Last updated: 2026-10-10

BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series Years to Avoid

8 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 67/100

Skip the 2018 model year. Its owners report failing passenger seat sensors that trigger airbag warnings, coolant loss from a cracked oil filter housing, and rear defroster wiring behind fire reports. The 2023 is the year to buy, with far fewer complaints and a few years on the road.

Verdict

Avoid
2018 59/100
Buy
2023 70/100
Model average
67/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

BMW 5 Series Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the BMW 5 Series average of 67/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201859/100Mixed17212Air Bags (62)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

59
MixedReliability score: 59 out of 100, rated Mixed

2018 BMW 5 Series

Air bag complaints lead for 2018. A "Passenger restraint system malfunction" warning is traced to the passenger seat occupancy sensor or mat, and dealers say it can keep that airbag from deploying. Repairs can top $2,500. Engines lose coolant when the plastic oil filter housing cracks, and fire reports point to rear defroster wiring. This year has the most complaints and recalls of any.

17 recalls212 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Air Bags (62), Electrical System (29), Engine (24), Seat Belts (20), Unknown Or Other (19), Fuel System, Diesel (6)

View full 2018reliability report →

What Are Common BMW 5 Series Problems?

AIR BAGS

45 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2022

2018: A "Passenger restraint system malfunction" warning makes up most of this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

33 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

2018: Wiring for the rear window defroster is behind both fire reports.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

31 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2022

2019: Sunroof glass shatters without warning while driving, with a bang loud enough to sound like a gunshot and glass falling into the cabin.

ENGINE

23 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

2018: Coolant loss is the dominant failure.

POWER TRAIN

17 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2022

2019: Coolant and oil leaks from the heat management module and oil filter housing show up around 40,000 miles.

SEAT BELTS

11 complaints

Most reported in 2018

2018: False passenger seat warnings are the main pattern.

Best BMW 5 Series Year to Buy Instead

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good

2023 BMW 5 Series

The 2023 model has only 7 owner complaints and 2 recalls, against 212 complaints and 17 recalls for the 2018. Its two complaints in the top category are scattered, with no clear pattern yet. It also has enough time on the road to trust its record, unlike the newest years.

Score: 70/100 (Good)2 recalls7 complaints
View full 2023reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2023 BMW 5 Series has 2 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All BMW 5 Series Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which BMW 5-Series years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2018 model year. It has the most owner complaints and recalls of any year, led by passenger airbag warnings, coolant loss and electrical faults. Fire reports tied to rear defroster wiring add to the concern. The 2023 is the better choice.
Which BMW 5-Series years have transmission problems?
The data does not name a transmission problem in any year. Power train complaints do exist, including a car that surged from a stop while braking and cars that stalled. Those reports do not point to one model year.
Is the 2019 BMW 5-Series a bad year?
No, it is not flagged. The 2019 rates as good, but it is weaker than later years. It has 67 owner complaints, 11 recalls and four fire reports, so check its repair history closely before you buy.
Is a cheap 2018 BMW 5-Series worth buying?
Only with care. Repairs for the seat sensor can top $2,500, and coolant loss from the oil filter housing can run almost 3,500. Ask for proof that both have been addressed, and confirm every recall was completed.
Which BMW 5-Series year should I buy instead?
Choose the 2023. It has far fewer complaints and recalls than the 2018 and enough time on the road to judge. The only 2023 problems on file are two unrelated reports: a surge when braking and a loose license plate holder.

How we score every BMW 5 Series model year

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.

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