2001 BMW 5 Series
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2001
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2001: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 85 |
| 2007 | 13 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 81 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2023 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Visibility
1 of 3 total reports mentions: visibility.
Structure
1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
BMW X5 with 15,000 miles had such extensive rust in the front end parts that the repair cost over $2,000.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-11-25
Exterior lighting
1 of 3 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
The headlight's have manual adjusters on each side, both of my headlights point towards the ground because they are broken, I tried to adjust the beam and both sides just click.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-10-15
Electrical system
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Failure of the information cluster, missing pixels)....mileage and other information can not be read.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-12-03
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2012-08-22Engine and engine cooling12E029000 This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year…
Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may…
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R
2019-08-28Steering19E058000 ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles.
Remedy: ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.
Buy-smart checklist
2001 BMW 5 Series — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12E029000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 19E058000 · Steering
FAQ
- Is the 2001 BMW 5 Series reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 5 Series?
- The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 BMW 5 Series have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.