5 Series vs Charger

The verified recall is a B58 engine electric coolant pump leak, mainly affecting 2020-2022 540i sedans. Symptoms include coolant warning lights, visible coolant loss, reduced power, overheating, or engine stall while driving, creating a safety risk from loss of drive power. Covered vehicles get the repair free under recall 22V912000; out of warranty, a dealer water pump replacement is typically $800-$1,500.

Owner complaint data for 2019-2021 5 Series models shows recurring oil leaks, coolant smells, and low oil/coolant warnings, especially on B48/B58-engined 530i, 540i, and M550i variants. Look for oil or coolant residue under the car, burning oil odor, and repeated top-ups between service intervals. If ignored, the main consequence is overheating and engine damage. Dealer repairs typically run $600-$1,800 depending on the gasket or coolant pipe source; independent shops may charge $300-$900 less.

Intermittent iDrive freezing, black screens, transient Drivetrain Malfunction warnings, and camera/sensor warnings are documented complaints on 2021-2023 G30 LCI 5 Series models and some 2024 i5 models. The car usually remains drivable, but the electrical glitches may persist and require a control module software update. Out-of-warranty diagnostics and reprogramming often cost about $200-$600, while control module replacement can be $1,200-$2,500.

Some 2021-2023 540i, 530e, and M550i models with 48V mild-hybrid systems show owner complaints of Charging malfunction and Battery malfunction warnings. Symptoms include warning chimes, reduced regenerative braking, and stop/start system shutdown, though the car usually remains drivable. A failed 48V battery or generator repair can cost $1,500-$3,000, plus diagnostic/software work. Under warranty, these repairs are normally covered at no charge.

The 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI V8 engines in 2019-2023 Charger R/T, Scat Pack, and SRT Hellcat can suffer MDS lifter and camshaft wear, causing audible ticking or knocking at cold start or idle. This may trigger the Check Engine Light, misfires, and rough idle, and if ignored can lead to collapsed lifters and camshaft lobe wear, eventually requiring valve train or engine replacement. Listen for persistent ticking on cold start and check for stored misfire codes such as P0300-P0308.

The Uconnect 4/4C touchscreen in 2019-2023 Chargers can develop delamination, causing bubbles or clouding under the glass, phantom touches, or a blank/unresponsive screen. This can also lead to loss of the rear camera display, as well as radio, HVAC, and vehicle settings becoming unusable. A software recall for 2022-2023 models addresses the rear-camera display failure, but out-of-warranty screen replacement is not covered.

The ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic in 2019-2023 Chargers (all trims) may exhibit hard or delayed shifts, especially 2-3 upshifts, downshift clunking, and hesitation when accelerating. Some owners report delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, and in severe cases transmission overheating warnings or the need for transmission replacement. Test drive in stop-and-go traffic to feel low-speed shifts, and check for burnt transmission fluid or stored transmission codes.