MODEL
BMW M5
NHTSA safety across every BMW M5 model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the BMW M5 we cover (2019 to 2026), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 10 recalls have been issued across those years.
The BMW M5 is a high-performance full-size sports sedan that occupies one of the most storied positions in the enthusiast car world. Aimed at drivers who demand serious power and track-capable dynamics without sacrificing everyday usability, it competes in a rarefied segment where performance and luxury intersect. The M5 attracts both commuters and weekend drivers who want a four-door car that genuinely earns its performance credentials.
From a pure safety-data standpoint, the BMW M5 presents a picture that demands careful attention from any serious buyer. NHTSA has not crash-tested this model during any of the years we cover, spanning 2019 through 2025. That means there are no federal star ratings to lean on, no independent government benchmarks for occupant protection, and no structural performance scores to compare against rivals. For a vehicle in this price bracket, that absence is a notable gap in the public safety record. Across those same years, NHTSA has logged seven recalls covering the M5. That figure is worth tracking, particularly because recall campaigns can range from minor software corrections to more serious mechanical or electrical concerns. Shoppers should verify whether any open recalls apply to a specific vehicle they are considering, using the free VIN lookup tool at NHTSA.gov. Owner complaint volume is relatively low at 14 total reports, with one fire-related allegation among them. These are unverified allegations and should be read as signals rather than conclusions. Zero reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the complaint pool is modestly reassuring, though low complaint volume on a low-volume performance model should not be mistaken for a clean bill of health. Bottom line: the M5 is an impressive performance machine, but buyers are working almost entirely without federal crash-test data. Confirm recall status before purchase and factor that transparency gap into your decision.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the M5 as a benchmark in the performance sedan segment, praising its exceptional driving dynamics, well-composed ride, and the way it balances aggressive capability with refined daily comfort. Interior materials and cabin refinement draw consistent praise, and most reviewers consider it among the strongest all-around performers in its class for buyers who prioritize driving engagement.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the M5 in any model year from 2019 through 2025, meaning there are no federal star ratings available to help evaluate occupant protection.
- Seven recalls have been issued across the covered model years. Buyers should run any specific vehicle's VIN through NHTSA.gov to confirm whether open recalls remain unaddressed.
- One fire-related complaint appears in the 14 total owner reports filed with NHTSA. These are unverified allegations, but the fire notation is worth noting when evaluating a high-performance vehicle with demanding powertrain components.
- The low overall complaint count of 14 across multiple model years partly reflects the M5's limited production volume compared to mainstream vehicles, so the raw number should not be interpreted as a direct safety endorsement.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 BMW M5 with 3 recalls.