2018 BMW X5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 BMW X5: 5 recalls, 72 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #17V727000 · 2017 · 33 vehicles
What's wrong: Bolts that secure the front suspension May not have been properly tightened.
Why it matters: Loose bolts can affect the performance of the suspension, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #18V439000 · 2018 · 43 vehicles
What's wrong: The pivot bolt on the front lower-left control arm May not have been properly hardened, which May cause the control arm to break.
Why it matters: If the lower control arm breaks, vehicle handling and control can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Equipment Vehicle recall #18V652000 · 2018 · 3,501 vehicles
What's wrong: Capacitors within the turbocord portable chargers May fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
Why it matters: An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
The fix: 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.
Fuel system (diesel) Vehicle recall #21V586000 · 2021 · 11,216 vehicles
What's wrong: The high-pressure fuel pump May fail.
Why it matters: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022.
Electrical, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #24V608000 · 2024 · 720,796 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (15): the most common themes are electrical failure (10), stalls / loses power (2).
- Fuel & propulsion (11): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), electrical failure (3).
- Other / unknown (11): the most common themes are electrical failure (3), noise or vibration (2), fire / smoke (2).
- Engine (11): the most common themes are electrical failure (4), warning light on (3), fire / smoke (3).
The 2018 BMW X5 has 72 owner complaints, ranking #20 of 28 X5 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 113). Complaints peaked in 2024 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 27,050 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (75 complaints, 6 recalls), 2019 (191 complaints, 13 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | Diesel |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 25 | 24 | Premium and Electricity |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 BMW X5.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2018 BMW X5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 BMW X5 problems?
Owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (15), fuel & propulsion (11), other / unknown (11).
What gas mileage does the 2018 BMW X5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 BMW X5 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.