Is the 2006 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 2006 BMW 5 Series?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 5 Series have?

8 recalls on file for this model year.

2006 BMW 5 Series

○ Not enough data

2006 BMW 5 Series
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:57:06.592Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 85
Recalls: 8
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2006: 85 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

44% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The airbag warning lamp comes on periodically. There was a recall, but it only covered to November 22 of 2005 production and my car was produced in December of 2005.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-27

Electrical system

24% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing software and instrument cluster/panel.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Computer locked key, all lights inside car and outside flickered out of control, then 2 weeks later brake did not engage while trying to stop and the vehicle crashed into a pole.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-04-17

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 5 Series. The contact stated that the battery failed twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the battery under warranty. The failure recurred within one month.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-03

Power train

9% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Visibility

8% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and windshield.

Exterior lighting

8% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing tail lights and headlights.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2005-11-30Power train05V504000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-06-28Suspension06V187000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-09-13Suspension06V277000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2007-09-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-01-04 BMW airbag light illumination
I
2008-01-04Engineering analysisClosed 2008-12-31 BMW airbag light illumination
R

2008-11-06Air bags08V384000 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…

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. BMW will also extend…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-11-24Service brakes, hydraulic10V446000 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.…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2012-04-30Electrical system12V126000 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…

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. Owners may contact BMW…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-07-22Engine and engine cooling22V119000 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...

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 charge.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2006 BMW 5 Series — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 37 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 20 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 05V504000 · Power train
Recall 06V187000 · Suspension
Recall 06V277000 · Suspension
Recall 08V384000 · Air bags
Recall 10V446000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 12V126000 · Electrical system
Recall 12E029000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 22V119000 · Engine and engine cooling

FAQ

Is the 2006 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 2006 BMW 5 Series?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 5 Series have?: 8 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.