VehicleVerdict

2015 BMW M5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2015 BMW M5 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other M5 years?

M5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 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, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 BMW M5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes125%
Electrical System125%
Engine125%
Fuel System125%

Does the 2015 BMW M5 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V540000TransmissionJuly 19, 2016 · 956 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW M5 sedans manufactured September 4, 2014, through December 4, 2014, 2015 M6 coupes manufactured September 3, 2014, through December 3, 2014, 2015 M6 convertibles manufactured September 8, 2014, through December 4, 2014, and 2015 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles manufactured September3, 2014, through December 4, 2014. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft that may have been inadequately welded during manufacturing.

Consequence

Due to the improper weld, the driveshaft may fracture and fail, causing loss of drive to the rear wheels and a loss of propulsion. Additionally, if the car is turned off and exited without the parking brake applied, the car may roll. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DOOR LOCKS. PASSENGER DOORS DO NOT UNLOCK FROM INSIDE WHEN PULLING DOOR HANDLES. CANNOT UNLOCK MANUALLY. MUST PRESS BUTTON ON DASH TO UNLOCK. VEHICLE NOT IN MOTION.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 1, 2021

“THE CARS BRAKES KEEP SCREECHING LOUD. I REACHED OUT TO BMW AND THEY STATED THAT THE BRAKES KEEP SCREECHING BECAUSE THIS CAR IS A PERFORMANCE VEHICLE BUT SOMEONE WHO WORKS AT BMW TOLD ME THAT ITS NOT TRUE AND THAT BMW MADE A MISTAKE WHEN BUILDING THE CAR AND THAT I AM NOT THE FIRST CUSTOMER TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 2, 2016

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN MY BMW M5 STARTED TO JUMP AND THE RPM'S NEEDLE STARTED TO JUMP UP AND DOWN AND LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. CAR DISPLAYED MESSAGES THAT SAID 'FUEL SUPPLY- FULL DRIVE PERFORMANCE NOT AVAILABLE DRIVE MODERATELY ' AND ANOTHER 'DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION:…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 4, 2020

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN MY BMW M5 STARTED TO JUMP AND THE RPM'S NEEDLE STARTED TO JUMP UP AND DOWN AND LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. CAR DISPLAYED MESSAGES THAT SAID 'FUEL SUPPLY- FULL DRIVE PERFORMANCE NOT AVAILABLE DRIVE MODERATELY ' AND ANOTHER 'DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION:…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 4, 2020

2015 BMW M5 — common questions

Is the 2015 BMW M5 reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2015 BMW M5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2015 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.