The Lemon Index2023 BMW 5 Series.
The 2023 BMW 5 Series has too few complaints to score: 9 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 25 to 28 mpg combined. The best BMW 5 Series year is 2016.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 9 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW 5 Series year. 2023 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 2
- 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.
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 65 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care
- Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension
- Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 5 Series Hybrid Sedan 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 5 Series Hybrid Sedan 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 5 Series Sedan 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 5 Series Sedan 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 2023 BMW 5 Series reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 9 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2023 BMW 5 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (33%), brakes (22%) and backup camera (22%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 BMW 5 Series have?
2 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 2023 BMW 5 Series get?
25 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2023 BMW 5 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2023 BMW 5 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $2850 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 BMW 5 Series have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW 5 Series year is better than the 2023?
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