2018 BMW X5
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 160 |
| 2002 | 102 |
| 2003 | 99 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 82 |
| 2006 | 167 |
| 2007 | 71 |
| 2008 | 215 |
| 2009 | 138 |
| 2010 | 122 |
| 2011 | 263 |
| 2012 | 271 |
| 2013 | 148 |
| 2014 | 98 |
| 2015 | 149 |
| 2016 | 70 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 67 |
| 2019 | 177 |
| 2020 | 97 |
| 2021 | 95 |
| 2022 | 56 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 141 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2026 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
21% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The rear door opened on it own while driving on the freeway and refuses to close. The car has soft close doors and it seems like the mechanism is faulty.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240103
15% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 10 distinct reports on file.
FIRE15% of complaints: engine — 10 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 SAV, X5 M SAV, X6 SAV, and X6 M SAV vehicles. Bolts that secure the front suspension may not have been properly tightened.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the wishbone suspension bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 17V727000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive35d, and X6 sDrive35i vehicles.
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.
Campaign 18V439000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 18V652000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
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.
Campaign 21V586000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
High pressure fuel pump failure
BMW of North America, LLC.
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.
Campaign 24V608000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V727000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V439000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V652000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V586000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V608000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 BMW X5 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 BMW X5 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 BMW X5?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 BMW X5 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.