2015 BMW M5 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW M5 sedans manufactured September 4, 2014, through December 4, 2014, 2015 M6 coupes manufactured September 3, 2014, through December 3, 2014, 2015 M6 convertibles manufactured September 8, 2014, through December 4, 2014, and 2015 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles manufactured September3, 2014, through December 4, 2014. The affected vehicles have a drivesha…
What could happen: Due to the improper weld, the driveshaft may fracture and fail, causing loss of drive to the rear wheels and a loss of propulsion. Additionally, if the car is turned off and exited without the parking brake applied, the car may roll. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2015 M5.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V540000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW M5 sedans manufactured September 4, 2014, through December 4, 2014, 2015 M6 coupes manufactured September 3, 2014, through December 3, 2014, 2015 M6 convertibles manufactured September 8, 2014, through December 4, 2014, and 2015 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles manufactured September3, 2014, through December 4, 2014. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft that may have been inadequately welded during manufacturing.
Consequence: Due to the improper weld, the driveshaft may fracture and fail, causing loss of drive to the rear wheels and a loss of propulsion. Additionally, if the car is turned off and exited without the parking brake applied, the car may roll. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. 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.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (1), Engine (1), Fuel system (1), Brakes (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
04/11/2021 · Electrical system
DOOR LOCKS. PASSENGER DOORS DO NOT UNLOCK FROM INSIDE WHEN PULLING DOOR HANDLES. CANNOT UNLOCK MANUALLY. MUST PRESS BUTTON ON DASH TO UNLOCK. VEHICLE NOT IN MOTION.
05/04/2020 · Engine
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN MY BMW M5 STARTED TO JUMP AND THE RPM'S NEEDLE STARTED TO JUMP UP AND DOWN AND LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. CAR DISPLAYED MESSAGES THAT SAID 'FUEL SUPPLY- FULL DRIVE PERFORMANCE NOT AVAILABLE DRIVE MODERATELY ' AND ANOTHER 'DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION: DRIVE MODERATELY. MAXIMUM DRIVETRAIN OUTPUT NOT AVAILABLE '…
03/21/2017 · Brakes
THE CARS BRAKES KEEP SCREECHING LOUD. I REACHED OUT TO BMW AND THEY STATED THAT THE BRAKES KEEP SCREECHING BECAUSE THIS CAR IS A PERFORMANCE VEHICLE BUT SOMEONE WHO WORKS AT BMW TOLD ME THAT ITS NOT TRUE AND THAT BMW MADE A MISTAKE WHEN BUILDING THE CAR AND THAT I AM NOT THE FIRST CUSTOMER TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO RESO…