The Lemon Index2022 BMW 5 Series.
The 2022 BMW 5 Series is better than average by owner complaints: 13 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 50, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, it has 4 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 20 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW 5 Series year. 2022 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.
Recalls 4
- 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 4 recalls
- transmission & drivetrain 2022
The mechatronics unit inside the transmission may not have been assembled properly, which could result in an internal leak.
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 77 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Information updated about engine oil filter cap drain plug
- BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Service Action on certain Model Year 2019-2020 BMW Plug-In…
- The sound output intermittently drops out entirely
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.
Quick answers
Is the 2022 BMW 5 Series reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 50; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW 5 Series year by this measure is 2016.
What are the most common 2022 BMW 5 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (38%), backup camera (23%) and airbags (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2022 BMW 5 Series have?
4 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 2022 BMW 5 Series get?
25 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2022 BMW 5 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2022 BMW 5 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $2850 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2022 BMW 5 Series have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW 5 Series year is better than the 2022?
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