2018 BMW 320i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 BMW 320i has 21 complaints and a complaint index of 71, ranking 3rd-worst out of 8 model years, earning a Caution verdict. No recalls are on file, but electrical, engine, and airbag issues stand out.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 71/100
- #3 of 8 320i years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 21
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 27
- 23 city / 35 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2018 BMW 320i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System7 (33%)
- Engine6 (29%)
- Fuel System5 (24%)
- Airbags4 (19%)
- Brakes4 (19%)
- Other3 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (14%)
- Steering1 (5%)
- Structure & Body1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during a collision and in another case a passenger seat occupancy sensor failure triggered a restraint system malfunction warning that could prevent airbag deployment.
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration and complete loss of braking power, in one case ending in a collision with a parked car.
- Some drivers report a total loss of electrical power while driving, including loss of steering assist, at very low mileage.
- Rodents were found chewing wiring in the engine compartment, causing speaker noise and other electrical faults.
- A fuel tank ventilation warning light came on along with an abnormal fuel odor after the car sat parked.
- One owner reported the transmission would not shift into neutral when the electrical system and engine went dead.
2018 BMW 320i recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2018 BMW 320i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 27 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other 320i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 BMW 320i reliable?
- NHTSA lists 21 complaints for the 2018 320i, giving it a complaint index of 71 and a Caution verdict, ranking 3rd-worst among the 8 model years with data.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 BMW 320i?
- Electrical System complaints lead at 33% share, followed by Engine at 29% and Fuel System at 24%, based on NHTSA owner complaints.
- Does the 2018 BMW 320i have any recalls?
- NHTSA shows zero recalls filed for the 2018 320i.
- At what mileage do problems typically show up on the 2018 320i?
- Median mileage at failure varies by system: Airbags issues appeared around 3,900 miles, Electrical System around 9,500 miles, and Engine around 14,000 miles, per NHTSA data.
- How does the 2018 320i compare to other BMW 320i model years?
- The 2018 320i's complaint index of 71 is worse than 2013 and 2017, which both earned Good verdicts, but better than 2014 and 2016, which are rated Avoid.