NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD
2021 BMW 5 Series Safety Record
The 2021 BMW 5 Series has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its federal safety record shows 0 recalls and 25 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
CRASH
DATANot crash-tested
The 2021 BMW 5 Series lacks any federal crash-test ratings; NHTSA has not evaluated this model year. Therefore, no Safety Index score can be computed. The vehicle's record shows zero open recall campaigns on file. Federal regulators have received 25 unverified owner complaints. While this information is on record, the absence of crash-test data prevents any definitive conclusion regarding crash safety.
The 2021 BMW 5 Series was not crash-tested by NHTSA, carries zero recall campaigns on file, and falls in the Light recall and complaint burden band according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA crash test | Not crash-tested |
|---|---|
| Recall and complaint burden | Light |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 25 (unverified allegations) |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 BMW 5 Series?
For the 2021 BMW 5 Series, the most prominent safety signal is the absence of federal crash-test ratings. No crash-test data is available from NHTSA for this model year, and no structurally similar sibling years have been tested to offer a comparative reference. Consequently, the vehicle's "Light burden" band designation reflects administrative data and owner complaints rather than crashworthiness assessments. The 2021 5 Series has no recall campaigns on record. A total of 25 unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA. Two of these complaints allege incidents related to crashes, and one report describes a fire. While these are the most serious types of claims, none have been verified, and the complaint file records no injuries or deaths. Among component categories, the Electrical System accounts for the most alleged issues with six reports, followed by Service Brakes with four.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
The 2021 BMW 5 Series has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no components flagged, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive guidance associated with this model year's recall record. Shoppers should still run their specific VIN at nhtsa.gov, as recall status can change.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 BMW 5 Series?
NHTSA has received 25 owner complaints for the 2021 BMW 5 Series. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (6 reports), Service Brakes (4 reports), Fuel and Propulsion System (3 reports), and Unknown or Other (3 reports). Two complaints involve alleged crash events and one involves an alleged fire.
25 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 BMW 5 Series?
Before purchasing a specific 2021 BMW 5 Series, run the VIN through the free recall lookup at nhtsa.gov to confirm that no open recall campaigns are attached to that individual vehicle. Recall status is tied to the VIN, not just the model year.
- NHTSA has no crash-test rating for the 2021 BMW 5 Series specifically. No Safety Index or star ratings exist for this model year, and that absence does not imply any safety conclusion in either direction.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 model year, but shoppers should verify their individual VIN at nhtsa.gov because recall filings can be added at any time.
- The 25 unverified owner complaints on file include two alleged crash events and one alleged fire, with the Electrical System and Service Brakes accounting for the largest share of reported concerns.
- No NHTSA-tested sibling years for this model exist in the program, so there is no adjacent federal crash-test data that can serve as a structural reference for the 2021 model year.
FAQ2021 BMW 5 Series safety questions
Was the 2021 BMW 5 Series crash-tested by NHTSA?
No. NHTSA has not run a New Car Assessment Program crash test on this configuration, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 0 recalls and 25 owner complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW 5 Series have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 BMW 5 Series as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 BMW 5 Series?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 25 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 BMW 5 Series. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other 5 Series years
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW 5 Series 2021.
- SCORE This configuration was not crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. We report its recall and complaint record only.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.