2019 BMW 5-Series Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners report several airbag-related issues with the 2019 BMW 5-Series. Commonly described problems include passenger restraint system malfunctions, which prevent airbags from deploying and are not always covered under warranty. Multiple complaints detail instances where airbags fail to deploy during crashes, with some incidents occurring at mileage as low as 15,000 to 18,000 miles. Crashes mentioned involve both frontal and side collisions, with one resulting in a concussion and another involving injuries to a passenger. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, particularly regarding airbag deployment and restraint system reliability.

Owners of the 2019 BMW 5-Series frequently report issues with the oil filter housing, particularly noting that it is prone to cracking and leaking, which can result in engine overheating and potential fire hazards. Complaints typically describe symptoms such as low coolant or oil level warnings and visible coolant leaks, often occurring around 42,000 to 60,000 miles. In one instance, a fire was reported when smoke and flames appeared from under the hood, leading to the vehicle's destruction. Additionally, some owners mention excessive oil consumption. These issues highlight potential safety risks and maintenance concerns that prospective buyers should consider.

Owners of the 2019 BMW 5-Series frequently report issues with condensation and moisture in the headlights, particularly after heavy rain or in moist weather. Complaints describe that this can lead to headlight failure, with one owner noting that the issue affected both the driver and passenger sides within months, and another mentioning visibility hazards due to beam projection issues. Affected vehicles are often out of warranty, with repairs costing several thousand dollars. Additionally, a specific complaint highlights a failure in the daytime running light module due to improper cooling, leading to melting of the light tube, which is not replaceable separately and requires a costly full assembly replacement. These issues are reported at mileages as low as 3,000, with potential safety implications concerning visibility and compliance with state inspections.

Owners of the 2019 BMW 5-Series report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving failures of the automatic braking system and brake pedal responsiveness. Complaints frequently mention that the automatic braking system either activates unexpectedly or fails to engage when approaching obstacles, contributing to two reported crashes, one of which resulted in an injury. Typical symptoms include abnormal sounds when the brake pedal is depressed, and in some cases, a lack of warning lights despite brake failure. These issues are noted to occur intermittently, with one report indicating a failure at approximately 31,000 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these safety implications, as the described problems could lead to loss of control or collisions.

Owners of the 2019 BMW 5-Series report issues with vehicle speed control, with complaints highlighting two main problems: unintended acceleration and unexpected deceleration. One owner describes the vehicle accelerating on its own without pressing the accelerator pedal, especially concerning when parked, while others report sudden deceleration from highway speeds to 35-40 mph without driver input. Symptoms often occur without prior warning lights or messages, although one owner did note a backseat seatbelt warning light when no passengers were present. These issues pose significant safety risks, including potential loss of control in traffic, but no crashes are reported. The throttle body actuator is identified as faulty in one case, suggesting a possible mechanical cause, although mileage details are not consistently mentioned in the complaints.

Owners of the 2019 BMW 5-Series report issues with the forward collision avoidance system activating unexpectedly. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle braking abruptly without any obstacles present, occurring both on surface streets and at highway speeds around 50 mph. This issue is described in clear, dry weather conditions, suggesting no external factors influencing the system's activation. There are no reports of crashes, but owners note the potential for rear-end collisions due to sudden stops. These incidents occur while the vehicle is still under warranty, but dealers reportedly cannot identify a problem, which may be a consideration for used car buyers evaluating this model's safety features.

Owners of the 2019 BMW 5-Series report issues related to steering, primarily involving steering wheel lock-ups and electronic steering failures. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle veering unexpectedly, with one owner describing the car veering into oncoming traffic due to a locked steering wheel. Another owner reports a loss of power steering accompanied by multiple warning lights and system failures, including disabled safety features like pedestrian and collision warnings. Both incidents occurred at relatively low mileage, suggesting early onset of these issues. The loss of steering control and disabled safety systems present potential safety risks, particularly in scenarios requiring prompt vehicular response.