Last updated: 2026-03-04

BMW 5-Series

1 BMW 5-Series Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the BMW 5-Series average of 66/100

The BMW 5-Series years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 59/100. The best BMW 5-Series year to buy is 2025 71/100.

Verdict

The 2018 BMW 5-Series scores significantly below the model average of 66/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 59/100 due to air bags (62) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 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 66/100.

#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

The 2018 BMW 5-Series has mixed reliability. There are 17 recalls and 212 owner complaints on file for the 2018 BMW 5-Series. Severity signals include 15 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (62), Electrical System (29), Engine (24).

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 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common BMW 5-Series Problems?

Top reported issues across all BMW 5-Series model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

AIR BAGS

45 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

33 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

31 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

ENGINE

23 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

POWER TRAIN

17 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2022

SEAT BELTS

11 complaints

Most reported in 2018

Best BMW 5-Series Year to Buy Instead

67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good

2020 BMW 5-Series

The 2020 BMW 5-Series has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 10 owner complaints on file for the 2020 BMW 5-Series. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (2), Steering (1), Engine (1).

Score: 67/100 (Good)7 recalls10 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All BMW 5-Series Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

BMW 5-Series Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What BMW 5-Series years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following BMW 5-Series years: 2018 (score: 59/100). These model years score significantly below the BMW 5-Series average of 66/100.
What is the best year for the BMW 5-Series?
The best year for the BMW 5-Series is 2025, with a reliability score of 71/100 ("Good"). It has 5 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the BMW 5-Series have?
Across all years in our database, the BMW 5-Series has a total of 54 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used BMW 5-Series worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 71/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 66/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common BMW 5-Series problems?
The most common BMW 5-Series problems are air bags (45 complaints), electrical system (33 complaints), unknown or other (31 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the BMW 5-Series reliable long-term?
The BMW 5-Series has an average reliability score of 66/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which BMW 5-Series generation is most reliable?
The most reliable BMW 5-Series generation is the Seventh generation (G30) with an average score of 65/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2025 BMW 5-Series a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 BMW 5-Series is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 71/100 ("Good"). It has 5 recalls and 0 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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