2021 BMW M5

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

1RecallsNHTSA Verified2ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
✓Good Reliability

This 2021 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the BMW brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

📋Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Fire
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.5)
    📝
    Summary:
Critical Component: Fire

Safety & Reliability Score

92/100
Excellent

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-0.1
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 BMW M5

Model Year2021
MakeBMW
ModelM5
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan21
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

1 complaints (50% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 2 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
1(50%)
🟢Low
1(50%)

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 20V598000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

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."

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
✓

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

2 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 M5.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Fire50%
Explode50%
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Car catch on fire and explode it with 2 ocupantes inside

Jun 24, 2024Resolved
Electrical🔵 Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE REVERSE BACKUP LIGHTS AND CAMERA IMAGE IS SO DIM AND LIMITED AS BE UNUSABLE AND VERY UNSAFE WHEN BACKING UP AT NIGHT IN DARKNESS. DEALER SERVICE COULD NOT FIX AS DESIGNED IN! I BELIEVE SAME SYSTEM USED ON ALL 2021 SERIES 5 CARS. LEFT CAR AT DEALER WITH FOBS AS I AM REFUSING THE CAR CANCELLING SALE AS HIDDEN DEFECT UNSAFE AND NOT FIXABLE PER DEALER SERVICE MGR. ATTACHED PHOTOS ARE ACTUALLY BRIGHTER THAN WHAT DRIVER SEES. VIEW IS FROM MY GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY TO BACKUP. RED TINT IS BREAK LIGHTS STRONGER THAN WEAK BACKUP LIGHTS ALL VERY ABNORMALLY DIM WITH VERY RESTRICTED ILLUMINATED VIEW.

Jan 1, 2021Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 BMW M5?

Yes, the 2021 BMW M5 has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA.

Is the 2021 BMW M5 safe to drive?

The 2021 BMW M5 has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 BMW M5 has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local BMW dealer.

📊Year-over-Year Context

📈Improving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2020 issues. Recall frequency decreased 67%.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Back over prevention

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

✅

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm back over prevention recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all back over prevention recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:20V598000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your BMW dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your BMW dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.
⚖️

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.