BMW 5 Series Recalls

The BMW 5 Series has been recalled 14 times across the 2004–2011 model years. The most recent recall, from October 20, 2023, covers the engine. Recall repairs are free at any authorized BMW dealer.

14recalls
0do not drive / park outside
8model years affected

What gets recalled

  • Engine & cooling
    429%
  • Fuel & propulsion system
    214%
  • Suspension
    214%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    214%
  • Electrical system
    17%
  • Brakes
    17%
  • Air bags
    17%
  • A/C & heater
    17%

2011 BMW 5 Series recalls (4)

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

NHTSA recall 23V-707 · Oct 20, 2023 · 157,796 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger

NHTSA recall 12V-161 · Apr 10, 2012 · 2,846 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, 5-series gran turismo, model year 2012 6-series convertible, 7-series, x5 sav, and x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012. Owners May contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger

NHTSA recall 11V-521 · Oct 20, 2011 · 32,084 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, model year 2010-2011 5-series gran turismo, model year 2009-2011 7-series, model year 2010-2011 x5 sav, and model year 2008-2011 x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on December 19, 2011. Owners May contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system

NHTSA recall 10V-331 · Jul 22, 2010 · 6,080 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain 2010 and 2011 5-series and 5-series gran turismo passenger vehicles manufactured from January 12 through July 1, 2010. The vehicle's fuel level sensor within the fuel tank can become wedged against the tank.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on October 18, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

2010 BMW 5 Series recalls (5)

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

NHTSA recall 23V-707 · Oct 20, 2023 · 157,796 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024.

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA recall 22V-119 · Mar 2, 2022 · 917,106 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon…

Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of…

Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables

NHTSA recall 12V-126 · Mar 26, 2012 · 367,682 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable May have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum

NHTSA recall 10V-446 · Oct 1, 2010 · 198,352 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump May leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Show 1 more recall

Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system

NHTSA recall 10V-331 · Jul 22, 2010 · 6,080 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain 2010 and 2011 5-series and 5-series gran turismo passenger vehicles manufactured from January 12 through July 1, 2010. The vehicle's fuel level sensor within the fuel tank can become wedged against the tank.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on October 18, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

2009 BMW 5 Series recalls (3)

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA recall 22V-119 · Mar 2, 2022 · 917,106 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon…

Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of…

Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables

NHTSA recall 12V-126 · Mar 26, 2012 · 367,682 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable May have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum

NHTSA recall 10V-446 · Oct 1, 2010 · 198,352 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump May leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

2008 BMW 5 Series recalls (3)

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA recall 22V-119 · Mar 2, 2022 · 917,106 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon…

Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of…

Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables

NHTSA recall 12V-126 · Mar 26, 2012 · 367,682 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable May have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum

NHTSA recall 10V-446 · Oct 1, 2010 · 198,352 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump May leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

2007 BMW 5 Series recalls (3)

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA recall 22V-119 · Mar 2, 2022 · 917,106 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon…

Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of…

Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables

NHTSA recall 12V-126 · Mar 26, 2012 · 367,682 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable May have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum

NHTSA recall 10V-446 · Oct 1, 2010 · 198,352 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump May leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

2006 BMW 5 Series recalls (7)

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA recall 22V-119 · Mar 2, 2022 · 917,106 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon…

Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of…

Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables

NHTSA recall 12V-126 · Mar 26, 2012 · 367,682 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable May have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum

NHTSA recall 10V-446 · Oct 1, 2010 · 198,352 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump May leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags › Frontal

NHTSA recall 08V-384 · Aug 5, 2008 · 200,000 vehicles

BMW is recalling 200,000 my 2006 3 series sport seat, my 2004-2006 5 series standard and sport seat, and my 2004-2006 x3 passenger vehicles. Depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the mat.

Remedy: Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall began on November 6, 2008.

Show 3 more recalls

Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber

NHTSA recall 06V-277 · Jul 26, 2006 · 11,640 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles, the lower rubber mount of the rear shock absorbers May not have been manufactured to specifications and May not adhere correctly to its housing within the shock absorber.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorber free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2006. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

Suspension › Front › Control arm

NHTSA recall 06V-187 · May 30, 2006 · 40 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles, the nuts which secure the front axle control arm and tension strut to the front wheel hub May not have been tightened to specification. Over time the nuts could loosen and the control arm and tension strut could be damaged.

Remedy: Dealers will retighten the front axle control arm and tension strut nuts to the correct specifications free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2006. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

Power train › Automatic transmission

NHTSA recall 05V-504 · Nov 1, 2005 · 240 vehicles

Certain passenger vehicles May have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.

Remedy: Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2005. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-332-4269.

2005 BMW 5 Series recalls (4)

Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables

NHTSA recall 12V-126 · Mar 26, 2012 · 367,682 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable May have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum

NHTSA recall 10V-446 · Oct 1, 2010 · 198,352 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump May leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags › Frontal

NHTSA recall 08V-384 · Aug 5, 2008 · 200,000 vehicles

BMW is recalling 200,000 my 2006 3 series sport seat, my 2004-2006 5 series standard and sport seat, and my 2004-2006 x3 passenger vehicles. Depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the mat.

Remedy: Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall began on November 6, 2008.

Power train › Automatic transmission

NHTSA recall 05V-504 · Nov 1, 2005 · 240 vehicles

Certain passenger vehicles May have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.

Remedy: Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2005. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-332-4269.

2004 BMW 5 Series recalls (6)

Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables

NHTSA recall 12V-126 · Mar 26, 2012 · 367,682 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable May have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum

NHTSA recall 10V-446 · Oct 1, 2010 · 198,352 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump May leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags › Frontal

NHTSA recall 08V-384 · Aug 5, 2008 · 200,000 vehicles

BMW is recalling 200,000 my 2006 3 series sport seat, my 2004-2006 5 series standard and sport seat, and my 2004-2006 x3 passenger vehicles. Depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the mat.

Remedy: Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall began on November 6, 2008.

Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler

NHTSA recall 04V-575 · Dec 6, 2004 · 17,905 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles equipped with front seat heating systems, upon entering and exiting the vehicle, excessive contact with the side bolster that is contained in the seat's backrest May damage the heating mat located in this area.

Remedy: Dealers will modify the seat heating circuit. The recall is expected to begin during December 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

Show 2 more recalls

Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)

NHTSA recall 04V-344 · Jul 14, 2004 · 4,102 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8 and 12 cylinder engines, the digital engine management control (emc) units were not produced according to specifications.

Remedy: Dealers will install a new digital engine management control unit. The recall began on July 16, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA recall 04V-303 · Jun 23, 2004 · 7,532 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8-cylinder engines, a circular retention clip at the quick-release coupling along the fuel supply line was inadvertently not installed.

Remedy: Dealers will install a circular retention clip at the quick-release coupling along the fuel supply line. The recall began on July 5, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the BMW 5 Series have?

NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the BMW 5 Series across 8 model years.

How do I know if my BMW 5 Series has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN decoder & recall check or on nhtsa.gov/recalls. Dealers fix recalls for free, even if you are not the original owner.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.