BMW brings us a sturdy, luxurious, and potent SUV with the X5. The BMW X5 offers a drive with an affirming road presence both on city streets and gravel trails alike. The SUV showcases German engineering standards with the rugged build and high-reliability standards. Despite coming across a few issues ranging from engine stalling to driver aid defects, there are no major concerns with the car. Furthermore, the BMW aftersales ensure swift recalls and prompt resolution of customer complaints. On paper, the 2018 BMW X5 records 23 complaints and 4 recalls to date with a 5-star safety rating. The German holy trinity naturally pitches the BMW X5 against the Mercedes Benz GLE Class and the Audi Q7. The Volvo XC90 is the latest addition to the X5 rivals. The BMW X5 earns the 9th spot on the CarHp list of top-10 SUVs of 2018. Here’s a closer look at the SUV.
2018 BMW X5 SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid
Updated on: May 21, 2022
Senior Editor
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User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Problems
- Fuel system - Fuel pump failure is a known issue with the X5. Fuel pump failure may lead to engine stalling and increases the chances of a crash.
- Brakes - Few customers report complaints of braking failure. The SUV does not slow down when the users depress the brake pedal. This increases the chances of a crash and compromises the safety of the user and other motorists.
- Powertrain - The SUV is prone to stalling under driving conditions. Users report the car flashing a “drivetrain malfunction-possible to drive moderately” warning before the loss of drive power. A sudden loss of drive power and speed increases the chances of rear-ended collisions.
- Suspension - User complaints report rear air suspension failures. The issue results in wobbling and compromises vehicle control. This increases the chances of a crash.
- Steering - Complaints report the SUV to be veering off under driving conditions. This increases the chances of crashing.
Electrical Problems
- Driver aids - Driver aid defects are common with the SUV. Users report Auto Emergency Braking(AEB) and Forward Collision-Avoidance malfunctions. AEB malfunction results in harsh braking without the presence of any potential threat. Forward Collision-Avoidance malfunction leads to a failure of braking to avoid a crash. These malfunctions increase the chances of crashing and injury.
Safety Problems
- Airbags - Users report intermittent flashing of the airbag warning light on the dashboard. This can distract the driver while driving and increase the chances of a crash.
Structural Problems
- Sunroof/Moonroof - The BMW X5 is prone to sunroof/moonroof explosions. Users report a loud sound before the shattering of the sunroof/moonroof. This increases the chances of injury to the occupants and can distract the driver. Users also report cases of water leakage from the sunroof/moonroof.
Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
July 29, 2021 |
21V586000 |
The high-pressure fuel pump may fail. |
A fuel pump failure may cause the engine to stall under driving conditions. This increases the chances of a crash. |
Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 27, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. |
|
2 |
September 20, 2018 |
18V652000 |
Risk of shock or fire from the battery charging cable. |
An electric shock or fire increases the risk of injury or death. |
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. |
|
3 |
June 28, 2018 |
18V439000 |
The lower control arm may break. |
If the control arm breaks, the vehicle control and handling may be affected, increasing the chances of a crash. |
BMW will notify owners, and the dealers will inspect the lower-left control arms and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 11, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. |
|
4 |
November 17, 2017 |
17V727000 |
Improperly torqued wishbone suspension bolts. |
Loose bolts can decrease the performance of the suspension and increase the chances of a crash. |
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the wishbone suspension bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. |
Should you buy the 2018 BMW X5?
The BMW X5 is a solid choice for a premium SUV that offers premium commuting and a sturdy touring alike. The SUV impresses with signature BMW performance and luxury for the price. Even though the 2018 X5 comes across a set of issues, BMW aftersales show a history of prompt recalls and fixes. This makes the SUV a trustworthy companion on the road. For the price, the X5 is a full package and is worth the investment. The 2018 BMW X5 gets the go-ahead from our side.
