2018 BMW X5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
7/100
#15 most-complained of 16 X5 years
The 2018 BMW X5 has a complaint index of 7, the 4th-lowest among 16 model years, earning a "Best" verdict relative to other X5 years. It has 72 complaints, 5 recalls, and its top problem area is the Engine.
- Complaints
- 72
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 18 city / 24.5 hwy
Top 2018 BMW X5 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine21 (29%)
- Fuel System18 (25%)
- Electrical System15 (21%)
- Other11 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (13%)
- Airbags4 (6%)
- Brakes4 (6%)
- Structure & Body3 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (4%)
What owners report
- Adaptive cruise control failed to slow the vehicle for traffic ahead despite the advanced safety system being engaged.
- Owners report smoke and a burned-wiring smell from the front of the vehicle, with the car briefly stalling then restarting.
- The hybrid drivetrain displayed a malfunction warning that recurred between 60 and 80 mph and that dealers could not resolve.
- The steering wheel became erratic and twitchy above 40 mph, making small unintended left-right corrections that pulled the vehicle within its lane.
- The "car hold" brake feature failed to hold the vehicle stopped, letting it roll forward with no warning light illuminated.
- Run-flat tires blew out at highway speed on two separate occasions without any tire-pressure warning light activating beforehand.
2018 BMW X5 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.
- NHTSA 21V586000Jul 29, 2021Fuel System11,216 vehicles
Fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 18V652000Sep 20, 2018Other3,501 vehicles
Equipment:electrical
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.
Remedy: 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.
2018 BMW X5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 24.5 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,900
- 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 X5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 BMW X5 a good year?
- Yes, relative to other X5 model years. It has a complaint index of 7 and ranks 15th of 16 years from worst to best, giving it a "Best" verdict among X5 years.
- What problems does the 2018 BMW X5 have?
- NHTSA complaints point to the Engine as the top problem area (21 complaints, 29% share), followed by Fuel System (18 complaints, 25%) and Electrical System (15 complaints, 21%).
- Does the 2018 BMW X5 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 X5, covering the electrical system, fuel system, a charging cable, and two suspension-related recalls involving control arm and wishbone bolts.
- How does the 2018 X5 compare to other X5 years?
- The 2018 X5's complaint index of 7 is far lower than the worst years, such as 2011 (80), 2012 (87), and 2024 (100), all rated "Avoid."
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 BMW X5?
- EPA rates the 2018 X5 at 20.5 mpg combined (18 city / 24.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900.