Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2005 BMW 5 Series recalls
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery, cables
NHTSA campaign 12V126000 · reported March 26, 2012 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 367,682 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
- The risk
- Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
- The fix
- Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum
NHTSA campaign 10V446000 · reported October 1, 2010 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 198,352 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
- The risk
- Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on november 24, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bags: frontal
NHTSA campaign 08V384000 · reported August 5, 2008 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 200,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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. Depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the mat. If this occurs, the front passenger air bags, with the exception of the head protection system, will be deactivated and the air bag warning lamp as well as the passenger air bag "on-off" lamp will be illuminated.
- The risk
- In this situation the front passenger air bags will not deploy even if a sufficiently severe accident would occur and occupant protection provided by the system would not be possible.
- The fix
- Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall began on november 6, 2008. Bmw will also extend the warranty on these vehicles to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
Power train: automatic transmission
NHTSA campaign 05V504000 · reported November 1, 2005 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 240 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.
- The risk
- This could cause the parking lock system not to engage, after the transmission is placed in the park ("p") position. If the vehicle was parked on an incline, and the parking brake was not engaged, this could result in a vehicle rollaway condition.
- The fix
- Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate free of charge. The recall began on november 30, 2005. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-332-4269.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Apr 28, 2017 · Service brakes · 80,000 miles · crash reported
THERE ARE 3 RECALLS REPORTED FOR MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL OF A CAR I JUST PURCHASED THAT AT GIVING ME PROBLEMS AND I'M RECEIVING WARNING MESSAGES ON MY NAVIGATION BUT MY VIN IS NOT REGISTERING WITH DEALERSHIP FOR BEING ELIGIBLE FOR RESOLUTION PLEASE REPLY BACK WITH STEPS TO REPAIR
Jan 11, 2016 · Electrical system · 177,777 miles
BMW I-DRIVE CUTS OUT WHILE DRIVING, AND BLINKS OR REBOOTS. WHILE DRIVING HOME IT CUT OUT, AND WOULD NOT STOP BLINKING. THIS DISTRACTION AND MALFUNCTION IS DANGEROUS.
Mar 25, 2015 · Seat belts · 29,500 miles
ON THE MORNING OF 3/18/2015 AT 8 AM. I STARTED THE CAR AND RECEIVED A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING ON THE DISPLAY. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE.
Mar 19, 2015 · Air bags · 71,000 miles
TL CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 5-SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). THE…
Aug 26, 2014 · Power train
TRANSMISSION JERKS AS IF YOU ARE MISSING A SPARK OR IT IS TRYING TO FIND A HIGHER OR LOWER GEAR WHILE CRUISING IN TRAFFIC BETWEEN 32-40 MPH.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 28, 2017.