BMW M5 years to avoid
The BMW M5 years to avoid are 2006 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2026 is the cleanest year on record.
151
Total complaints
23
Recall campaigns
1989–2026
Years covered
1
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
M5 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | High complaint rate | 54 |
Every M5 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2025 | 2 | 2 | |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2020 | 1 | 3 | |
| 2019 | 10 | 3 | |
| 2018 | 12 | 3 | |
| 2016 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2015 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2014 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2013 | 16 | 2 | |
| 2010 | 3 | 2 | |
| 2009 | 0 | 2 | |
| 2008 | 12 | 2 | |
| 2007 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2006avoid | 54 | 1 | |
| 2003 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2002 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2001 | 4 | 3 | |
| 2000 | 5 | 2 | |
| 1995 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1994 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1993 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1992 | 0 | 2 | |
| 1991 | 0 | 3 | |
| 1990 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1989 | 0 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst BMW M5 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the M5 years to avoid are 2006. The cleanest year on record is 2026.
What is the best year for the BMW M5?
By complaint volume, 2026 has the cleanest NHTSA record among M5 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the BMW M5 have?
Across all model years, the M5 has 23 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 151 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.