What owners report on the F90 M5
Owners of the F90 M5 overwhelmingly describe it as an excellent daily driver and one of the best all-around performance sedans, with many calling it the greatest sedan they have owned.
- Very frequentCoolant expansion tank failure or leaking
Owners across multiple threads report leaks, coolant consumption requiring top-offs, and a recall/TSB replacement; some note the replacement part can still fail.
- RecurrentOil consumption / burning oil due to hot-vee layout
Multiple owners mention the engine naturally burns some oil and requires occasional topping off.
- IsolatedCoolant leaking into the engine causing cylinder misfire and head damage
One owner reported cylinder 5 losing compression and requiring a cylinder head replacement with a large out-of-pocket cost.
- IsolatedTurbo wastegate actuator failure
Reported by one owner on an LCI car, replaced under warranty.
- IsolatedVANOS sensor failure
One owner reported a sensor failure covered under warranty.
Owner insights for the F90 M5. Read the full F90 owner report.
Other M5 model years
Compare every M5 year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the M5 against its rivals
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