NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD
2021 BMW M5 Safety Record
The 2021 BMW M5 has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its federal safety record shows 1 recall and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
CRASH
DATANot crash-tested
The 2021 BMW M5 has not been subjected to NHTSA's crash-test regimen, leaving it without a federal star rating or an assigned Safety Index score. This absence of direct impact assessment means structural safety is neither confirmed nor undermined by federal testing. However, the vehicle's federal record does indicate a light burden of post-sale issues: one recall campaign has been issued, and owners have filed two complaints. This limited data set, while not comprehensive, presents no immediate cause for alarm regarding the 2021 M5's safety profile based on its recall and complaint history.
The 2021 BMW M5 was not crash-tested by NHTSA, carries one recall campaign, and falls in the Light recall and complaint burden band according to NHTSA federal safety 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 | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 BMW M5?
The 2021 BMW M5 has a Light recall and complaint burden in the federal record. This classification means its combined volume of recalls and owner-reported issues is low compared to the general vehicle population. The single recall on file is a multi-model camera campaign, related to back-over prevention technology, and is not a structural or powertrain defect specific to the M5. Two owner complaints have been registered, touching four different vehicle systems. One complaint describes an alleged fire-related concern within the Fuel/Propulsion System category; while these reports remain unverified, prospective buyers should be aware of such claims. No crash-test data is available for the 2021 M5, nor are there tested sibling years to provide contextual safety ratings. The Light burden designation reflects only the volume of recalls and complaints, and does not assess crashworthiness.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 BMW M5 have any recalls?
The single recall affecting the 2021 BMW M5 involves the back-over prevention sensing system, specifically the rearview camera. The campaign spans multiple BMW models from the 2020 and 2021 model years. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory is associated with this recall in the data provided.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V598000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2020-09-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 BMW M5?
Two complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. Alleged problem areas include the Power Train, Electrical System, Fuel/Propulsion System, and Exterior Lighting. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts, and one report alleged a fire-related concern.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 BMW M5?
The most notable concern for the 2021 BMW M5 is a specific recall regarding the rearview camera. Prospective owners should verify through nhtsa.gov that any given vehicle's VIN has had this recall remedied, as an outstanding recall transfers with the vehicle.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the 2021 BMW M5, so no star ratings or Safety Index score exists for this specific model year.
- One recall is on record for this model year, targeting the rearview camera and back-over prevention sensing system across a range of 2020 and 2021 BMW models.
- Two unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with alleged issues spanning the Power Train, Electrical System, Fuel/Propulsion System, and Exterior Lighting, including one report categorized under fire-related concerns.
- Prospective buyers should verify the recall repair status of any specific 2021 BMW M5 using the VIN lookup tool at nhtsa.gov before completing a purchase.
FAQ2021 BMW M5 safety questions
Was the 2021 BMW M5 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 1 recall and 2 owner complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW M5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 BMW M5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 BMW M5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 BMW M5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the BMW M5 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.