2021 BMW M5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2021 BMW M5 has a complaint index of 71, ranking 5th worst out of 15 model years with data. NHTSA lists 2 complaints, 1 fire report, and 1 recall covering the rearview camera software.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 71/100
- #5 of 15 M5 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 2
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 15 city / 21 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 BMW M5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System2 (100%)
- Fuel System1 (50%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (50%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Backup camera image appears too dim and limited to be usable when reversing at night.
- The electrical fault affecting the rearview display was reported at a median mileage of 400 miles, suggesting an early-life defect.
- A dealer reportedly could not resolve the dim camera image despite attempting a fix.
- One owner described the issue as unsafe and declined to accept the vehicle because of it.
2021 BMW M5 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V598000Sep 30, 2020Collision Avoidance & Cameras312 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2021 BMW M5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15 MPG
- Highway
- 21 MPG
- Combined
- 17 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,700
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other M5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 BMW M5 reliable based on NHTSA data?
- NHTSA shows a complaint index of 71 for the 2021 M5, ranking 5th worst among 15 model years with data. Only 2 complaints and 1 recall are on file, mostly tied to the Electrical System.
- Does the 2021 BMW M5 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 20V598000) covers rearview camera software that BMW dealers reprogram at no listed cost detail. It affects several 2020-2021 BMW models including the M5.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 BMW M5?
- The Electrical System accounts for 100% of the complaints filed for this model year, including a dim, unusable backup camera image reported at 400 miles.
- How does the 2021 M5 compare to other M5 years?
- With a complaint index of 71, the 2021 M5 ranks worse than most other years, though 2006 (index 100), 2008 (86), 2013 (93), and 2019 (79) score higher and carry Avoid verdicts.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 BMW M5?
- EPA rates the 2021 M5 at 17 mpg combined (15 city / 21 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,700.