2018 BMW X6 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2018 BMW X6 has a complaint index of 21, ranking 16th out of 20 model years, meaning it has fewer reported problems than most other X6 years. NHTSA lists 4 recalls, mostly involving suspension bolts and wheel bolts, and 4 owner complaints with no crashes or deaths.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 21/100
- #16 of 20 X6 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 4
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18.5
- 16.5 city / 22.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2018 BMW X6 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (50%)
- Brakes1 (25%)
- Other1 (25%)
- Steering1 (25%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (25%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- A rear tire reportedly delaminated at highway speed, causing a friction fire inside the wheel well.
- Owners describe front brake and suspension instability that was not fully corrected after service.
- One owner reported the transmission shifting into park on its own while driving, including on the interstate, traced to the mechatronics components.
2018 BMW X6 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V823000Nov 18, 2019Other32,760 vehicles
Child seat
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2015-2019 X6 sDrive35i, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6M vehicles equipped with rear seat lower anchor bars used in securing child restraint seats. The lower anchor bars may become damaged over time when used with an ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
Risk: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. Owner notification began January 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 18V614000Sep 12, 2018Suspension, Wheels & Tires33 vehicles
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X6 sDrive35i, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6M vehicles. The wheel bolts on these vehicles may not have been properly tightened.
Risk: The improperly tightened wheel bolts may loosen and break, affecting vehicle handling and control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten all of the wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 18V439000Jun 28, 2018Suspension, Wheels & Tires43 vehicles
Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive35d, and X6 sDrive35i vehicles. The pivot bolt on the front lower-left control arm may not have been properly hardened, which may cause the control arm to break.
Risk: If the lower control arm breaks, vehicle handling and control can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower-left control arms and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2018 BMW X6 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16.5 MPG
- Highway
- 22.5 MPG
- Combined
- 18.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,350
- 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 X6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 BMW X6 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2018 X6 has a complaint index of 21, ranking 16th of 20 model years, which is better than most other X6 years, especially 2009-2013 which are rated Avoid.
- What problems does the 2018 BMW X6 have?
- Owners most often reported suspension, wheel, and tire issues, which made up 50% of complaints for this year, including a tire delamination that caused a fire. Brakes, steering, and transmission each account for a smaller share.
- Does the 2018 BMW X6 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 X6, covering improperly tightened wheel bolts, an improperly hardened front control arm pivot bolt, loose front suspension bolts, and a rear seat child-restraint anchor issue.
- What is the median mileage for suspension failures in the 2018 X6?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 30,000 miles at the time suspension-related failures were reported.
- How does the 2018 X6 compare to other years for fuel economy?
- The 2018 X6 gets an EPA-rated 18.5 mpg combined (16.5 city / 22.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,350.