2018 BMW X5 Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 15 electrical system complaints for the 2018 BMW X5, 21% of all 72 complaints filed for that model year. Median mileage at failure is 7,965 miles. One fire and no crashes or injuries were reported, and a related recall (24V608000) covers engine cooling and electrical system components.
- Electrical System complaints
- 15
- 21% of 72
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 7,965 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report smoke and a burning wiring smell from the front of the vehicle, in one case tied to a reported fire.
- Some owners describe the passenger-side blind spot detection failing to pick up nearby vehicles most of the time.
- Several owners describe rodents chewing through wiring, which they attribute to the coating used on the wire insulation.
- Owners report the rear door opening on its own while driving, with the soft-close mechanism failing to keep it shut.
- Some owners describe an EME (electronic motor electrical) failure and dispute with the dealer over whether it is covered under the electrical system warranty.
- Multiple owners report intermittent failure to start, requiring a jump start, despite no warning lights or error messages.
When 2018 BMW X5 electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 11, 2018, latest Sep 18, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2018 BMW X5
- 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.
Electrical System complaints by X5 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 BMW X5?
- NHTSA lists 15 electrical system complaints for the 2018 X5, which is 21% of the 72 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall related to electrical problems on the 2018 BMW X5?
- Yes. Recall campaign 24V608000 covers the 2016-2018 X5 xDrive 40e and involves inspecting and replacing the water pump and plug connector and installing a protective shield, related to engine cooling and the electrical system.
- At what mileage do electrical problems tend to show up on the 2018 X5?
- The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2018 X5 is 7,965 miles.
- Did the 2018 BMW X5's electrical issues cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 0 injuries tied to these complaints, though 1 fire was reported.
- How does 2018 compare to other X5 model years for electrical complaints?
- The 2018 X5's 21% share of complaints tied to the electrical system is lower than 2019 (39%), 2020 (40%), and 2021 (36%), but higher than 2010 (18%) and 2025 (15%).