Last updated: 2026-10-10

BMW 5 Series vs Tesla Model S: Reliability Compared

More ReliableBMW 5 Series reliability comparison

BMW 5 Series

67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good
VS
Tesla Model S reliability comparison

Tesla Model S

41
MixedReliability score: 41 out of 100, rated Mixed

Choosing between the BMW 5 Series and the Tesla Model S? 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 BMW 5 Series currently leads with an average score of 67/100 compared to 41/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

Verdict

The BMW 5 Series is more reliable than the Tesla Model S, scoring 67/100 vs 41/100.

Key Differences

  1. 1BMW 5 Series has 173 fewer total recalls
  2. 2BMW 5 Series has 156.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  3. 3BMW 5 Series scores 26 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

3BMW 5 Series
—
0Tesla Model S
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

BMW 5 Series vs Tesla Model S: Which Is More Reliable?

BMW 5 Series vs Tesla Model S at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricBMW 5 SeriesTesla Model S
Reliability Score67/10041/100
Years Tracked88
Total Recalls54227
Complaints per 10k Sold3.9160
Year Wins70

What Are the Common Problems With the BMW 5 Series and Tesla Model S?

BMW 5 Series vs Tesla Model S common problem areas comparison
ComponentBMW 5 SeriesTesla Model S
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None34High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.4Very Low19.8High
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.1Very Low18.1High
STEERING—None17.8High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.4Very Low17.1High
SERVICE BRAKES0.1Very Low11.1Above Avg
SUSPENSION—None9.1Above Avg
AIR BAGS0.5Very Low3.4Average
POWER TRAIN0.2Very Low2.6Low
STRUCTURE—None2.5Low
LANE DEPARTURE—None1.9Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION—None1.1Low
ENGINE0.3Very Low—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None0.3Very Low
SEATS—None0.3Very Low
SEAT BELTS0.1Very Low—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.1Very Low—None
FUEL SYSTEM0.1Very Low—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING0.1Very Low—None
WHEELS—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

How Does BMW 5 Series vs Tesla Model S Reliability Compare by Year?

BMW 5 Series vs Tesla Model S year-by-year reliability scores
YearBMW 5 SeriesTesla Model SEdge
202571/1005R / 0C50/1007R / 94CBMW 5 Series
202370/1002R / 7C32/10043R / 1307CBMW 5 Series
202268/1003R / 13C44/10018R / 796CBMW 5 Series
202166/1008R / 21C26/10067R / 1211CBMW 5 Series
202067/1007R / 10C37/10043R / 465CBMW 5 Series
201962/10011R / 67C48/10014R / 120CBMW 5 Series
201859/10017R / 212C46/10016R / 297CBMW 5 Series

Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 BMW 5 Series scored 70/100 and the 2019 Tesla Model S scored 48/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.

BMW 5 Series vs Tesla Model S: Common Questions

Is the BMW 5 Series more reliable than the Tesla Model S?
Based on our data, the BMW 5 Series is more reliable with an average score of 67/100 compared to 41/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the BMW 5 Series or the Tesla Model S?
The Tesla Model S has more recalls (227) compared to the BMW 5 Series (54). 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 Tesla Model S?
Adjusted for sales volume, the BMW 5 Series has a lower complaint rate at 3.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 160 for the Tesla Model S. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Related Reliability Comparisons

Decided between BMW 5 Series and Tesla Model S? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the BMW 5 Series and Tesla Model S

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue