2018 BMW X4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 BMW X4 has a complaint index of 73, ranking 4th worst out of 12 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. Owners mainly reported engine and electrical problems tied to a water pump recall, with a median failure mileage of 87,500.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 73/100
- #4 of 12 X4 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 11
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 26.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2018 BMW X4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine8 (73%)
- Electrical System7 (64%)
- Other2 (18%)
- Brakes1 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (9%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report the vehicle unexpectedly shifting itself into park while stopped at traffic signals, becoming a recurring issue over time.
- Engine and change-oil warning lights illuminated together, later traced by dealers to an eccentric shaft problem.
- Owners describe corroded water pumps leaking coolant into the electrical system, damaging the Digital Motor Electronics unit and throttle body.
- Some drivers reported sudden loss of power while driving along with smoke coming from the Digital Motor Electronics unit, raising fire concerns.
- Several owners who received the water pump recall notice said replacement parts were not available, delaying repairs beyond a reasonable time.
- One owner reported brakes that failed to respond properly after a dealership repair, resulting in 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, the 4th worst among the model's 12 years, earning a Caution verdict. Most reported problems involve the engine and electrical system.
- Does the 2018 BMW X4 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall for the 2018 X4, campaign 24V608000, covering the water pump, plug connector, and a protective shield related to the electrical system.
- What is the biggest problem area for the 2018 BMW X4?
- Engine complaints make up 73% of reports for this year, followed by electrical system complaints at 64%, with a median failure mileage of 75,000 for both areas.
- How does the 2018 X4 compare to other model years?
- The 2018 X4's complaint index of 73 is better than 2015, 2020, and 2023, which are rated Avoid with indexes of 82, 91, and 100, but worse than most other years.