2021 BMW M5 recalls and problems

The 2021 BMW M5 has 1 safety recall and 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 BMW M5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 BMW M5 recalls

Recall 20V-598: Back Over Prevention

Reported Sep 30, 2020 · 312 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2021 BMW M5 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Exterior Lighting	1
Electrical System	1
Fuel/Propulsion System	1
Power Train	1
Engine	1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 400 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 BMW M5 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Oct 15, 2026

BMW Federal Emissions Recall Campaign - Delivery Stop: Replace Coolant Expansion Tank [B170324] The manufacturer's recall remedy replaces a defective, heat-compromised plastic coolant reservoir with an identical plastic component that is subject to the exact same thermal fatigue and catastrophic failure. I had the dealer replace the tank in March 2024 under this recall. This week, however, I noted coolant residue from the horizontal seam of the expansion tank. Furthermore, the dealership's primary diagnostic criteria (a cold pressure test) FAILED to detect severe, ongoing coolant leakage that…

Exterior Lighting · at 400 miles · reported Jan 1, 2021

The reverse backup lights and camera image is so dim and limited as be unusable and very unsafe when backing up at night in darkness. Dealer service could not fix as designed in! I believe same system used on all 2021 series 5 cars. Left car at dealer with fobs as I AM refusing the car cancelling sale as hidden defect unsafe and not fixable per dealer service mgr. Attached photos are actually brighter than what driver sees. View is from my garage and driveway to backup. Red tint is break lights stronger than weak backup lights all very abnormally dim with very restricted illuminated view.

Other BMW M5 years

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Compare all BMW M5 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 BMW M5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 BMW M5: 20V-598 (back over prevention). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 BMW M5?

Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (1 reports), followed by electrical system (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 400 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.