ProblemsByVin File / 2020-BMW-M5 NHTSA data synced 22 hours ago

2020 · BMW

BMW M5 problems

1 active recall campaign on file, only 1 owner complaint in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

2020 BMW M5 — Photo: Yu Chu Chin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative photo of the BMW M5

Reliability score

Not rated

Limited NHTSA data — only 1 complaint on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 1 active recall on file.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2020 M5?

Not enough data for a verdict

Only 1 NHTSA complaint on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

Embed this reliability snapshot

Free to use on your site, post, or video — just keep the "Source" credit line below the chart. Preview the widget →

<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2020-bmw-m5/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2020 BMW M5 reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe>
<p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2020-bmw-m5/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2020 BMW M5 reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>

Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2020 M5's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2020 M5 · engine

Coolant expansion tank is leaking on fuel injectors, coils and plugs on engine below causing ‘drivetrain malfunction’ which puts vehicle into Limp Mode. Car can begin to shudder, misfire and stall. BMW has an SIB on the expansion tank, but has done nothing to address the…

05/31/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11591756.0

Had a problem with your 2020 BMW M5? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 19V883000 December 11, 2019

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 M5 and 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles

An electrical short circuit can cause the transmission to shift to neutral resulting in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace any damaged transmission harnesses. All harnesses will be rerouted and secured. These repairs will be performed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 3, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Common questions

Is the 2020 BMW M5 reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 1 owner complaint has been filed for the 2020 BMW M5, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2020 BMW M5?

Only 1 NHTSA complaint on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2020 BMW M5 without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What should I check before buying a used 2020 BMW M5?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2020 BMW M5 to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.

Is the 2020 BMW M5 a good used car to buy?

Hard to say from federal data alone — only 1 owner complaint has been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2020 BMW M5?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my BMW M5 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2020 BMW M5?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 1 complaint on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 22 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/BMW/M5. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with BMW. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.