VehicleVerdict

2010 BMW M5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2010 BMW M5 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other M5 years?

M5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted54 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 7 complaints2003: 3 complaints2006: 54 complaints2007: 8 complaints2008: 12 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 3 complaints2013: 16 complaints2014: 4 complaints2015: 4 complaints2016: 1 complaints2018: 12 complaints2019: 10 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 4 complaints2022: 1 complaints2025: 2 complaints2026: 0 complaints
M5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 BMW M5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags3100%

Does the 2010 BMW M5 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V407000LightingSeptember 11, 2013 · 134,100 units

Defect

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).

Consequence

Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

12V126000Electrical SystemMarch 26, 2012 · 367,682 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.

Consequence

OVERHEATING COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN USE. AS A PRECAUTION, OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PARK OUTSIDE UNTIL THE REMEDY HAS BEEN MADE.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW M5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE "AIR BAG OFF" INDICATOR WAS FLASHING FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 30, 2019

2010 BMW M5 — common questions

Is the 2010 BMW M5 reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2010 BMW M5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 BMW M5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW M5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the M5 years to avoid are 2006. The cleanest record among M5 years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.