BMW M5, representative photo
Representative model. Photo: Spanish Coches, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2003 BMW M5 recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2003 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
1
Park-it warnings
1
Complaints
18
Latest campaign
May 28, 2015

Recall summary by component1

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsPark‑itLatestCampaign IDs
Air bags11May 28, 2015

Safety recalls1

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
1Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
May 28, 2015Latest campaign
May 28, 201515V318000

Air bags: frontal driver side

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants…

Do not drive until repaired
DetailsHide details for campaign 15V318000
What's wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
Campaign
NHTSA 15V318000 · May 28, 2015
To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the BMW recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2003 BMW M5? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component18

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
18Complaints filed
1Involving a crash
1Involving a fire
1Injuries reported
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Air bags739001
Electrical system422010
Steering211000
Latches/locks/linkages211100
Service brakes16000
Engine16000
Suspension16000
Power train16000
Tires16000
Engine and engine cooling16000
Fuel system16000
Other16000

An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

  • Air bags

    “Takata recall. More than a year ago, I received information in the form of a warning that my car had airbags that should be replaced.”

    Filed 10/27/2016 · ODI 10919330
  • Air bags

    “Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 bmw m5. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repair was unavailable.”

    Filed 09/22/2016 · ODI 10908738
  • Air bags

    “I'm getting the run around about replacing the driver's airbag in my car. I received the initial notice over 6 months ago and was told the air bags were released over a month ago but I still haven't gotten a second…”

    Filed 08/25/2016 · ODI 10898470

Other BMW M5 model years

Other BMW models

2003 BMW M5 recall questions

How many recalls does the 2003 BMW M5 have?

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign for the 2003 BMW M5. The most recent, 15V318000 (reported May 28, 2015), concerns air bags. 1 campaign carries a park-it or park-outside warning. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2003 BMW M5?

Air bags is the most-reported component, named in 7 complaints out of 18 filed with NHTSA (39%). Across all complaints, owners reported 1 crash and 1 fire. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2003 BMW M5?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the BMW recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised BMW dealer.

Check a specific BMW by VIN

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