2018 BMW 230i recalls and problems

The 2018 BMW 230i has 2 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
4
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 BMW 230i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 BMW 230i recalls

Recall 18V-465: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jul 11, 2018 · 5,309 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.

Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 17V-719: Electrical System

Reported Nov 15, 2017 · 3,188 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2, and X3 xDrive 30i SAV vehicles. These vehicles may have an error in the software for the instrument panel, causing the display to not properly illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

Risk: If the display does not illuminate during start up or does not illuminate various control and warning symbols while driving, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster display software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2018 BMW 230i problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine3
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Wheels1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 12,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 BMW 230i complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported May 1, 2023
The coolant pipe from the engine cylinder head to the coolant reservoir broke unexpectedly which left us stranded on a narrow shoulder on the side of a busy highway with cars streaming by at high speed. A warning lamp directed us not to drive. Our safety was absolutely put at risk obviously. We had it towed to the closest shop doing BMWs. We had it fixed at significant expense. 5 months later, received a letter from BMW (see attached) wrote us admitting they had found this defect and were offering to replace the defective equipment at their cost if we brought it to the dealer. I called their…
Wheels · at 12,000 miles · reported Dec 17, 2020
I have a 2018 2 series xdrive convertible with 18' pirelli run flat tires. This is my second 2 series. I have had 6 of these tires blow due to potholes over the two cars I have had over 4 years. The last one that blew was on friday on i65 just south of louisville. I had to wait 4 hours for tow truck to take it to bmw of louisville. I proceeded onto nashville. I picked the car up on the following monday. The tires are 18' pirelli cinturato p7 a s rft run flat. This is a chronic problem with this car. My bmw service person says this happens so often with these cars. This blowout pattern is not…
Engine · at 3,500 miles · reported Jun 25, 2018
Driving down the freeway at 65mph, car engine just shuts down. No power steering, no way to get over. Car display says drive train error. Car got towed to the dealer for service, dealer "fixes" issue. 2 days later, exact same thing happens again on the freeway at 65mph. Engine just shuts down. Towed back to the dealer. Still there, no fix yet. However, how is my wife supposed to feel safe in this car now. It can die on the freeway at anytime and you have no power and traffic is zooming by.

Other BMW 230i years

Compare all BMW 230i years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 BMW 230i have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 BMW 230i: 18V-465 (engine and engine cooling), 17V-719 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 BMW 230i?

Owners report engine problems most often (3 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 12,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.