Research · Midsize Cars

2013 BMW M5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints for the 2013 BMW M5. Most complaints involve engine (6) and steering (3). The EPA rates it 16–17 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
16–17mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Mar 2015
Owner complaints
10
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$4,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

BMW is recalling certain model year 2013 M5, M6 Coupe, and M6 Convertible vehicles, manufactured from July 19, 2012, through September 11, 2012. Due to a manufacturing process error, the tolerance between the engine oil pump's drive shaft and the pump's rotor was not within specification. As a result, the pump's driveshaft could separate from the rotor.

Engine and engine coolingReported Sep 28, 2012NHTSA 12V475000

Exterior lighting

Free remedy

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Exterior lightingReported Mar 31, 2015NHTSA 15V188000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

10 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2013 – May 2020
  1. Engine6
  2. Steering3
  3. Electrical system1
  4. Fuel/propulsion system1
  5. Suspension1
  6. Air bags1
  7. Electronic stability control (esc)1
  8. Service brakes1
  9. Seat belts1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each M5 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20004
20014
200219
200318
2006124
20076
20086
20101
201310
20142
20153
20161
20184
20198
20202
20213
20221
20231
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

6 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW M5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. DON JACOBS BMW LOCATED AT 2689 NICHOLASVILLE RD #1, LEXINGTON, KY 40503, WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V475000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,817. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED A ROD WAS SEIZED TO THE CRANKSHAFT CAUSING THE BEARING TO BE DESTROYED AND SENDING METAL SHRAPNEL INTO THE ENGINE. *JS *BF DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER FAILURE DUE TO CYLINDERS LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE RESULTING IN FRICTION ON THE BEARING.*JB”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 5, 2020EngineODI 11323365

Steering

3 reports
“FUEL FILLER TUBE GASKETS ARE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER THE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL CAUSING THE STEERING ELECTRONICS TO BE FLOODED AND SHORT OUT CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS A RECURRENT PROBLEM THAT DEALERSHIPS ARE REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR FIX WITHOUT CHARGING $1,000.00.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2019Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11221202

Electrical system

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
4.4L 8-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Manual 6-spd · Automatic (AM-S7)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
M5
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
152217$4,550516
M5
Auto (AM-S7), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$4,850552
  • M5
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo
    15 city · 22 hwy · $4,550/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • M5
    Auto (AM-S7), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo
    14 city · 20 hwy · $4,850/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 BMW M5 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 7431
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2013 M5 questions

How many recalls does the 2013 BMW M5 have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2013 BMW M5 problems?

Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (6), steering (3), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2013 BMW M5 get?

The EPA rates the 2013 BMW M5 at 16–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026