BMW M5 Best and Worst Years (2006–2025)
NHTSA data flags 2006, 2008, 2013, and 2019 as the BMW M5 years to avoid, driven by airbag, electrical, and engine complaints plus recalls. No M5 year earns a Good or Best verdict because every year carries recall campaigns; 2007 and 2018 have the lowest complaint indexes among the rest.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2006Avoid 2008Avoid 2013Avoid 2019Lowest-risk years:Caution 2007Caution 2018
- Model years
- 15
- 2006–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 88
- Recall campaigns
- 15
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 4
- Top problem area
- Airbags
M5 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.
BMW M5 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Avoid | 100 | 39 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Airbags | 13 | — |
| 2007 | Caution | 57 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Airbags | 13 | — |
| 2008 | Avoid | 86 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 2 | Electrical System | 13 | — |
| 2009 | No verdict | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 13 | — |
| 2010 | No verdict | 14 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Airbags | 13 | — |
| 2013 | Avoid | 93 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 2 ! | Engine | 16.5 | — |
| 2014 | No verdict | 21 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 16.5 | — |
| 2015 | No verdict | 36 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | 16.5 | — |
| 2016 | No verdict | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 16.5 | — |
| 2018 | Caution | 64 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 17 | — |
| 2019 | Avoid | 79 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 17 | — |
| 2020 | No verdict | 43 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 17 | — |
| 2021 | No verdict | 71 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Electrical System | 17 | — |
| 2022 | No verdict | 29 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 17 | — |
| 2025 | No verdict | 50 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 13.5 | — |
M5 years to avoid: what went wrong
2006 BMW M5 Index 100 · 39 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2006 M5 has the highest complaint total in the lineup, with airbags making up most of the reports. Owners describe airbag warning lights tied to a failed passenger occupancy sensor, meaning airbags would not deploy in a crash, with failures showing up at a median mileage of 55,100. Seat belt and transmission complaints follow, including SMG transmission failures to engage gear. NHTSA lists one recall for a battery cable connector issue. The combination of high complaint volume and safety-critical airbag failures places 2006 at the top of the avoid list.
2013 BMW M5 Index 93 · 10 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2013 M5 centers on engine problems, which made up most of its complaints, with failures reported at a median mileage of 37,000. Owners describe the engine stalling without warning and losing power steering and braking assist as a result, plus a brake-area fire reported at 16,000 miles. NHTSA lists two recalls, including a do-not-drive engine recall for an oil pump manufacturing tolerance error. That do-not-drive recall, combined with stall reports, drives the avoid verdict.
2008 BMW M5 Index 86 · 6 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2008 M5 shows electrical system and engine problems as the top concerns, with failures reported at a median mileage of 67,500. Owners describe headlight wiring that deteriorated and shorted out, sunroof drain clogs that let water reach electrical modules in the wheel well, and an engine fire reported while parking. NHTSA lists two recalls covering electrical system issues, including a taillight bulb carrier problem and the same battery cable connector defect as 2006. Fire reports in a low-complaint-count year push 2008 into avoid territory.
2019 BMW M5 Index 79 · 8 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2019 M5 shows engine complaints dominating the reports, with failures reported at a median mileage of 44,429.5. Owners describe coolant reservoir tanks leaking and damaging fuel injectors, sometimes requiring repeated tank replacements, along with a reported engine stall and check-engine light. NHTSA lists three recalls covering a transmission wiring harness short circuit, a back-up camera software issue, and a high pressure fuel pump problem. The mix of recurring engine complaints and multiple recalls places 2019 among the years to avoid.
Most common BMW M5 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Airbags34 (39%)
- Engine29 (33%)
- Electrical System12 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain12 (14%)
- Seat Belts10 (11%)
- Other7 (8%)
- Structure & Body7 (8%)
- Fuel System6 (7%)
- Steering5 (6%)
- Brakes4 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Which BMW M5 years should I avoid?
- NHTSA complaint and recall data flags 2006, 2008, 2013, and 2019 as the years to avoid, based on complaint index scores of 100, 86, 93, and 79 respectively, the highest among all M5 model years.
- What is the best year for the BMW M5?
- No BMW M5 year earns a Good or Best verdict because every model year is capped by recall campaigns. The lowest-risk years are 2007 and 2018, rated Caution.
- What are the most common problems on the BMW M5?
- Across all years, airbags account for 39% of complaints and engine issues account for 33%, followed by electrical system and transmission & powertrain problems each at 14%.
- Does the 2013 BMW M5 have a do-not-drive recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 12V475000 for the 2013 M5 is a do-not-drive recall covering an engine oil pump manufacturing defect.
- Is the 2019 BMW M5 reliable?
- The 2019 M5 is rated Avoid relative to other M5 years, with a complaint index of 79 and three recall campaigns, and engine complaints made up 75% of its reported issues.