2018 BMW M5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 BMW M5 has a complaint index of 64, ranking 6th worst out of 15 model years, with a Caution verdict. It has 6 complaints and 3 recalls, with the engine cited as the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 64/100
- #6 of 15 M5 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 6
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 15 city / 21 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2018 BMW M5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine3 (50%)
- Airbags2 (33%)
- Structure & Body2 (33%)
- Brakes1 (17%)
- Fuel System1 (17%)
- Other1 (17%)
- Seat Belts1 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (17%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Fuel level sensor could become stuck against an in-tank fuel line, causing the fuel gauge to read incorrectly and the car to lose power or kick out of drive unexpectedly at highway speed, at a median 750 miles.
- Coolant expansion tank has failed, leaking coolant onto ignition coils and fuel injectors and leading to coil and spark plug replacement.
- Passenger seat belt system triggers an intermittent error that disables the airbag, occurring with or without a passenger seated.
- Passenger seat occupancy sensor (ECM mat) faults intermittently, triggering false airbag warning lights.
- Owners report the engine control unit software could cause the fuel pump to stop under certain driving conditions.
2018 BMW M5 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V684000Sep 27, 2019Collision Avoidance & Cameras257,473 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
- NHTSA 18V473000Jul 17, 2018Fuel System1,645 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. The fuel level sensor in the fuel tank may become stuck against an in-tank fuel line, causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate and possibly larger amount of fuel than is actually available.
Risk: An incorrect fuel reading may lead to the vehicle stalling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will secure the in-tank fuel line to keep the fuel line from contacting the fuel level sensor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 18V323000May 16, 2018Electrical System846 vehicles
Electrical system:software
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the engine control unit software may cause the fuel pump to stop.
Risk: If the fuel pump stops, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2018 BMW M5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15 MPG
- Highway
- 21 MPG
- Combined
- 17 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,700
- 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 M5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 BMW M5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2018 M5 carries a Caution verdict with a complaint index of 64, ranking 6th worst among 15 model years of the M5.
- What are the main problems with the 2018 BMW M5?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem area is the engine, followed by airbags and structure & body issues. Owners also reported fuel system and seat belt sensor problems.
- Does the 2018 BMW M5 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 M5, covering the back-up camera software, a fuel level sensor line that could contact the fuel tank, and engine control unit software that could stop the fuel pump.
- How does the 2018 M5 compare to other M5 years?
- The 2018 M5's complaint index of 64 is lower than 2006 (100), 2008 (86), and 2013 (93), all rated Avoid, but higher than years like 2016 (7) and 2014 (21).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 BMW M5?
- The EPA rates the 2018 M5 at 17 mpg combined (15 city / 21 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,700.