2018 BMW X5 recalls and problems
The 2018 BMW X5 has 6 safety recalls and 73 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2018 BMW X5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2018 BMW X5 recalls
Recall 26V-733: Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2016 3 Series, 5 Series, Z4, 2012-2015 X1, 2013-2017 X3, 2015-2016 4 Series Gran Coupe, 2 Series Convertible, 2014-2016 328xi Gran Turismo, 2 Series Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 3 Series Coupe, 3 Series Sportswagon, 2015-2018 X4, and 2016-2018 X5 xDrive40e vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in December 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 25, 2026. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 24V608. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall 24V-608: Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall 21V-586: Fuel System, Diesel
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall 18V-652: Equipment
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
Risk: An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall 18V-439: Suspension
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive35d, and X6 sDrive35i vehicles. The pivot bolt on the front lower-left control arm may not have been properly hardened, which may cause the control arm to break.
Risk: If the lower control arm breaks, vehicle handling and control can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower-left control arms and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall 17V-727: Suspension
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 SAV, X5 M SAV, X6 SAV, and X6 M SAV vehicles. Bolts that secure the front suspension may not have been properly tightened.
Risk: Loose bolts can affect the performance of the suspension, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the wishbone suspension bolts, 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 X5 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 15 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 11 | |
| Unknown or Other | 11 | |
| Engine | 11 | |
| Power Train | 10 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 9 | |
| Suspension | 6 | |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 6 | |
| Air Bags | 4 | |
| Tires | 4 | |
| Service Brakes | 3 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 2
- Tires › Tread/Belt — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) — 1
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Throttlebody/Manifold — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 32,000 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 X5 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW X5 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2018 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2018 BMW X5: 26V-733 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling), 24V-608 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling), 21V-586 (fuel system, diesel), 18V-652 (equipment), 18V-439 (suspension) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 BMW X5?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (15 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 32,000 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.