Vehicle Recall IndexVIN decoding & NHTSA recall records

Model year 2021 · BMW

2021 BMW 5 Series / M5 recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 9 safety recall campaigns for the 2021 BMW 5 Series / M5 — 1 with a do-not-drive or park-outside advisory. The most recent was reported on August 12, 2026. Campaigns are matched by the model names in NHTSA's records: 530E, 530I, 540I, 540I XDRIVE, 550E, M5, M550I.

NHTSA data through October 6, 2026 · How these pages are built

Campaigns at a glance

Recall campaigns for the 2021 BMW 5 Series / M5, newest first
NHTSA numberReportedComponent
26V525000August 12, 2026Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft
26V056000January 30, 2026Electrical System › Starter Assembly
25V636000September 23, 2025Electrical System › Starter Assembly › RelayPark outside
21V554000July 21, 2021Seat Belts
21V096000February 19, 2021Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
21V046000February 3, 2021Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft
20V761000December 9, 2020Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
20V601000September 30, 2020Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery
20V598000September 30, 2020Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

Systems involved: Electrical System (4) · Back Over Prevention (2) · Power Train (2) · Seat Belts (1)

Recall records

NHTSA 26V525000

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft

Report received by NHTSA
August 12, 2026
Owner notification
Not yet in the record
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
27,720 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
540I, 540I XDRIVE, M550I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.

Safety risk

An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a damaged driveshaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential, and apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 2, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V525000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 26V056000

Electrical System › Starter Assembly

Report received by NHTSA
January 30, 2026
Owner notification
March 27, 2026
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
87,394 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
530I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.

Safety risk

Fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V056000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 25V636000

Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay

Park outside advisory

Report received by NHTSA
September 23, 2025
Owner notification
February 6, 2026
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
199,674 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
530I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.

Safety risk

A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.

Source: NHTSA recall 25V636000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 21V554000

Seat Belts

Report received by NHTSA
July 21, 2021
Owner notification
September 3, 2021
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
21,537 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
530I, 540I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Safety risk

During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V554000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 21V096000

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

Report received by NHTSA
February 19, 2021
Owner notification
April 16, 2021
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
13,858 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
530E, 530I, 540I, M550I

Components: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera; Back Over Prevention › Software

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety risk

If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V096000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 21V046000

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft

Report received by NHTSA
February 3, 2021
Owner notification
March 24, 2021
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
28 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
530I, 540I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive and 2021 740Li xDrive vehicles. The output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.

Safety risk

A broken output shaft can lead to a loss of drive power or a rollaway condition in a parked vehicle (if the parking brake is not engaged), increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s), free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V046000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 20V761000

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery

Report received by NHTSA
December 9, 2020
Owner notification
March 30, 2021
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
812 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
530I, 540I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.

Safety risk

Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 20V761000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 20V601000

Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery

Report received by NHTSA
September 30, 2020
Owner notification
November 24, 2020
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
4,509 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
530E

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.

Safety risk

The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

Remedy

BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 20V601000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 20V598000

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

Report received by NHTSA
September 30, 2020
Owner notification
November 18, 2020
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
312 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
530I, 540I, 550E, M5, M550I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety risk

If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 20V598000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

Records reproduce NHTSA's published text for each campaign. Last record date for this page: August 13, 2026.