2018 BMW X4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
73/100
#4 most-complained of 12 X4 years
The 2018 BMW X4 has a Complaint Index of 73 and ranks 4th worst out of 12 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 73% of complaints, with 1 recall tied to a water pump/coolant leak issue.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 26.5 hwy
Top 2018 BMW X4 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine8 (73%)
- Electrical System7 (64%)
- Other2 (18%)
- Brakes1 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (9%)
What owners report
- Engine and change-oil warning lights illuminate together, sometimes tracing back to an eccentric shaft failure.
- Water pump corrosion allows coolant to leak into the electrical system, causing sudden loss of power while driving.
- Digital Motor Electronics (DME) module reportedly smokes after coolant contamination, raising fire risk.
- Transmission independently shifts into park while stopped at a traffic signal, starting as an intermittent issue before recurring.
- Owners waiting on the 24V608000 recall repair report parts being unavailable for an extended period.
- Brakes reported as not working properly after a dealership replacement, with one owner reporting a rear-end collision.
2018 BMW X4 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V608000Aug 13, 2024Electrical System720,796 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles
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.
Remedy: 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.
2018 BMW X4 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 26.5 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,625
- 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 X4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 BMW X4 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2018 X4 a Complaint Index of 73, ranking it 4th worst among 12 model years, with a Caution verdict relative to other X4 years.
- What is the main problem area for the 2018 BMW X4?
- Engine complaints make up 73% of reports, followed by Electrical System complaints at 64%, based on NHTSA data.
- Does the 2018 BMW X4 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall (campaign 24V608000) covering the Electrical System, involving inspection and replacement of the water pump and plug connector.
- What mileage do 2018 BMW X4 problems typically show up at?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 87,500 miles for the 2018 X4 overall, with engine and electrical complaints centered around 75,000 miles.
- How does the 2018 X4 compare to other years?
- The 2018 X4 is rated Caution, better than the 2015, 2020, and 2023 model years which carry Avoid verdicts, but worse than the 2016, 2019, and 2021 years rated Good.