NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2023

BMW 5 Series recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns and 426 owner complaints for the BMW 5 Series, covering model years 1995 to 2023. The 2008 model year drew the most complaints (105), and Air Bags is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your BMW 5 Series VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

16 recall campaigns on file
426 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
18 model years with data (1995–2023)

most complaints: 2008 (105 for that model year)
top component: Air Bags (94 complaints)
latest recall 23V821000 (reported Dec 6, 2023)

14 complaints reporting a crash (3.3%)
19 complaints reporting a fire (4.5%)
13 complaints reporting an injury (3.1%)
0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

BMW 5 Series complaints by model year

16 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2008 model year has the most complaints: 105 of 426, or 24.6%. Next come 2006 (85) and 2011 (81). The fewest are for 1997, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years

Show the figures for all 16 model years

BMW 5 Series complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death

BMW 5 Series complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model year	Complaints	Reporting a crash	Reporting a fire	Reporting an injury
1995	3	1	0	0
1997	1	0	0	0
1999	2	0	0	0
2000	2	0	0	1
2001	3	0	0	0
2002	7	1	1	0
2003	15	1	1	1
2004	64	1	9	4
2005	21	2	1	0
2006	85	4	2	5
2007	13	0	0	0
2008	105	1	3	1
2009	8	1	0	0
2010	6	0	0	0
2011	81	2	2	1
2012	10	0	0	0
All model years	426	14	19	13

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported BMW 5 Series components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Air Bags is the component named most often, in 94 complaints (22.1% of all 426), followed by Electrical System (67) and Engine and Engine Cooling (47).

Components named most often in BMW 5 Series complaints (top 15)

Components named most often in BMW 5 Series complaints (top 15)
Component	Complaints	Share of complaints
Air Bags	94	22.1%
Electrical System	67	15.7%
Engine and Engine Cooling	47	11.0%
Fuel System, Gasoline	45	10.6%
Tires	43	10.1%
Power Train	41	9.6%
Steering	33	7.7%
Exterior Lighting	24	5.6%
Engine	22	5.2%
Seats	18	4.2%
Seat Belts	16	3.8%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	15	3.5%
Visibility	14	3.3%
Structure	11	2.6%
Latches/Locks/Linkages	10	2.3%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

BMW 5 Series recalls

16 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name 5 Series, newest first. The 16 campaigns cover model years 1996 to 2023. The 2006 model year appears in the most campaigns (7).

16 recall campaigns

BMW 5 Series recall campaigns covering each model year
Decade	Years ending in 0	Years ending in 1	Years ending in 2	Years ending in 3	Years ending in 4	Years ending in 5	Years ending in 6	Years ending in 7	Years ending in 8	Years ending in 9
1990s							1996: 1 campaign	1997: 1 campaign	1998: no campaigns	1999: no campaigns
2000s	2000: no campaigns	2001: no campaigns	2002: no campaigns	2003: no campaigns	2004: 6 campaigns	2005: 4 campaigns	2006: 7 campaigns	2007: 3 campaigns	2008: 3 campaigns	2009: 3 campaigns
2010s	2010: 5 campaigns	2011: 4 campaigns	2012: no campaigns	2013: no campaigns	2014: no campaigns	2015: no campaigns	2016: no campaigns	2017: no campaigns	2018: no campaigns	2019: no campaigns
2020s	2020: no campaigns	2021: no campaigns	2022: no campaigns	2023: 1 campaign

Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

NHTSA campaign 23V821000
Reported Dec 6, 2023
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Model year 2023
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.
Consequence:
Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 23V707000
Reported Oct 20, 2023
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Model years 2010–2011
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Consequence:
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 22V119000
Reported Mar 2, 2022
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (PCV)
Model years 2006–2010
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence:
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy:
This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 12V161000
Reported Apr 10, 2012
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo/Supercharger
Model year 2011
BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, 5-series gran turismo, model year 2012 6-series convertible, 7-series, X5 SAV, and X6 SAV vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.
Consequence:
This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 12V126000
Reported Mar 26, 2012
Electrical System › 12V/24V/48V Battery › Cables
Model years 2004–2010
BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 M5, and model year 2007-2010 M6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
Consequence:
Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 11V521000
Reported Oct 20, 2011
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo/Supercharger
Model year 2011
BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, model year 2010-2011 5-series gran turismo, model year 2009-2011 7-series, model year 2010-2011 X5 SAV, and model year 2008-2011 X6 SAV vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.
Consequence:
This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on December 19, 2011. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 10V446000
Reported Oct 1, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum
Model years 2004–2010
BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
Consequence:
Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 10V331000
Reported Jul 22, 2010
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System
Model years 2010–2011
BMW is recalling certain 2010 and 2011 5-series and 5-series gran turismo passenger vehicles manufactured from January 12 through July 1, 2010. The vehicle's fuel level sensor within the fuel tank can become wedged against the tank.
Consequence:
If this occurs, the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster would display a larger amount of fuel than was actually in the tank. As a result, if the tank became empty, the vehicle could stall increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on October 18, 2010. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 08V384000
Reported Aug 5, 2008
Air Bags › Frontal
Model years 2004–2006
BMW is recalling 200,000 MY 2006 3 series sport seat, MY 2004-2006 5 Series standard and sport seat, and MY 2004-2006 X3 passenger vehicles. Depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the mat. If this occurs, the front passenger air bags, with the exception of the head protection system, will be deactivated and the air bag warning lamp as well as the passenger air bag "on-off" lamp will be illuminated.
Consequence:
In this situation the front passenger air bags will not deploy even if a sufficiently severe accident would occur and occupant protection provided by the system would not be possible.
Remedy:
Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall began on November 6, 2008. BMW will also extend the warranty on these vehicles to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 06V277000
Reported Jul 26, 2006
Suspension › Rear › Shock Absorber
Model year 2006
On certain passenger vehicles, the lower rubber mount of the rear shock absorbers may not have been manufactured to specifications and may not adhere correctly to its housing within the shock absorber.
Consequence:
The bushing could loosen and over time could separate from its housing. The driver will experience impaired vehicle handling and control increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will replace the rear shock absorber free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2006. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

Show 6 more recalls

NHTSA campaign 06V187000
Reported May 30, 2006
Suspension › Front › Control Arm
Model year 2006
On certain passenger vehicles, the nuts which secure the front axle control arm and tension strut to the front wheel hub may not have been tightened to specification. Over time the nuts could loosen and the control arm and tension strut could be damaged.
Consequence:
Vehicle handling and control could compromise increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will retighten the front axle control arm and tension strut nuts to the correct specifications free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2006. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 05V504000
Reported Nov 1, 2005
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Model years 2005–2006
Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.
Consequence:
This could cause the parking lock system not to engage, after the transmission is placed in the park ("p") position. If the vehicle was parked on an incline, and the parking brake was not engaged, this could result in a vehicle rollaway condition.
Remedy:
Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2005. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-332-4269.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 04V575000
Reported Dec 6, 2004
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Model year 2004
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with front seat heating systems, upon entering and exiting the vehicle, excessive contact with the side bolster that is contained in the seat's backrest may damage the heating mat located in this area. If such damage were to occur, with the system turned on, the vehicle occupant may feel excessive heat from this area.
Consequence:
It is possible that the heating mat in the backrest's side bolster could overheat and damage, or melt a small hole in, this area of the seat cover. If this happened, it could lead to an occupant being burned.
Remedy:
Dealers will modify the seat heating circuit. The recall is expected to begin during December 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 04V344000
Reported Jul 14, 2004
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Model year 2004
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8 and 12 cylinder engines, the digital engine management control (emc) units were not produced according to specifications.
Consequence:
As a result, engine stalling will occur after a short period of operation. The vehicle may not be able to restart. Also, a loss of power steering and, after repeated actuation of the brake pedal, a loss of brake power assist will occur. These conditions could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will install a new digital engine management control unit. The recall began on July 16, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 04V303000
Reported Jun 23, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline
Model year 2004
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8-cylinder engines, a circular retention clip at the quick-release coupling along the fuel supply line was inadvertently not installed.
Consequence:
In the event of a severe frontal crash, the quick-release coupling could separate causing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy:
Dealers will install a circular retention clip at the quick-release coupling along the fuel supply line. The recall began on July 5, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC
NHTSA campaign 04V183000
Reported Apr 12, 2004
Suspension › Front
Model years 1996–1997
On certain passenger vehicles, due to long exposures to certain environmental and operating conditions, the material structure of the front spring strut plate could be affected. In some cases, the strut plate could begin to crack, and eventually it could break. If this occurred, the plate could contact the tire.
Consequence:
This could lead to a sudden loss of tire pressure or tire failure.
Remedy:
Dealers will install a retaining clip to the underside of the front spring strut plates. The recall began May 17, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means

What each recall field means
Field	What it tells you
Campaign number	NHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
Component	The system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
Summary	What the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
Consequence	The safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
Remedy	What the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.

Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

BMW 5 Series questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the BMW 5 Series have?

NHTSA lists 16 vehicle recall campaigns for the BMW 5 Series, covering model years 1995 to 2023. The most recent, 23V821000, was reported on December 6, 2023 and is filed under “Power train”. The 2006 model year is covered by the most campaigns (7).

Which BMW 5 Series model year has the most complaints?

The 2008 model year, with 105 of the 426 complaints in NHTSA’s file (24.6%). The next are 2006 (85) and 2011 (81). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common BMW 5 Series complaint?

Air Bags is the component named most often: 94 complaints, or 22.1% of all 426. Electrical System (67) and Engine and Engine Cooling (47) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my BMW 5 Series?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a BMW dealer.

How many BMW 5 Series complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 426 complaints, 14 report a crash, 19 a fire, 13 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

8 models · most complaints first

The BMW models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the BMW VIN decoder with every BMW model page, WMI code and VIN note.

BMW X5 1999–2026 · 103 recalls · 3,138 complaints
BMW 328i 1996–2016 · 27 recalls · 2,576 complaints
BMW X3 2004–2026 · 60 recalls · 1,989 complaints
BMW 325i 1995–2012 · 20 recalls · 1,281 complaints
BMW Z4 2002–2023 · 28 recalls · 1,280 complaints
BMW 3 Series 1995–2023 · 8 recalls · 841 complaints
BMW 528i 1997–2016 · 14 recalls · 831 complaints
BMW 330i 1999–2026 · 38 recalls · 813 complaints

All BMW models and WMI codes Look up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.

BMW 5 Series complaints by model year

Most-reported BMW 5 Series components

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

BMW 5 Series recalls

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (PCV)

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo/Supercharger

Electrical System › 12V/24V/48V Battery › Cables

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo/Supercharger

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System

Air Bags › Frontal

Suspension › Rear › Shock Absorber

Suspension › Front › Control Arm

Power Train › Automatic Transmission

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler