1 recall and 3 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW M5.
1
recalls
3
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire
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.
2021 BMW M5 recalls
Back over prevention: sensing system, camera
NHTSA campaign 20V598000 · reported September 30, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC · 312 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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."
The risk
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix
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.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Electrical system1
Engine1
Exterior lighting1
Fuel/propulsion system1
Power train1
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Oct 15, 2026 · Engine
BMW Federal Emissions Recall Campaign - Delivery Stop: Replace Coolant Expansion Tank [B170324] The manufacturer's recall remedy replaces a defective, heat-compromised plastic coolant reservoir with an identical plastic component that is subject to the exact same thermal fatigue and catastrophic failure. I had the…
Jun 24, 2024 · Electrical system · fire reported
Car catch on fire and explode it with 2 ocupantes inside
Jan 1, 2021 · Exterior lighting · 400 miles
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…
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 BMW M5, the most recent reported on September 30, 2020 (Back over prevention: sensing system, camera). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW M5?
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (1 complaints), followed by engine (1).
How many 2021 BMW M5 complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 3 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 15, 2026.