2020 BMW 5 Series Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 5 2 crash 1 injury

“The vehicle had a repair made by dealership. The repair started to malfunction as it would lock the vehicles driving mechanism making the vehicle non opporstional while driving. Issue was reported to the same dealer and explained. The dealer stated that I would receive a call to schedule a mechanical appointment to investigate however the time spent waiting for further instructions from dealer. Days later the system lock while driving I the high way i95 and flew of an exit ramp high up and for deep of field. Loosing not just my conscious but came to fine out I got injured on my back and no one…”
NHTSA complaint #11550088, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My car was totaled, I lost steering assistance, and it switched off while I was driving. The car was the subject of an open recall. I need this looked at because it might be a crash caused by a fault.”
NHTSA complaint #11717953, 2025 · crash

“The contact owns a 2020 BMW 530E. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and starter failure warning lights illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V441000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were…”
NHTSA complaint #11751871, 2026

Engine 4 1 crash 1 injury

“The vehicle had a repair made by dealership. The repair started to malfunction as it would lock the vehicles driving mechanism making the vehicle non opporstional while driving. Issue was reported to the same dealer and explained. The dealer stated that I would receive a call to schedule a mechanical appointment to investigate however the time spent waiting for further instructions from dealer. Days later the system lock while driving I the high way i95 and flew of an exit ramp high up and for deep of field. Loosing not just my conscious but came to fine out I got injured on my back and no one…”
NHTSA complaint #11550088, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I am reporting a potential safety concern with my engine. The oil pumps are known to fail due to plastic internal components. BMW has issued a new pump with metal parts, but existing engines are not being helped and if oil pressure drops the car can suddenly stop in traffic, creating a safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11721023, 2026

“Component: Engine Oil Pump (Plastic Internal Variant) Safety Risk: Sudden Loss of Motive Power / Engine Seizure Defect Description: The oil pump in the BMW B58 engine utilizes a plastic tensioning/adjusting ring that is prone to brittle fracture. At only 38,000 miles, my vehicle suffered a catastrophic internal pump failure, resulting in an immediate "Low Oil Pressure" warning and forced engine shutdown. Safety Hazard: Stalling at Speed: This defect causes an immediate loss of propulsion. If this occurs during highway merging or high-speed maneuvers, the driver faces an abrupt loss of power…”
NHTSA complaint #11713345, 2025

Air Bags 2

“I had a diagnostic done and it was discovered that the passenger seat airbag is defective and needs to be replaced”
NHTSA complaint #11676327, 2025

“The contact owns a 2020 BMW 530I. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system might have been remotely hacked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an air bag failure. Additionally, the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); because the part…”
NHTSA complaint #11731883, 2024

Exterior Lighting 2

“There is a light sensor in the digital instrument cluster that dims the brightness during the day that it makes the instrument cluster un-readable.”
NHTSA complaint #11448632, 2022

“The car’s instrument cluster has no indicator light to inform the driver whether or not low beam headlights are active. I took the car into BMW to get this addressed early on after purchasing the vehicle and BMW service technicians informed me that these cars don’t have such a light. Even though the manual includes documentation for the light. This poses a safety hazard as a driver may put the headlight switch in the wrong position and would have no indication they’ve done so. Daytime running lights may confuse them to thinking they have their headlights on. This poses a safety risk as tai…”
NHTSA complaint #11575917, 2020

Service Brakes 2 2 crash 2 injury

“The contact owns a 2020 BMW 530I. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the contact depressed on the brake pedal desperately, but the vehicle would not stop, causing the contact to rear-end the vehicle in front. There were front end damages to the contact's vehicle and rear end damages to the other vehicle. No warning light illuminated. The contact sustained head injuries that required medical attention. The driver in the other vehicle suffered injuries to the shoulders and the neck that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11537215, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“My car was totaled, I lost steering assistance, and it switched off while I was driving. The car was the subject of an open recall. I need this looked at because it might be a crash caused by a fault.”
NHTSA complaint #11717953, 2025 · crash

Unknown Or Other 2 1 fire 1 injury

“Panoramic sunroof exploded while driving on route 30, York PA around 740am EST, shattered into pieces, made home late, urgent care closed near me will try again around 5am. Irritating eyes and headache most the day and having constant discomfort and worrying.”
NHTSA complaint #11700235, 2025 · 1 injury(ies)

“My 2020 BMW 530i caught fire while I was driving on March 13th. The car showed no signs of smoke. Another driver alerted me about smoke, I exited the vehicle, and within minutes the car was fully on fire. The vehicle is currently at a tow yard.”
NHTSA complaint #11724573, 2026 · fire

Fuel/Propulsion System 1

“My gas tank door would not open. Luckily I was not on a long trip. The vehicles key fob locks and unlocks door along with car doors. The dealer used a special tool to open the door and replaced inside parts. My concern is there is no fail safe to open the gas door. The design is flawed as there should be some sort of manual release in the trunk.”
NHTSA complaint #11559309, 2023

Steering 1 1 crash

“My car was totaled, I lost steering assistance, and it switched off while I was driving. The car was the subject of an open recall. I need this looked at because it might be a crash caused by a fault.”
NHTSA complaint #11717953, 2025 · crash

Suspension 1 1 crash 1 injury

“The vehicle had a repair made by dealership. The repair started to malfunction as it would lock the vehicles driving mechanism making the vehicle non opporstional while driving. Issue was reported to the same dealer and explained. The dealer stated that I would receive a call to schedule a mechanical appointment to investigate however the time spent waiting for further instructions from dealer. Days later the system lock while driving I the high way i95 and flew of an exit ramp high up and for deep of field. Loosing not just my conscious but came to fine out I got injured on my back and no one…”
NHTSA complaint #11550088, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)