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.

2018 BMW X5

▲ Better than typical

2018 BMW X5
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:10.137Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 73
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2018: 73 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1999	0
2000	29
2001	160
2002	102
2003	99
2004	64
2005	82
2006	168
2007	71
2008	215
2009	138
2010	124
2011	263
2012	271
2013	149
2014	99
2015	152
2016	74
2017	75
2018	73
2019	192
2020	112
2021	109
2022	70
2023	34
2024	145
2025	62
2026	28

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

21% · 15 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Two incidents accured with 24HRS. My wife called me informing that the 2018 X5 was smoking from the front and making a weird noise, she stopped the vehicle and the vehicle started again.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-18

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, 2024-01-03

Fuel/propulsion system

15% · 11 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I am reporting a recurring catastrophic high-pressure fuel-pump/fuel-system failure in my 2018 BMW X5 after BMW previously repaired the same type of failure, and subsequently performed the NHTSA HPFP recall on my vehicle. I am a 71 year old driver.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-11

Also filed under Engine

Engine

15% · 11 reports

Power train

14% · 10 reports

Engine and engine cooling

12% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing gas recirculation valve (egr valve) and turbo/supercharger.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2018-01-11Suspension17V727000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-07-11Suspension18V439000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-02-22Equipment18V652000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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2022-01-14Fuel system, diesel21V586000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
I
2023-03-17Engineering analysisOpen High pressure fuel pump failure
R

2025-03-28Electrical system, engine and engine cooling24V608000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2018 BMW X5 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 15 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 11 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 17V727000 · Suspension
Recall 18V439000 · Suspension
Recall 18V652000 · Equipment
Recall 21V586000 · Fuel system, diesel
Recall 24V608000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.