Skip to content
AnyRecalls

1996 BMW 5 Series recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1996 BMW 5 Series. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your BMW been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A BMW dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

1996 BMW 5 Series recalls, newest first

August 28, 2019NHTSA 19E058000614 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting

  • Aftermarket equipment: applies only if this part was installed
Summary
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.
Consequence
If the steering rod detaches from the steerable wheel knuckle, it can cause sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

March 13, 2006NHTSA 06E023000292,000 vehicles potentially affected

Exterior lighting › Headlights

  • Aftermarket equipment: applies only if this part was installed
Summary
Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Consequence
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began may 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo USA at 909-468-3688.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

April 12, 2004NHTSA 04V18300025,270 vehicles potentially affected

Suspension › Front

Summary
On certain passenger vehicles, due to long exposures to certain environmental and operating conditions, the material structure of the front spring strut plate could be affected. In some cases, the strut plate could begin to crack, and eventually it could break. If this occurred, the plate could contact the tire.
Consequence
This could lead to a sudden loss of tire pressure or tire failure.
Remedy
Dealers will install a retaining clip to the underside of the front spring strut plates. The recall began may 17, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

No owner complaints about the 1996 BMW 5 Series were found in NHTSA’s complaint data.

Other BMW 5 Series years

Other 1996 BMW models

Most recalled 1996 vehicles

  1. 1996 Dodge Caravan (16 recalls)
  2. 1996 Honda Civic (16 recalls)
  3. 1996 Dodge Ram (14 recalls)
  4. 1996 Plymouth Voyager (13 recalls)
  5. 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier (13 recalls)
All of 1996’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 1996 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: steering, exterior lighting, suspension. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1996 BMW 5 Series recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a BMW dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1996 BMW 5 Series?
0 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.