Bmw M5 Reliability
149 NHTSA complaints (2000–2025). Complaint rate: 34.3 per 1,000 vehicles.
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: Avoid the 2006 Bmw M5. The 2021 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: AIR BAGS.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
Too New
Need 3+ years on the road for reliable complaint data.
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Bmw M5 Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 39 | 2.6% |
| ENGINE | 22 | 0.0% |
| SEAT BELTS | 10 | 0.0% |
| POWER TRAIN | 9 | 11.1% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 8 | 0.0% |
| SEATS | 6 | 0.0% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 6 | 0.0% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6 | 16.7% |
| STEERING | 5 | 0.0% |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 4 | 25.0% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | — | 5 | 2 | 2 | View 2000View→ |
| 2001GOOD | — | 4 | 0 | — | View 2001View→ |
| 2002 | — | 7 | 0 | — | View 2002View→ |
| 2003GOOD | — | 3 | 0 | — | View 2003View→ |
| 2006AVOID | — | 54 | 3 | — | View 2006View→ |
| 2007 | — | 8 | 0 | — | View 2007View→ |
| 2008AVOID | — | 12 | 2 | 3 | View 2008View→ |
| 2010GOOD | — | 3 | 0 | — | View 2010View→ |
| 2013AVOID | — | 16 | 0 | 2 | View 2013View→ |
| 2014GOOD | — | 4 | 0 | — | View 2014View→ |
| 2015GOOD | — | 4 | 0 | — | View 2015View→ |
| 2018 | — | 10 | 0 | — | View 2018View→ |
| 2019 | — | 10 | 0 | — | View 2019View→ |
| 2021GOOD | — | 4 | 0 | 3 | View 2021View→ |
| 2025TOO NEW | — | 2 | 0 | — | View 2025View→ |
See also: Bmw M5accident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
Buying a Bmw M5?
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