Last updated: 2026-03-04
BMW 5-Series Reliability by Year
The BMW 5-Series averages 66/100 across 7 model years, rated good.
BMW 5-Series Reliability Overview
The BMW 5-Series, covering model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 66 out of 100, indicating a generally good reliability reputation. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the air bags, electrical systems, and power trains, particularly in earlier model years, with repair costs rated at an average level. The vehicle shows improvement in later years with fewer complaints, suggesting it may be better suited for those prioritizing newer models with fewer reported issues.
Current generation: 8th gen (2024–2024).
Best & Worst BMW 5-Series Years
Best BMW 5-Series Years to Buy
The best BMW 5-Series year is 2025 with a reliability score of 71/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (70/100) and 2022 (68/100).
BMW 5-Series Years to Avoid
The worst BMW 5-Series year is 2018 with a score of 59/100, primarily due to air bags (62) issues.
See full BMW 5-Series years-to-avoid analysis →BMW 5-Series Reliability Score Trend
BMW 5-Series reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 69/100 compared to 63/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 71/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 BMW 5-Series
1 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 BMW 5-Series has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 BMW 5-Series.
2025 BMW 5-Series
5 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2025 BMW 5-Series has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2025 BMW 5-Series.
2023 BMW 5-Series
2 recalls · 7 complaints
The 2023 BMW 5-Series has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 7 owner complaints on file for the 2023 BMW 5-Series. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (2), Vehicle Speed Control (1), Electrical System (1).
2022 BMW 5-Series
3 recalls · 13 complaints
The 2022 BMW 5-Series has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 13 owner complaints on file for the 2022 BMW 5-Series. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (3), Power Train (2), Back Over Prevention (2).
2021 BMW 5-Series
8 recalls · 21 complaints
The 2021 BMW 5-Series has good reliability. There are 8 recalls and 21 owner complaints on file for the 2021 BMW 5-Series. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Service Brakes (3), Unknown Or Other (3).
2020 BMW 5-Series
7 recalls · 10 complaints
The 2020 BMW 5-Series has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 10 owner complaints on file for the 2020 BMW 5-Series. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (2), Steering (1), Engine (1).
2019 BMW 5-Series
11 recalls · 67 complaints
The 2019 BMW 5-Series has good reliability. There are 11 recalls and 67 owner complaints on file for the 2019 BMW 5-Series. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (13), Power Train (10), Electrical System (10).
2018 BMW 5-Series
17 recalls · 212 complaints
The 2018 BMW 5-Series has mixed reliability. There are 17 recalls and 212 owner complaints on file for the 2018 BMW 5-Series. Severity signals include 15 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (62), Electrical System (29), Engine (24).
BMW 5-Series Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3/5
BMW 5-Series Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable BMW Models
Compare all BMW models by reliability
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the BMW 5-Series reliable?
- The BMW 5-Series has good reliability with an average score of 66/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the BMW 5-Series?
- The best year for the BMW 5-Series is 2025 with a reliability score of 71/100, rated good. It has 5 recalls and 0 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 BMW 5-Series analysis →
- What are the BMW 5-Series years to avoid?
- The BMW 5-Series years to avoid include 2018 (59/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a BMW 5-Series?
- Annual maintenance cost estimates are not available for the BMW 5-Series. Based on its reliability score and complaint patterns, check individual year pages for repair cost details when available.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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