Last updated: 2026-05-15

BMW 5-Series vs Lexus ES: Reliability Compared

BMW 5-Series reliability comparison

BMW 5-Series

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableLexus ES reliability comparison

Lexus ES

83
ExcellentReliability score: 83 out of 100, rated Excellent

Choosing between the BMW 5-Series and the Lexus ES? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Lexus ES currently leads with an average score of 83/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the BMW 5-Series and Lexus ES Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the BMW 5-Series is in its eighth generation (G60), introduced in 2024. Being relatively new, this generation may still be addressing early production issues typical of new platforms. In contrast, the Lexus ES is in its seventh generation (XZ10), which began in 2019. The ES had a facelift in 2021, suggesting it is in a mature phase within its cycle, often associated with improved reliability as initial issues are ironed out. For reliability-conscious buyers, the Lexus ES may offer a more stable choice due to its established platform, whereas the BMW 5-Series might still be refining its latest design.

Verdict

The Lexus ES is more reliable than the BMW 5-Series, scoring 83/100 vs 66/100.

The Lexus ES demonstrates superior reliability compared to the BMW 5-Series, with an average reliability score of 83/100 versus 66/100. The Lexus has had only 15 recalls over eight years, significantly fewer than the BMW's 54. Additionally, while BMW reports 3.9 owner complaints per 10,000 units sold, Lexus has a lower total complaint count of 95, despite the lack of normalization data. Key differentiators include the BMW's higher recall history and complaint rate, making the Lexus ES a more dependable choice in the midsize sedan segment.

Key Differences

  1. 1Lexus ES has 39 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Lexus ES scores 17 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

0BMW 5-Series
—
2Lexus ES
Reliability ScoreTotal Recalls

BMW 5-Series vs Lexus ES: Which Is More Reliable?

BMW 5-Series vs Lexus ES at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricBMW 5-SeriesLexus ES
Reliability Score66/10083/100
Years Tracked88
Total Recalls5415
Total ComplaintsRaw count — varies with sales volume33095
Year Wins07

What Are the Common Problems With the BMW 5-Series and Lexus ES?

The BMW 5-Series experiences a higher volume of complaints compared to the Lexus ES, with a notable concentration in air bags and electrical system issues, which include a significant number of crash-linked incidents. The BMW's air bag complaints alone account for 45 cases, with 5 linked to crashes, indicating a potential safety concern. Meanwhile, the Lexus ES, although having fewer overall complaints, shows a similar pattern with air bag issues also being the most crash-linked category, but with substantially less volume. Both models reveal service brake problems that are crash-linked, yet the BMW 5-Series presents a broader distribution of issues across its systems, suggesting a more complex reliability profile.

BMW 5-Series vs Lexus ES common problem areas comparison
ComponentBMW 5-SeriesLexus ES
AIR BAGS458
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM334
UNKNOWN OR OTHER316
ENGINE236
POWER TRAIN173
SERVICE BRAKES95
SEAT BELTS11—
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL72
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM27
EXTERIOR LIGHTING6—
STEERING5—
BACK OVER PREVENTION4—
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4—
STRUCTURE22
FUEL SYSTEM—3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2—
LANE DEPARTURE—2
TIRES—2
WHEELS—2

Raw complaint counts aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports. Counts vary with sales volume.

How Does BMW 5-Series vs Lexus ES Reliability Compare by Year?

BMW 5-Series vs Lexus ES year-by-year reliability scores
YearBMW 5-SeriesLexus ESEdge
202571/1005R / 0C83/1001R / 4CLexus ES
202370/1002R / 7C80/1004R / 18CLexus ES
202268/1003R / 13C88/1000R / 16CLexus ES
202166/1008R / 21C88/1000R / 0CLexus ES
202067/1007R / 10C83/1001R / 5CLexus ES
201962/10011R / 67C78/1003R / 33CLexus ES
201859/10017R / 212C80/1002R / 10CLexus ES

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 BMW 5-Series scored 71/100 and the 2022 Lexus ES scored 88/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the BMW 5-Series vs the Lexus ES?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Lexus ES is your best bet. With a higher reliability score of 83/100 and significantly fewer recalls (15 compared to BMW's 54), the Lexus ES promises a more dependable ownership experience. The lower number of owner complaints further underscores its reputation for reliability. This makes the Lexus ES an ideal choice for those who value a trouble-free car ownership journey. On the other hand, if you are drawn to performance and brand prestige, the BMW 5-Series might still appeal to you despite its lower reliability score of 66/100. Be mindful of the higher number of recalls and owner complaints per 10,000 sold (3.9), which may translate to more frequent visits to the service center. Consider this option if you are willing to trade some reliability for the driving dynamics and luxury associated with the BMW brand.

BMW 5-Series vs Lexus ES: Common Questions

Is the BMW 5-Series more reliable than the Lexus ES?
Based on our data, the Lexus ES is more reliable with an average score of 83/100 compared to 66/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the BMW 5-Series or the Lexus ES?
The BMW 5-Series has more recalls (54) compared to the Lexus ES (15). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the BMW 5-Series or the Lexus ES?
The Lexus ES has fewer owner complaints (95) versus 330 for the BMW 5-Series. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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