VehicleVerdict

2016 BMW M5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2016 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other M5 years?

M5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 BMW M5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other1100%

Does the 2016 BMW M5 have recalls?

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

16V914000AirbagsDecember 20, 2016 · 3,506 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.

Consequence

If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

15V718000Child SeatOctober 30, 2015 · 7,162 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535d xDrive, M5, 550i, 550i xDrive, and 535d sedans. The affected vehicles have an inboard lower anchor for child restraints on the left rear seat that may have been bent downwards, preventing the child seat from fully engaging both lower anchors. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

Consequence

If the child seat is not properly attached to the lower anchors, it can increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the inboard lower anchor on the left rear seat, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2016 BMW M5 — common questions

Is the 2016 BMW M5 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 BMW M5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 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.