MODEL
BMW M5 Safety
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.
The BMW M5 presents a safety data picture that demands careful attention. Notably, NHTSA has not crash-tested this model for any year from 2019 through 2025. This absence means no federal star ratings are available, leaving buyers without independent government benchmarks for occupant protection or structural performance scores. For a vehicle in this price bracket, this is a significant void in its public safety record. NHTSA has logged seven recalls for the M5 across those same years. Recall campaigns vary in severity, from minor software updates to more substantial mechanical or electrical issues. Prospective buyers should always verify if any open recalls apply to a specific vehicle they are considering, utilizing the VIN lookup tool at NHTSA.gov. Owner complaints for the M5 are low, totaling 14 reports. One of these alleges a fire. These reports are unverified allegations, serving as potential indicators rather than definitive conclusions. The complaint pool shows zero reported crashes, injuries, or deaths. While this may offer some reassurance, low complaint volume on a low-volume performance model does not equate to a comprehensive safety endorsement. The M5 is an impressive performance machine, but buyers operate without federal crash-test data. Confirming recall status is a necessary step before purchase, and this transparency gap should factor into any acquisition 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.