Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 BMW 5 Series Reliability Report
The 2021 BMW 5-Series rates good for reliability, but owners report brake assist that cuts out suddenly after startup.
Recalls
8
Complaints
21
Complaint Rate
8.6per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$968
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,450–$4,050
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Middle of the pack for the 5-Series, with sudden brake assist loss and more recalls than the 2020 or 2022 models.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- SERVICE BRAKES (3)
- AIR BAGS (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
- Year 5 in the Seventh generation (G30) (2017–2023).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 7th generation 5 Series (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2017: Seventh generation (G30) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2021 BMW 5 Series?
Reliability is good, but it falls below average among 2021 sedans. Within the 5-Series, this year sits in the middle of eight scored model years. The 2020 and 2022 models rate about the same, so 2021 is level with its neighbors. Owners filed 21 complaints, and federal recall records list 8 recalls, one of them a park-outside fire-risk recall.
Brakes are the biggest worry. Owners describe brake assist vanishing right after startup, leaving a pedal that barely slows the car. Dealers traced it to a failing oil/vacuum pump. Some owners say their cars fell outside the recall and paid for the repair, with one quote of $4587 at 45,000 miles. Others report a passenger airbag fault code that stays on, quoted at $2700, and gasoline fumes inside the cabin.
Ask for the recall history by VIN and confirm the brake, electrical and fire-risk work was done. Scan for stored restraint and EVAP codes. The 2022 had fewer recalls, so compare it.
Compared to the 2022 BMW 5 Series, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2020 BMW 5 Series for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 21 complaints reported
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Heavy white smoke and flames can appear from under the hood with no warning... (4 complaints)
- −SERVICE BRAKES: Brake assist disappears suddenly, often right after startup, leaving a pedal... (3 complaints)
- −1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
- −Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued
Compare 2021 BMW 5 Series With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 8 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- SERVICE BRAKES (3)
Recall Overview
8
recalls on record
The 2021 BMW 5 Series has 8 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
8.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 BMW 5 Series Recall Details
8 recalls have been issued for the 2021 BMW 5 Series. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
Consequence
Fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Consequence
A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 14, 2025.
SEAT BELTS
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).
Buying a used 2021 BMW 5 Series? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 BMW 5 Series, and 8 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 BMW 5 Series NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
BMW 5 SeriesRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$968
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2021 BMW 5 Series Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement | $161 – $354 |
| Hood Release Cable Replacement | $257 – $331 |
| Window Regulator Replacement | $644 – $773 |
| Brake Light Switch Replacement | $121 – $157 |
| Body Control Module Replacement | $724 – $817 |
| Fuel Level Sending Unit Replacement | $1,780 – $1,845 |
| Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement | $237 – $279 |
| Powertrain Control Module Replacement | $544 – $594 |
| Heater Core Replacement | $1,741 – $2,421 |
| Fuel Evaporative Canister Replacement | $800 – $870 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
17–28 MPG
Running cost: $3,400–$5,000/yr
Fuel + repair
15–25 city / 21–33 hwy MPG
Plug-in Hybrid
25–27 MPG
Running cost: $3,500–$3,700/yr
Fuel + repair
22–25 city / 28–32 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 530i 2.0L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,450 |
| 540i xDrive 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,650 |
| M550i xDrive 4.4L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,450 |
| M5 4.4L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,050 |
| M5 Competition 4.4L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,050 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 530e 2.0L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,650 |
| 530e xDrive 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,750 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 BMW 5 Series.
Check the VIN in federal recall records and confirm recall 25V636000 is completed or its part is available.
Ask whether recall 21V-598 covers this VIN and request any oil/vacuum pump repair records.
Press the brake firmly right after a cold start; a hard pedal with weak stopping means lost brake boost.
Scan for stored codes, especially brake booster pressure switch, passenger restraint and EVAP faults.
Confirm the airbag light goes out after startup and inspect the steering wheel airbag cover edges for folding.
Sit in the cabin with the engine running and after a drive, and smell for gasoline fumes.
Back out near passing traffic and confirm rear cross traffic alert warns early, not at the last moment.
Test remote start, key fob, sunroof, exterior lights and speakers for intermittent failures.
2021 BMW 5 Series Common Problems by Component
21 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsSafety-relatedHeavy white smoke and flames can appear from under the hood with no warning light or dashboard alert beforehand. One of the 4 complaints involves a fire. Other reports blame a battery management problem for a string of faults: a soft brake pedal that has to be pushed to the floor, emergency braking that engages without warning, auto start acting on its own, and lighting, speaker, sunroof, remote start and key fob failures. Several owners hold notices for recall 25V636000 but say dealers report the repair part is not yet available.
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsSafety-relatedBrake assist disappears suddenly, often right after startup, leaving a pedal that barely slows the car. Dealers trace the fault to an oil/vacuum pump failing internally, with a brake booster pressure switch code and no brake boost. Recall 21V-598 addresses this pump failure, but owners report their cars fall outside it and pay for repairs, with one dealer quote of $4587 at 45,000 miles. One crash report describes unintended acceleration and total brake failure with no warning lights and no collision avoidance or ABS response.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsSafety-relatedBrakes go unresponsive at parking speed, and the car will not shift into park. In one crash report the idling car rolls through a wall and stops only after the engine is shut off, with no warning lights beforehand and a dealer unable to reproduce the fault. The other complaints are not mechanical failures. One concerns resale and trade-in offers that dealers lower because of a recall. Another says heavy accelerator pedal resistance and seat design cause leg pain and numbness while driving.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsA passenger restraint fault code comes on and stays on, and owners worry the airbag and seat belt will not work in a crash. The code appears within 3 months of ownership in one report, and the quoted repair is $2700 at the owner's expense because no recall covers it. A separate problem involves the steering wheel airbag's leather cover folding in at the edge and widening the gap to the wheel at about 18,000 miles. The dealer blames poor cover quality and recommends replacing the airbag.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsGasoline fumes leak into the cabin, and one owner reports nausea, drowsiness and vomiting, with clothing and the car's interior holding a gas smell. A separate complaint describes an EVAP system failure confirmed by diagnostic scan, with the check engine light on and no recall available to cover it. Both reports involve fuel vapor rather than drivability problems, and neither describes stalling or loss of power.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsRear cross traffic alert gives no warning, visual or audible, when vehicles or pedestrians approach while backing up. When it does respond, the alert comes too late to help, only once something is already close to the car. The problem repeats rather than happening once. Dealers sometimes confirm the system is not working and later say they cannot find a fault or a fix, so owners are left without a repair.
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 BMW 530I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with motor mount failure. There was an abnormal pulling sound detected. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact spoke with two experts and was informed that the failure should not have occurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 BMW 540I. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the front and rear passenger’s and driver’s side seat belts failed to detach after being connected. The contact stated that he forced the rear passenger’s side seat belt to detach with a screwdriver. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer stated that candy was lodged in the buckle. The contact stated that the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintIntermittent vibration at highway speeds. Brought to the BMW dealership and they stated the right front wheel was out of round. I never hit a pothole or anything that would cause damage. The dealer "repaired" the wheel, but the problem still exists. Brought the vehicle back and am now told that BMW has started offering non-run flat tires on new cars. I feel that the run flat tires coupled with the low-profile wheels could be the issue. Also, feel that the wheels are poorly made and are prone to being warped.
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 BMW 530i. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the sunroof exploded and glass entered into the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the weather. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Best & Worst BMW 5 Series Years
Best BMW 5 Series Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreBMW 5 Series Years to Avoid
BMW 5 Series Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
| 2026 | 71/100 | Good |
BMW 5 Series Reliability Compared to Other Years
2021 BMW 5 Series Common Questions
10 questions from 2021 BMW 5 Series owners.
Ignition trouble
If i replace the ignition switch does that include the cylinder tumbler in it,it was thought possibly the cylinder tumbler might need replacing since key will only turn just a little A few days
When turning key car wont start or click on solenoid.
1996 BMW Z3. Is there a relay that controls the starter? all fuses are fine. I replaced the starter and car still wont start or click! Car won't start More than a week
Crank no start
I started my car the other morning and it was about 29° outside. When I started it there was a loud pop under the hood. The car kept running so I drove it about 40 miles. Later that afternoon I went to leave and it would crank but no start I went and bought a battery and it started so I went back home. It's been 3 weeks and it still won't start. Now it's a slow rough crank with no start More than a week
2006 BMW X3 3.0i Coolant leak
Coolant leak-even when car is not running. Have replaced the coolant reservoir, the mounting plate for the reservoir and radiator, the heater control valve and the oil cooler have been replaced. It’s still just dousing the coolant out. Not a drop leak more consistent stream. I’m at a loss for what to do. Leaks regardless of engine on or off A few days
Oil leaking
When driving car smokes on and off I was told it could be valve cover gasket it gas been sitting for 2 months and now is hard to start More than a month
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 BMW 5-Series reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW 5-Series?
Does the 2021 BMW 5-Series have brake problems?
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW 5-Series have?
Is the 2021 BMW 5-Series better than the 2020 or 2022?
Don’t buy a 2021 BMW 5 Series without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 BMW 5 Series
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 BMW 5 Series does best on how many systems draw complaints (81/100) and worst on recall impact (57/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the BMW 5 Series.
No spam. Only data updates for this model.
Browse More BMW Models
BMW 2 Series
Score: 70/100
BMW 3 Series
Score: 76/100
BMW 4 Series
Score: 64/100
BMW X1
Score: 74/100
BMW X3
Score: 65/100
BMW X5
Score: 56/100
Browse More 2021 Vehicles
2021 Lexus ES
Score: 88/100
2021 Kia Sedona
Score: 88/100
2021 Honda HR-V
Score: 86/100
2021 Lexus RX
Score: 86/100
2021 Nissan Frontier
Score: 84/100
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander
Score: 84/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue