2018 BMW X5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2018 BMW X5 has a complaint index of 10, the second-lowest among 21 model years covered, and carries a Best verdict. It has 72 complaints, 5 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls, with Engine issues the top reported problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 10/100
- #19 of 21 X5 years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 72
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 18 city / 24.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2018 BMW X5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
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 adaptive cruise control failing to slow the vehicle as it approached traffic ahead, in one case leading to a crash.
- Owners describe smoke and a burned-wiring smell coming from the front of the vehicle, with one report of an under-hood fire.
- Drivers of the hybrid xDrive40e report a drivetrain malfunction warning appearing repeatedly at highway speeds between 60 and 80 mph.
- Steering reports describe the wheel becoming twitchy or developing play at speeds above 40 mph, causing the vehicle to wander in its lane.
- Owners report the 'car hold' feature failing to keep the vehicle stopped, with the car continuing to move even with the brake pedal depressed.
- Several owners report Pirelli run-flat tires blowing out on the highway without any prior warning light.
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 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 X5 ranks among the better years for this model, with a complaint index of 10 and rank 19 out of 21 years (lower is better).
- What is the top problem area for the 2018 BMW X5?
- Engine complaints make up the largest share at 29 percent of all reported issues, followed by Fuel System at 25 percent and Electrical System at 21 percent.
- Does the 2018 BMW X5 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2018 X5, covering the electrical system, fuel system, charging cable, and suspension components; none are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 X5 compare to other X5 years?
- The 2018 X5 has a Best verdict with a complaint index of 10, well below years like 2012 (index 90, Avoid) and 2024 (index 100, 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.