This paper proposes a sensorless control strategy based on Sliding Mode Observer (SMO) for a Five-phase Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (FIPMSM), with a consideration of the third harmonic component. Compared to conventional three-phase machines, the third harmonic of back electromotive force (back-EMF) contains more information. Thus, in this paper, the first and third harmonic components of the five-phase machine are considered to estimate the rotor position which is necessary for the vector control. Simulation results are shown to verify the feasibility and the robustness of the proposed sensorless control strategy.