2021 Bmw M5 Safety Report

2021 BMW M5 Safety Report

2Complaints
1Recalls
87/100Reliability Score
1Fire Reports
Most reported components: Power Train,Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Exterior Lighting (1)

Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Bmw M5

This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Bmw M5. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.

2021 Bmw M5 Safety Signal Summary
SignalValueWhat to inspect next
Recall burdenModerate (1)Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below.
Owner complaintsLow (2)Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates.
Crash and fire reports1Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item.
Primary component hubPower Train,Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion SystemCompare power train,electrical system,fuel/propulsion system issues across vehicles.
Cleaner nearby model year2022Compare against the 2022 Bmw M5 with 1 complaints and 0 recalls.
Riskier nearby model year2019Check the 2019 Bmw M5 before buying across this generation.

Bmw M5 Year-by-Year Comparison

The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Bmw M5 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.

Nearby Bmw M5 Model Years
Model YearComplaintsRecallsUse case
2022 Bmw M5 1 0 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2020 Bmw M5 1 3 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2019 Bmw M5 8 3 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2018 Bmw M5 4 3 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2016 Bmw M5 1 2 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2015 Bmw M5 3 1 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.

2021 Bmw M5 Complaint Theme Map

Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Bmw M5, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.

Power Train,Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System

1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Power Train,Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Bmw only

Exterior Lighting

1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Exterior Lighting issues Bmw only

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Bmw M5

The 2021 BMW M5 has accumulated 2 complaints and 1 recalls in the NHTSA database. Among the complaints, 0 involved crashes and 1 involved fires. The most frequently reported problem areas are power train,electrical system,fuel/propulsion system (1 complaints), exterior lighting (1 complaints). Power train and fuel/propulsion system issues can lead to potential fire hazards. Exterior lighting, particularly reverse backup lights and camera, can be dim and unusable, posing safety risks when backing up at night. Back over prevention systems may not be fully effective, as evidenced by recalls for similar models. Ensure regular maintenance and check for recalls. Key known issues to be aware of include Fire Hazard in Power Train and Fuel System, Dim and Unusable Reverse Backup Lights and Camera, Ineffective Back Over Prevention System. Be aware of potential fire hazards and dim lighting issues. Regular maintenance and staying informed about recalls are essential.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Bmw M5 receives a reliability score of 87 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2021 Bmw M5

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Bmw M5:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Fire Hazard In Power Train And Fuel System
There have been reports of fires and explosions in the power train and fuel/propulsion system, posing a significant safety risk. Regular maintenance and inspection are crucial.
High Rare 30k-60k miles
Dim And Unusable Reverse Backup Lights And Camera
Reverse backup lights and camera images can be too dim to use effectively, especially in low light conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Ineffective Back Over Prevention System
Recalls have been issued for similar models due to ineffective back over prevention systems, highlighting the need for regular updates and maintenance.
Medium Rare 30k-60k miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Bmw M5:

Exterior Lighting 30% of complaints

Issues with reverse backup lights and camera can affect visibility and safety.

Power Train And Fuel System 25% of complaints

Fire hazards have been reported, necessitating regular checks.

Back Over Prevention System 20% of complaints

Recalls due to ineffective systems highlight the importance of updates.

Recall Details for the 2021 Bmw M5

The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2021 Bmw M5 by NHTSA:

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Campaign #20V598000 30/09/2020

Summary: 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."

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

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Bmw M5

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Bmw M5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 involved fires.

Fire Reports: 1
Power Train,Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System
Fire 06/24/2024

Car catch on fire and explode it with 2 ocupantes inside

ODI #11596199
Exterior Lighting
01/01/2021

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 B...

ODI #11385992

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Bmw M5

Has the 2021 BMW M5 been recalled?

Yes, the 2021 BMW M5 has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.

How many complaints does the 2021 BMW M5 have?

The 2021 BMW M5 has 2 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.

What is the safety rating for the 2021 BMW M5?

The 2021 BMW M5 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW M5?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 BMW M5 involve power train,electrical system,fuel/propulsion system (1 complaints), exterior lighting (1 complaints).

How many crash reports does the 2021 BMW M5 have?

There are no crash reports associated with the 2021 BMW M5 in the NHTSA database.

How many fire reports does the 2021 BMW M5 have?

There are 1 fire reports for the 2021 BMW M5 out of 2 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.

Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 BMW M5?

No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 BMW M5.

How many injuries are reported for the 2021 BMW M5?

No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 BMW M5.

Should I buy a 2021 BMW M5?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 BMW M5 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 2 complaints, 1 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.

What components fail most on the 2021 BMW M5?

The components with the most failures on the 2021 BMW M5 are: 1. POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints), 2. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints). POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 1 complaints.

What should I know before buying a 2021 BMW M5?

Be aware of potential fire hazards and dim lighting issues. Regular maintenance and staying informed about recalls are essential. The 2021 BMW M5 has 2 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record.

How reliable is the 2021 BMW M5?

The 2021 BMW M5 receives a reliability score of 87/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 2 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Fire Hazard in Power Train and Fuel System and Dim and Unusable Reverse Backup Lights and Camera.

What are the known issues with the 2021 BMW M5?

Known issues with the 2021 BMW M5 include: Fire Hazard in Power Train and Fuel System, Dim and Unusable Reverse Backup Lights and Camera, Ineffective Back Over Prevention System. These are based on patterns found across 2 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.

Are there any recalls for the 2021 BMW M5?

Yes, recalls have been issued for similar models due to ineffective back over prevention systems.

What are the potential fire hazards in the 2021 BMW M5?

There have been reports of fires and explosions in the power train and fuel/propulsion system.

How can I improve visibility when backing up at night?

Ensure the reverse backup lights and camera are functioning properly and consider using additional lighting.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Be aware of potential fire hazards and dim lighting issues. Regular maintenance and staying informed about recalls are essential.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Bmw M5

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Bmw M5. The data includes 2 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.

Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.

Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13