The Lemon Index2021 BMW 5 Series.
The 2021 BMW 5 Series is better than average by owner complaints: 16 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 65, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 25 to 28 mpg combined. The best BMW 5 Series year is 2016.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 31 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW 5 Series year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 7K to 61K miles on the car (6 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 8
- transmission & drivetrain 2026
The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.
- electrical 2026
Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models.
- electrical 2025
The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Show all 8 recalls
- seat belts 2021
During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
- back over prevention 2021
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- transmission & drivetrain 2021
The output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.
- electrical 2020
The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
- back over prevention 2020
A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 198 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Service Action on certain Model Year 2019-2020 BMW Plug-In…
- Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care
- Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedDriveshaft to rear differential connection failure2026
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 5 Series 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 5 Series 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 530e 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 530e 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2850–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Car catch on fire and explode it with 2 ocupantes inside
2021 BMW 5 Series owner · NHTSA complaint 11596199
Quick answers
Is the 2021 BMW 5 Series reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 65; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW 5 Series year by this measure is 2016.
What are the most common 2021 BMW 5 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (19%), fuel or ev drive system (19%) and brakes (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW 5 Series have?
8 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 BMW 5 Series get?
25 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2021 BMW 5 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 BMW 5 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $2850 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 BMW 5 Series have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW 5 Series year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2016, 2015 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works