BMW · 5 Series · 2001
2
Recalls
3
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2001 BMW 5 Series has 2 recalls and 3 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: structure (1 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
Remedy Status
Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles. The steering center rods may have an insufficient ball pin pull force that may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
Remedy Status
ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.
THE HEADLIGHT'S HAVE MANUAL ADJUSTERS ON EACH SIDE, BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS POINT TOWARDS THE GROUND BECAUSE THEY ARE BROKEN, I TRIED TO ADJUST THE BEAM AND BOTH SIDES JUST CLICK. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE AT NIGHT IT LIMITS YOUR VISION AHEAD TO ABOUT 10 TO 20 FEET. I OWN OTHER VEHICLE'S THAT ARE OLDER THAN THIS VEHICLE AND THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM. I AM A MEMBER OF A FORUM FOR THIS PARTICULAR MODEL CAR AND MORE THAN HALF, IF NOT EVERY MEMBER HAS ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM. THE SOLUTION FROM MY DEALER WAS TO REPLACE BOTH HEADLIGHTS FOR A TOTAL OF $1000.00 PLUS. I DON'T THINK A HEADLIGHT SHOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED ON A VEHICLE AND THIS IS A WELL KNOWN AND DOCUMENTED PROBLEM. THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY IS AT RISK BECAUSE OF THE POOR DESIGN OF THESE HEADLIGHTS. THE ADJUSTER'S JUST CLICK AND THE HEADLIGHTS ALWAYS POINT TOWARDS THE GROUND, IM PRETTY SURE IT WAS MADE THIS WAS TO INCREASE VISIBILITY OF THE ROAD AND HAZARDS AHEAD BUT IF THE MECHANISM IS BROKEN THEN THE SAFETY HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT MY VISION AHEAD IS VERY LIMITED, IT PRESENTS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE YOU SHOULD HAVE A BETTER VIEW OF THE ROAD AHEAD OF YOU AS OTHER CAR'S HAVE. THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL BY BMWNA FOR ALL USA OWNERS OF THIS TYPE OF HEADLIGHT. *TR
BMW X5 WITH 15,000 MILES HAD SUCH EXTENSIVE RUST IN THE FRONT END PARTS THAT THE REPAIR COST OVER $2,000. *TR
FAILURE OF THE INFORMATION CLUSTER, MISSING PIXELS)....MILEAGE AND OTHER INFORMATION CAN NOT BE READ.*TR
The 2001 BMW 5 Series has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 3 owner-reported complaints for the 2001 BMW 5 Series.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2001 BMW 5 Series.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2001 BMW 5 Series are structure (1 reports), electrical system (1 reports), exterior lighting,visibility (1 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2001 BMW 5 Series. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.