The Lemon IndexBMW 5 Series recalls.
Every NHTSA recall campaign for the 2000–2025 BMW 5 Series, newest first. Each one is listed once, with the model years it covers.
Check a VIN to see that car's model-year report and recalls.
Illustrations (AI-generated) of the cars shown, not photos of specific cars. Free to use under CC BY 4.0: credit The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Download and credit text
Park-it warnings 4
NHTSA flagged these: don't drive the car, or park it outside, until the fix is done.
- Engine · recall issued Nov 2026 · model years 2012–2016 Park outside New: most likely still open
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
720,796 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 26V733000
- Electrical · recall issued Sep 2025 · model years 2020–2022 Park outside
The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
199,674 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 25V636000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2019 · model years 2000–2003 Park it: don't drive
This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel.
157,549 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V015000
- Airbags · recall issued May 2015 · model years 2002–2003 Park it: don't drive
The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusio.
419,235 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 15V318000
Every recall 57
5 filed in the last 12 months. A new recall has had the least time to be fixed, so it's the one most likely still open on a used car.
- Engine · recall issued Nov 2026 · model years 2012–2016 Park outside New: most likely still open
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
720,796 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 26V733000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Aug 2026 · model years 2021–2023 New: most likely still open
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.
39,144 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 26V525000
- Brakes · recall issued Jul 2026 · model year 2024 New: most likely still open
The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
428 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 26V422000
- Electrical · recall issued Feb 2026 · model year 2025 New: most likely still open
The electrical wiring harness for the air conditioning system may become damaged during replacement of the cabin air filter.
58,713 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 26V096000
- Electrical · recall issued Jan 2026 · model years 2021–2024 New: most likely still open
Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models.
87,394 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 26V056000
- Electrical · recall issued Sep 2025 · model years 2020–2022 Park outside
The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
199,674 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 25V636000
- Stability control · recall issued Oct 2024 · model year 2024
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
11,579 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V739000
- Stability control · recall issued Sep 2024 · model year 2024
Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models.
309 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V697000
Show all 57 recalls
- Engine · recall issued Aug 2024 · model years 2012–2016
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
720,796 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V608000
- Airbags · recall issued Jul 2024 · model year 2014
Please see the recall report for the complete list of models.
1,145 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V527000
- Stability control · recall issued Feb 2024 · model years 2024–2025
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years.
266,716 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V104000
- Electrical · recall issued Oct 2023 · model year 2024
The ground connection to the steering wheel may not have been attached correctly, resulting in an inoperative hands-on detection system.
12,296 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 23V700000
- Engine · recall issued Mar 2022 · model years 2006, 2008
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
917,106 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 22V119000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Feb 2022 · model year 2022
The mechatronics unit inside the transmission may not have been assembled properly, which could result in an internal leak.
4 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 22V070000
- Fuel system, diesel · recall issued Nov 2021 · model year 2014
The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
50,404 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V907000
- Engine · recall issued Aug 2021 · model year 2020
During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist.
50,024 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V598000
- Fuel system, diesel · recall issued Jul 2021 · model year 2014
The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
11,216 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V586000
- Seat belts · recall issued Jul 2021 · model year 2021
During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
21,537 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V554000
- Back over prevention · recall issued Feb 2021 · model years 2020–2021
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.
13,858 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V096000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Feb 2021 · model years 2020–2021
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.
28 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V046000
- Electrical · recall issued Dec 2020 · model year 2021
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.
812 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V761000
- Back over prevention · recall issued Sep 2020 · model years 2020–2021
A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured.
312 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V598000
- Airbags · recall issued Apr 2020 · model years 2017–2018
Prior exposure to excessive levels of humidity within the driver and passenger head air bag inflators may affect the proper deployment of the head air bags.
33 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V243000
- Back over prevention · recall issued Sep 2019 · model years 2018–2020
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
257,473 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V684000
- Engine · recall issued Apr 2019 · model year 2006
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
184,505 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V273000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2019 · model years 2000–2003 Park it: don't drive
This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel.
157,549 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V015000
- Engine · recall issued Oct 2018 · model year 2014
If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot.
44,368 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V755000
- Equipment · recall issued Sep 2018 · model years 2018–2019
Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
3,501 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V652000
- Engine · recall issued Jul 2018 · model year 2018
The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall.
5,309 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V465000
- Engine · recall issued Oct 2017 · model years 2007–2011
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
740,561 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 17V683000
- Airbags · recall issued Jul 2017 · model year 2006
The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
2,158 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 17V428000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Feb 2017 · model year 2011
The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
8,752 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 17V067000
- Airbags · recall issued Dec 2016 · model year 2016
The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
3,506 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V914000
- Airbags · recall issued Nov 2016 · model year 2011
The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit.
91 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V832000
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued Oct 2016 · model years 2011–2012
The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimpe.
136,188 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V746000
- Seat belts · recall issued Oct 2016 · model year 2016
The vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism of the seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for the driver's seat may not lock as designed.
15,455 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V747000
- Child seat · recall issued Oct 2015 · model year 2016
As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems.".
7,162 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 15V718000
- Airbags · recall issued May 2015 · model years 2002–2003 Park it: don't drive
The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusio.
419,235 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 15V318000
- Lights · recall issued Mar 2015 · model years 2013–2014
The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light.
13,443 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 15V188000
- Brakes · recall issued Oct 2014 · model years 2012–2013
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
8,988 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 14V627000
- Engine · recall issued Apr 2014 · model year 2011
In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing f.
156,137 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 14V176000
- Airbags · recall issued Nov 2013 · model years 2006–2007
The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue an.
76,565 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V564000
- Brakes · recall issued Sep 2013 · model years 2012–2013
Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
76,191 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V454000
- Lights · recall issued Sep 2013 · model years 2008–2010
Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or mo…
134,100 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V407000
- Engine · recall issued Aug 2012 · model years 2006, 2008
A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink.
585 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 12E029000
- Electrical · recall issued Mar 2012 · model years 2006, 2008
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES.
367,682 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 12V126000
- Brakes · recall issued Oct 2010 · model years 2006, 2008
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES.
198,352 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 10V446000
- Airbags · recall issued Aug 2008 · model year 2006
BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- Suspension · recall issued Jul 2006 · model year 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOWER RUBBER MOUNT OF THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY NOT ADHERE CORRECTLY TO ITS HOUSING WITHIN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.
- Suspension · recall issued May 2006 · model year 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NUTS WHICH SECURE THE FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT TO THE FRONT WHEEL HUB MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Nov 2005 · model year 2006
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
- Airbags · recall issued Oct 2003 · model year 2001
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A MICROPROCESSOR IN THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE, WHICH ACTIVATES THE FRONT AIR BAGS, THE SIDE AIR BAGS, THE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONERS, AND THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL, MAY HAVE A …
- Engine · recall issued May 2002 · model year 2001
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED.
- Suspension · recall issued Feb 2002 · model year 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE STRUT MOUNT MANUFACTURING PROCESS, THE THRUST BEARING WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONS AND SECURED.
- Tires · recall issued Nov 2001 · model year 2002
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: DURING THE TIRE MOUNTING PROCESS ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH STANDARD (NON-SPORT) SUSPENSION AND EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTITOURINGCONTACT CH95 ECOPLUS TIRES, SIZE 225/65R16 95H, HAV…
- Engine · recall issued Jun 2001 · model year 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- Lights · recall issued Feb 2000 · model year 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Recalls by model year. Campaigns that cover each year.
Tap a year for its problems, complaints and Lemon Index.
What they fix. Campaigns by system.
Is one open on your 5 Series?
A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car. NHTSA's public recall data works by make, model and year, so these lists cover every car of that model year, not one VIN. Whether a recall was already fixed on a particular car is in the automaker's records: type the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask any dealer of that brand. The repair is free.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Questions
How many recalls does the BMW 5 Series have?
57 recall campaigns across model years 2000–2025, from NHTSA. Many campaigns cover several model years; counted once for every model year they cover (the way each year's page counts them), that's 99.
Which BMW 5 Series year has the most recalls?
The 2006, with 11 campaigns. 2021: 8, 2014: 7, 2024: 6.
What are most BMW 5 Series recalls about?
Engine: 12 of the 57 campaigns. Then airbags (10) and electrical (6).
What is the newest BMW 5 Series recall?
Engine, filed Nov 2026 (NHTSA 26V733000): An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
What is the biggest BMW 5 Series recall?
NHTSA 22V119000 (engine, Mar 2022) covers 917,106 vehicles in all, every model in that campaign. An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
How do I check if my BMW 5 Series has an open recall?
Use its VIN: type it at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask any BMW dealer. Our VIN check decodes it and lists every recall for that model year. Recall repairs are free.
BMW 5 Series: problems and best years · All BMW recalls · Recall check
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns (api.nhtsa.gov), matched to the model names owners use in NHTSA complaints. Vehicle counts and the "park it" warnings come from NHTSA's recall file, which starts in 2010, so older recalls have no count. A campaign's count covers every make and model in it.
Know someone with a 5 Series?