VehicleVerdict

2013 BMW M5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 2013 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.

16

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other M5 years?

M5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 BMW M5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine638%
Steering319%
Electrical System213%
Seat Belts16%
Airbags16%
Suspension16%
Brakes16%
Fuel System16%

Does the 2013 BMW M5 have recalls?

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

15V188000LightingMarch 31, 2015 · 13,443 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

12V475000EngineSeptember 28, 2012 · 696 units

Defect

BMW is recalling certain model year 2013 M5, M6 Coupe, and M6 Convertible vehicles, manufactured from July 19, 2012, through September 11, 2012. Due to a manufacturing process error, the tolerance between the engine oil pump's drive shaft and the pump's rotor was not within specification. As a result, the pump's driveshaft could separate from the rotor.

Consequence

Separation of the pump's driveshaft from the rotor could lead to a sudden loss of oil pressure causing the possibility of complete engine failure, resulting in an engine stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil pump, free of charge. The safety recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CAR READS LOW ON OIL WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR ONLY NEEDED ONE QUART OF OIL. DEALER HAS NEVER LOOKED TO SEE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TOLERANCE BETWEEN THE ENGINE OIL PUMP DRIVE SHAFT AND THE PUMP'S ROTOR. DEALERSHIP ONLY SHOWED MY HUSBAND HOW TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 29, 2015

“FUEL FILLER TUBE GASKETS ARE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER THE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL CAUSING THE STEERING ELECTRONICS TO BE FLOODED AND SHORT OUT CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS A RECURRENT PROBLEM THAT DEALERSHIPS ARE REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR FIX…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 6, 2019

“THE VEHICLE MENTIONED ABOVE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A SNOWY EVENING. THE TRIP TO MY HOUSE IS AROUND 7 MILES AND AFTER ABOUT 6 MILES, I PARKED ALONG THE STREET AS I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WERE BEING DISPLAYED. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 28, 2014 · fire

“THE VEHICLE MENTIONED ABOVE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A SNOWY EVENING. THE TRIP TO MY HOUSE IS AROUND 7 MILES AND AFTER ABOUT 6 MILES, I PARKED ALONG THE STREET AS I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WERE BEING DISPLAYED. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 28, 2014 · fire

“WHILE MAKING A SLOW RIGHT TURN THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AND IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED A FEW MOMENT LATER. HOWEVER, WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED ALL POWER STEERING WAS LOST WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY MULTIPLE SYSTEM FAILURE WARNINGS THAT WERE DISPLAYED, SUCH AS: REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS LOCKED, POWER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 6, 2013

2013 BMW M5 — common questions

Is the 2013 BMW M5 reliable?

The record is thin — 16 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2013 M5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (6 complaints), steering (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 2013 BMW M5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 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.