2001 BMW M5
Only 4 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 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2001
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2001: 4 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2006 | 38 |
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2013 | 10 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
3 of 4 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 BMW M5. The contact stated that the air bag warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-10-20
While driving at very low speed side air bags deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-13
Tires
1 of 4 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Hi, I purchased a pair of michelin PS2 high performance tires for $600 from tirerack.com and noticed that the lateral tread / groves are blocked with excess rubber throughout both tires. They were installed on 12/06/2008.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-01-18
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2001-03-10Tires01V001000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 18-inch tires. (18-inch tires are standard equipment on the M5 and optional equipment on the 7-series models). The machine used to mount and…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tires and if damage from the mounting machine is found, the tire will be replaced. Owner notification began March 10, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an…
-
R
2003-11-10Air bags03V421000 On certain passenger vehicles, a microprocessor in the air bag control module, which activates the front air bags, the side air bags, the front seat safety belt pretensioners, and the battery safety…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began November10, 2003. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
-
R
2017-03-15Air bags17V047000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5...
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017.
Buy-smart checklist
2001 BMW M5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 01V001000 · Tires
- Recall 03V421000 · Air bags
- Recall 17V047000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2001 BMW M5 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 M5?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 75% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 BMW M5 have?
- 3 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.