Is the 2012 BMW 5 Series reliable?

2012 is rated Caution, with 10 complaints and a complaint index of 67. It shows notably fewer complaints than 2011 but still ranks above the 2010 model year.

What is the biggest problem area for the BMW 5 Series?

Across all years covered, Suspension, Wheels & Tires is the top problem area with 36 complaints (37% of the total), followed by Steering at 20 complaints (21%).

Does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?

Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2011 5 Series, including auxiliary water pump replacement and VANOS bolt replacement.

Which BMW 5 Series year is best?

No year in this dataset is rated Best. The 2010 model year rates Good with only 6 complaints and a complaint index of 33, the lowest among the years with data.

BMW 5 Series Best and Worst Years (2010–2023)

The 2011 BMW 5 Series is the year to avoid, with 81 complaints and a complaint index of 100, the highest of all years covered. 2012 is a Caution year with 10 complaints; 2010 rates Good with only 6 complaints and no year rates Best.

Avoid 2011

Model years: 4; 2010–2023
NHTSA complaints: 97
Recall campaigns: 8
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Suspension, Wheels & Tires

5 Series Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

BMW 5 Series problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Good	33	6	0	0	5	Engine	—	—
2011	Avoid	100	81	2	2	4	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	—	—
2012	Caution	67	10	0	0	0	Engine	—	—
2023	No verdict	0	0	0	0	1	—	—	—

5 Series years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 BMW 5 Series Index 100 · 81 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2011 5 Series logged 81 complaints, far more than any other year, giving it a complaint index of 100 and the worst rank of the years covered. Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues led with 34 complaints (42%), reported at a median mileage of 3,350 miles. Steering complaints (20, 25%) surfaced at a median of just 72.5 miles, and Engine complaints (10, 12%) at 3,500 miles. NHTSA also lists 4 recalls for this model year, including auxiliary water pump replacement and VANOS bolt replacement campaigns. Owners reported a fire from under the hood at 3,000 miles, a fuel pump malfunction that caused a sudden stop at 1,900 miles, and persistent pulling to the right noted almost immediately after purchase.

2011 suspension, wheels & tires problems →2011 steering problems →

Most common BMW 5 Series problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires36 (37%)
Steering20 (21%)
Engine15 (15%)
Transmission & Powertrain13 (13%)
Electrical System7 (7%)
Fuel System7 (7%)
Other6 (6%)
Visibility & Wipers4 (4%)
Airbags3 (3%)
Structure & Body3 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year BMW 5 Series should I avoid?: NHTSA complaint data points to 2011 as the year to avoid, with 81 complaints and a complaint index of 100, the highest among the years covered.
Is the 2012 BMW 5 Series reliable?: 2012 is rated Caution, with 10 complaints and a complaint index of 67. It shows notably fewer complaints than 2011 but still ranks above the 2010 model year.
What is the biggest problem area for the BMW 5 Series?: Across all years covered, Suspension, Wheels & Tires is the top problem area with 36 complaints (37% of the total), followed by Steering at 20 complaints (21%).
Does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?: Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2011 5 Series, including auxiliary water pump replacement and VANOS bolt replacement.
Which BMW 5 Series year is best?: No year in this dataset is rated Best. The 2010 model year rates Good with only 6 complaints and a complaint index of 33, the lowest among the years with data.