{"id":"2021_bmw_5_series","make":"BMW","make_slug":"bmw","model":"5 Series","model_slug":"5-series","year":2021,"url":"/bmw/5-series/2021/","pts":["phev","hev","gas"],"configs":[{"id":43738,"model":"530e","pt":"phev","drive":"Rear-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S8)","cyl":4,"displ":2.0,"eng":"SIDI; PHEV","turbo":true,"super":false,"start_stop":true,"city":24,"hwy":29,"comb":26,"cityA":59,"hwyA":72,"combA":64,"kwh100":49.0,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":21.0,"phev_comb":37,"charge240":3.0,"charge240b":0.0,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"80 kW DCPM","fuel":"Premium and Electricity","vclass":"Compact Cars","co2":178,"fe_score":8,"ghg_score":9,"fuel_cost":3000,"save_spend":750,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"BMX","modified":"Wed May 10 00:00:00 EDT 2023"},{"id":43739,"model":"530e xDrive","pt":"phev","drive":"All-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S8)","cyl":4,"displ":2.0,"eng":"SIDI; PHEV","turbo":true,"super":false,"start_stop":true,"city":22,"hwy":28,"comb":25,"cityA":59,"hwyA":67,"combA":62,"kwh100":53.0,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":19.0,"phev_comb":33,"charge240":3.0,"charge240b":0.0,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"80 kW DCPM","fuel":"Premium and Electricity","vclass":"Compact Cars","co2":203,"fe_score":7,"ghg_score":9,"fuel_cost":3100,"save_spend":-250,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"BMX","modified":"Wed May 10 00:00:00 EDT 2023"},{"id":42934,"model":"530i xDrive","pt":"hev","drive":"All-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S8)","cyl":4,"displ":2.0,"eng":"SIDI","turbo":true,"super":false,"start_stop":true,"city":23,"hwy":32,"comb":27,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"44V Li-Ion","fuel":"Premium","vclass":"Midsize Cars","co2":330,"fe_score":6,"ghg_score":6,"fuel_cost":2850,"save_spend":-3000,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"BMX","modified":"Mon Apr 26 00:00:00 EDT 2021"},{"id":43001,"model":"540i","pt":"hev","drive":"Rear-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S8)","cyl":6,"displ":3.0,"eng":"SIDI; Mild Hybrid","turbo":true,"super":false,"start_stop":true,"city":25,"hwy":32,"comb":27,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"44V Li-Ion","fuel":"Premium","vclass":"Midsize Cars","co2":322,"fe_score":6,"ghg_score":6,"fuel_cost":2850,"save_spend":-3000,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"BMX","modified":"Tue Aug 24 00:00:00 EDT 2021"},{"id":42890,"model":"530i","pt":"gas","drive":"Rear-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S8)","cyl":4,"displ":2.0,"eng":"SIDI","turbo":true,"super":false,"start_stop":true,"city":25,"hwy":33,"comb":28,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Premium","vclass":"Midsize Cars","co2":313,"fe_score":6,"ghg_score":6,"fuel_cost":2750,"save_spend":-2500,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"BMX","modified":"Mon Apr 26 00:00:00 EDT 2021"},{"id":42935,"model":"540i xDrive","pt":"gas","drive":"All-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S8)","cyl":6,"displ":3.0,"eng":"SIDI; Mild Hybrid","turbo":true,"super":false,"start_stop":true,"city":23,"hwy":31,"comb":26,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Premium","vclass":"Midsize Cars","co2":337,"fe_score":5,"ghg_score":5,"fuel_cost":3000,"save_spend":-3750,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"BMX","modified":"Mon Apr 26 00:00:00 EDT 2021"}],"vclass":"Midsize Cars","segment":"Midsize car","recalls":[{"campaign":"26V525000","component":"POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT","mfr":"BMW of North America, LLC","reported":"2026-08-12","owner_notified":"","units":27720,"summary":"BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.","consequence":"An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a damaged driveshaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.","remedy":"Dealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential, and apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 2, 2026.  Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.","notes":"","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"26V438000","component":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY","mfr":"BMW of North America, LLC","reported":"2026-07-08","owner_notified":"2026-08-31","units":318495,"summary":"BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Supra, 2022-2025 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2023 5 Series, 2022-2026 Z4, 2023-2024 4 Series Gran Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 4 Series Coupe, 3 Series, 2021-2025 X4, and 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.","consequence":"Fire increases the risk of injury.","remedy":"Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning August 28, 2026. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall 26V056.","notes":"","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"critical"},{"campaign":"26V056000","component":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY","mfr":"BMW of North America, LLC","reported":"2026-01-30","owner_notified":"2026-03-27","units":87394,"summary":"BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.","consequence":"Fire increases the risk of injury.","remedy":"Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.","notes":"","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"critical"},{"campaign":"25V636000","component":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY","mfr":"BMW of North America, LLC","reported":"2025-09-23","owner_notified":"2026-02-06","units":199674,"summary":"BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.","consequence":"A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.","remedy":"Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.  Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.","notes":"","park_outside":true,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"critical"},{"campaign":"21V554000","component":"SEAT BELTS","mfr":"BMW of North America, LLC","reported":"2021-07-21","owner_notified":"2021-09-03","units":21537,"summary":"BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles.  The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts.  As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, \"Occupant Crash Protection.\"","consequence":"During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.","remedy":"Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge.   Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021.  Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"21V096000","component":"BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA","mfr":"BMW of North America, LLC","reported":"2021-02-19","owner_notified":"2021-04-16","units":13858,"summary":"BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles.    When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate.  As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, \"Rear Visibility.\"","consequence":"If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.","remedy":"BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge.  The recall began April 16, 2021.  Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"minor"},{"campaign":"21V046000","component":"POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT","mfr":"BMW of North America, LLC","reported":"2021-02-03","owner_notified":"2021-03-24","units":28,"summary":"BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive and 2021 740Li xDrive vehicles.  The output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.","consequence":"A broken output shaft can lead to a loss of drive power or a rollaway condition in a parked vehicle (if the parking brake is not engaged), increasing the risk of a crash.","remedy":"BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s), free of charge.  The recall began March 24, 2021.  Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"20V761000","component":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY","mfr":"BMW of North America, LLC","reported":"2020-12-09","owner_notified":"2021-03-30","units":812,"summary":"BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles.  The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.","consequence":"Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.","remedy":"BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge.  The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021.  Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"critical"},{"campaign":"20V601000","component":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY","mfr":"BMW of North America, LLC","reported":"2020-09-30","owner_notified":"2020-11-24","units":4509,"summary":"BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles.  Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.","consequence":"The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.","remedy":"BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge.  The remedy is currently being developed.  Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles.  Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles.  Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020.  The recall began November 24, 2020.  Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"critical"},{"campaign":"20V598000","component":"BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA","mfr":"BMW of North America, LLC","reported":"2020-09-30","owner_notified":"2020-11-18","units":312,"summary":"BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles.  A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured.  As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, \"Rear Visibility.\"","consequence":"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.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"minor"}],"recall_count":10,"critical_count":5,"park_outside":true,"do_not_drive":false,"score":35,"grade":"F","complaints":{"count":26,"crash":2,"fire":1,"injured":0,"deaths":0,"comps":[["Electrical System",7],["Unspecified",3],["Fuel/Propulsion System",3],["Service Brakes",3],["Back Over Prevention",2],["Air Bags",2]],"by_year":{"2021":2,"2022":5,"2023":2,"2024":4,"2025":6,"2026":7},"excerpts":[["2026-07-10","Electrical System","Starter engine failure. Car failed to start multiple times. Major safety hazard that can cause a short circuit, melt wiring harnesses, and spark an engine bay fire posing an immediate threat to life. Problem was inspected and confirmed by a dealer. Multiple waring lamps and messages appeared. Dealer report stated: STAR\u2026"],["2026-05-06","Electrical System","The recall 25V-636 remains unresolved after more than 6 month passed since the manufacturer issued the campaign regarding the engine starter. I would like to see the NHTSA to put the manufacturer on notice that this is unacceptable. We cannot park the vehicle outside of structures permanently as this devalues the vehic\u2026"],["2026-03-25","Power Train","The contact owns a 2021 BMW 540I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The c\u2026"]]},"investigations":[{"action":"DP22005","component":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM","opened":"2023-01-27","closed":"2023-08-07","campaign":"22V063000","subject":"Pedestrian alert sounds","summary":"NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matt"}],"ncap":[],"popularity":999,"headline":{"range":null,"mpg":28,"ncap":null,"complaints":26},"presskit_trims":[],"generated_at":"2026-09-11 05:01 UTC","sources":["EPA fueleconomy.gov","NHTSA recalls","NHTSA complaints","NHTSA NCAP","NHTSA investigations"]}