NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 6 recalls, 66 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2018 BMW X5.
The 2016 to 2018 BMW X5 received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The X5 earned five stars in frontal crash, side crash, and side pole crash tests. It received four stars in rollover testing. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this rating covers the entire 2016 to 2018 range.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical and powertrain complaints dominate what 2018 BMW X5 owners report. On the electrical side, the most common issue is intermittent no-start, with several owners describing a vehicle that fails to crank without warning, often requiring jump-starting despite no warning lights or fault codes showing up. The powertrain category draws complaints around the fuel and propulsion system, where owners report EGR-related coolant leaks accompanied by white smoke from the exhaust, a pattern that appears across multiple reports. A smaller but recurring thread involves the rear air suspension, with owners describing sudden collapse of the rear end, significant vehicle rake, and instability from what they say is metal-to-metal contact once the air springs fail. The no-start and EGR/coolant leak patterns carry the most volume in this complaint set, while the air suspension failure, though less frequent, describes a fairly dramatic handling change when it occurs.
66
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2018 BMW X5 has 6 recalls, the most serious involving front suspension components that can break or come loose and cause sudden loss of vehicle control.
Two of the recalls center on the front left lower control arm: a pivot bolt that was not properly hardened can fracture, causing the control arm to break and leaving the driver with severely compromised steering and handling. A separate suspension recall covers front suspension bolts that may not have been tightened correctly at the factory, which can allow suspension components to shift or separate and similarly affect how the vehicle responds to steering inputs. These two issues apply to different groups of affected vehicles, so both are worth checking against your VIN.
On the electrical side, two recalls affect certain X5 variants. The X5 xDrive40e, which is the plug-in hybrid trim, is covered by a recall involving a TurboCord portable charger whose internal capacitors can fail and create a shock hazard or catch fire during use. A separate wiring recall affects the xDrive40e as well, where an electrical short in a connector or wiring harness raises the risk of a fire in the vehicle itself.
The diesel-powered X5 xDrive35d has its own concern: the high-pressure fuel pump can fail while the engine is running, causing an unexpected stall at speed with no warning to the driver.
At a glance
What can fail
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The electrical connector on the water pump may not be properly sealed, allowing water to enter and cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the water pump, replace it and the connector if needed, and install a protective shield.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high-pressure fuel pump may fail, potentially causing the engine to lose fuel pressure and stop running.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Capacitors in the TurboCord portable charger may fail, creating risk of electric shock or fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the charging cable and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front left lower control arm pivot bolt may not be properly hardened, which could cause it to break and affect how your vehicle handles and steers.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your front left lower control arm and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The pivot bolt on the front lower-left control arm may not be properly hardened, which could cause the control arm to break.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the lower-left control arms and replace them if necessary at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front suspension bolts securing the wishbone may not be properly tightened, potentially causing suspension failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the wishbone suspension bolts at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
