BMW 5 Series problems by year
356 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 13 BMW 5 Series model years. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 10 | 0 | — | |
| 2011 Most complained | 81 | 4 | Tires | |
| 2010 | 6 | 5 | — | |
| 2009 | 8 | 3 | — | |
| 2008 Most complained | 105 | 3 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2007 | 13 | 3 | — | |
| 2006 Most complained | 85 | 7 | Air Bags | |
| 2005 | 21 | 4 | Air Bags | |
| 2004 | 64 | 6 | Air Bags | |
| 2003 | 15 | 0 | — | |
| 2002 | 7 | 0 | — | |
| 2001 Fewer complaints | 3 | 0 | — | |
| 1995 Fewer complaints | 3 | 0 | — |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with BMW.