Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2020 BMW M5 peaked in 2024, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2020 BMW M5
Sedan, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from May 31, 2024 to Aug 29, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year3261k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints2Below the median 2020 sedan
Severity index0.02020 sedans average 8.1
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2020 BMW M5 name engine and cooling
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
3 recall campaigns cover the 2020 BMW M5
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20V-598 | Sep 30, 2020 | Small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured | Back-over prevention | 312 | Software update |
| 19V-883 | Dec 11, 2019 | Transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit | Electrical system | 3,012 | Part replacement |
| 19V-684 | Sep 27, 2019 | Back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the… | Back-over prevention | 257,473 | Software update |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2020 BMW M5
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
2 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Aug 29, 2026Failure Aug 25, 2026Pasadena, CAElectrical system, Engine, Power train
2020 BMW M5 a metal-shavings engine failure at highway speed is a safety event. I had total catastrophic engine failure at less than 50,000 miles. No warning lights, found metal shavings in the engine system and engine needs complete replacement. I discovered that the very first and most important service at 1200 miles was never performed by BMW of [XXX]. It has been detailed by managers in writing. They still sold me the car XXX without disclosing the risks to purchase the car without this service being done. The repair is estimated to exceed $97,000 in repairs. I believe there was neglect, wrongdoing, and fraud done by BMW of [XXX] and BMW of [XXX] since they admitted to this neglect of service and never warmed me of the know risks to purchasing a car like this. I have proof in writing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11760549 - Filed May 31, 2024Failure May 25, 2024Benton, LAEngine
Coolant expansion tank is leaking on fuel injectors, coils and plugs on engine below causing ‘drivetrain malfunction’ which puts vehicle into Limp Mode. Car can begin to shudder, misfire and stall. BMW has an SIB on the expansion tank, but has done nothing to address the components underneath that get damaged. Feel free to Google BMW M5 coolant expansion tank issues.
NHTSA complaint 11591756
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
156 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- B063525 Jun 17, 2025 · Other
Engine Return - B340921 Jan 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of operation when braking from low speed. - B010821 Dec 11, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
The NVLD limited emission related warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date - B170324 Jun 7, 2024 · Service Campaign
Under certain driving situations, coolant leaks onto the fuel injectors on cylinder bank (5-8). - B170324 May 16, 2024 · Service Campaign
Under certain driving situations, coolant leaks onto the fuel injectors on cylinder bank (5-8). - B170324 Apr 15, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective April 15, 2024) on certain Model Year 2018 - 2023 BMW vehicles that were produced between November 7, 2017, and September 9, 2022. - B630418 Mar 14, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored. - B510819 Jan 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. - B610524 Jan 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3). FaultB7F8F9 âÃÂÓ âÃÂÃÂHU-H: ResetâÃÂàwill be stored in the HU-H3. - B611305 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âdisc… - B360121 Jan 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk… - B320223 Jan 4, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SITUATION Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction. 1. A one-time thump sound at the start of movement Shortly after the steering column starts moving, retracting, or extending, a one-time thump noise is heard. … - B160123 Jan 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system(NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and scavenging air sy… - B340714 Oct 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material- - B540521 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?The sunroof will not operate in either direction. - B520121 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?The front seat will not calibrate/initialize, and the stored faults cannot be deleted. - B320223 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction. - B640821 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a stand still. The vent outlet temperatures vary by 25 degrees Fahrenheit or more (38 F to 60 F +) without changing any climate control settings. - B630821 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam headlight: Short circuit and/or 8041A5 - light outputs: Number of permitted short circui… - B320420 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment. - B160123 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system (NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and scavenging air sys… - B090221 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
With the introduction of the BMW Remote Software Upgrade, all Service Pack 18 vehicles and partial Service Pack 15 vehicles may receive new functionality or modifications in their features. - B651523 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails. - B514616 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator. - B841422 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates). - B840822 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration i… - B651623 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer states there is no audio playback (telephony, navigation, radio) and system sounds (PDC, turn indicators, acoustic signals) may also have failed. - B630418 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored. - B620223 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In SPORT mode, a black square appears in the RPM gauge (tachometer) section of the instrument cluster display. - B320420 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment. - B841422 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates). - B720417 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Acoustic and visual warnings indicate that the front passenger seat is occupied, and the safety belt is not fastened when the seat is actually unoccupied. If the situation is currently present, sit in the seat and move the seat to a slightly different posit… - B613322 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Due to a software error, Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) and Remote Support are currently not possible. Additionally, the Integrated Owner's Handbook cannot be displayed. - B612922 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The saved steering column positions, vertical and horizontal, are not stored long term. - B540521 Nov 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The sunroof will not operate in either direction. There are NO faults stored related to the sunroof. If the vehicle has any faults stored related to the sunroof, this bulletin does not apply. - B651922 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The customer complains that the radio stations change by themselves. - B611222 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
After opening the vehicle with the radio remote control and changing the profile, the exterior mirror settings are lost. - B662419 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. - B170222 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166). - SIB650922 Aug 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The sound output intermittently drops out entirely. This can be reproduced with all audio sources as well as telephone and voice output. - SIB090121 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW offers a new special ISTA Installation made available for Roadside Assistance / Mobile Service technicians. The new ISTA Version is also able to be used in case of a Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) programming failure to get the customer car reprogrammed … - SIB651312 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, supersede… - SIB640222 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Mist formation on the windshield inside surface may occur at departure or after MSA (automaticstart/stop). Acoustic abnormality in the area of the recirculated air flap (recirculation flap closing and opening severaltimes). The above may occur individually … - SIB610822 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
When using the Key Reader to retrieve information from the customer's key, no current vehicle data is available. - SIB610722 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Check Control Message (CCM) displays "Vehicle key missing" after engine start. - B090321 Feb 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In some rare cases a customer vehicle might be excluded from one or more Remote Software Upgrade(RSU) campaigns. This SIB gives an overview how to identify these vehicles and how to proceed in case of a customer complaint. - B610722 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Check Control message (CCM) displays "Vehicle key missing" after engine start. - B110621 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information updated about engine oil filter cap drain plug. When performing an engine oil service on vehicles equipped with a N63M, N63B or S63M engines; the ETK states to use "Set oil filter element" P/N 11 42 5 A33 C42 or P/N 11 42 5 A33 C43. The part num… - B661519 Mar 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The steering intervention for Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is too strong (severe), which can create an uncomfortable feeling for the driver. Background: Steering intervention helps keep the vehicle in the lane if the system detects that a lane marking has… - B840917 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
While using the wireless charger, one or both of the following may occur: 1) The BMW display key or mobile phone becomes hot to the touch. 2) The device switches off due to over temperature (built-in device protection). - B840621 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The SIM card installed in the telematics control unit (ATM2) connects to different mobile providers' networks. However, due to a missing parameter, this does not work and can cause disruption in BMW ConnectedDrive services in areas with insufficient network… - B662419 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. - B652121 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list. - B320420 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment. - B090121 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW offers a new special ISTA Installation made available for Roadside Assistance / Mobile Service technicians. - B001020 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW of North America (BMW NA) has made information available online to customers about software versions, including any changes to vehicle functionality that will result from each update. - B611621 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The "energy management" Check control message (ID code 415) is falsely displayed when entering the vehicle. - B540521 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The sunroof will not operate in either direction. - B511921 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A faulty componnent inside the trunk spindle drive. - B650919 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer states the following about their vehicle: active radio or music source is interrupted, the navigation is no longer available, a black screen is shown in the Control Display, the system works again after a short interruption.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.