2018 Bmw X5 Safety Report

2018 BMW X5: Excellent crash safety, but multiple recalls and recurring electrical/fuel system complaints raise operational reliability concerns.

63Complaints
5Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (6)Fuel System, Diesel (5)Electrical System (4)Fuel/Propulsion System (4)Engine And Engine Cooling,Electrical System (4)Engine And Engine Cooling (4)Power Train (4)Suspension (3)Tires (3)Power Train,Electrical System,Engine (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Bmw X5

The 2018 BMW X5 demonstrates a strong crash test performance, earning a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars in rollover. This indicates excellent occupant protection in typical collision scenarios. However, the vehicle has been subject to 5 recalls, which is a moderate number for its age, addressing critical safety concerns such as potential engine fires due to cooling system pump issues (NHTSA Recall 24V-608), engine stalls from high-pressure fuel pump failures (affecting diesel models), electrical shock/fire risks from equipment issues, and compromised vehicle control due to improperly tightened or faulty front suspension components. The 63 total complaints, including 1 crash and 1 fire incident, highlight several recurring issues. A significant pattern involves the 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' component, which accounts for 4 complaints and is directly linked to recall 24V-608, where owners report inoperable vehicles and long waits for recall remedies. Other notable complaint areas include 'FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL' (5 complaints), 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (4 complaints), and 'POWER TRAIN' (4 complaints), with specific mentions of high-pressure fuel pump failures leading to stalls and 'drivetrain malfunction' warnings. The presence of recalls directly addressing some of the most frequently complained-about components suggests that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash tests, there have been manufacturing or design flaws impacting operational safety and reliability.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Bmw X5 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2018 Bmw X5

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Bmw X5:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Cooling System Pump Electrical Short
Recall 24V-608 addresses an electrical short in the cooling system pump, increasing fire risk. Multiple complaints cite vehicle inoperability and long waits for recall parts.
High Common N/A miles
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Diesel Models)
Recall for certain diesel models due to high-pressure fuel pump failure, leading to engine stalls and increased crash risk. Several complaints mention sudden stalls.
High Occasional N/A miles
Front Suspension Control Arm/Bolts
Recalls for improperly tightened or faulty front lower-left control arm pivot bolts and general front suspension bolts, which can affect handling and increase crash risk.
High Occasional N/A miles
Electrical System Equipment Issues
Recall for certain models due to electrical equipment issues, posing risks of electrical shock or fire. Complaints mention 'EME failure' and loss of electrical power.
High Occasional N/A miles
Drivetrain Malfunction/Loss Of Power
Complaints describe sudden loss of motive power, deceleration, and 'drivetrain malfunction' warnings, sometimes linked to fuel system or engine issues.
Medium Occasional N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Bmw X5:

Unknown Or Other 9% of complaints

General complaints not categorized into specific components, often related to overall vehicle performance or miscellaneous issues.

Fuel System, Diesel 7% of complaints

Issues primarily related to the high-pressure fuel pump, leading to engine stalls and loss of power, as addressed by a recall.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

Problems including 'EME failure', loss of electrical power, and issues with auxiliary heaters, some linked to recalls.

Fuel/Propulsion System 6% of complaints

General fuel system issues, including burning smells and engine malfunctions related to fuel delivery.

Engine And Engine Cooling,Electrical System 6% of complaints

Specific complaints about the engine cooling pump's electrical connector, leading to vehicle inoperability and fire risk, as per recall 24V-608.

Engine And Engine Cooling 6% of complaints

Issues like oil burning, low coolant warnings, thermostat failure, and turbocharger failure.

Power Train 6% of complaints

Reports of drivetrain malfunctions, sudden jerking, and loss of power while driving.

Suspension 4% of complaints

Concerns about loose front suspension bolts and overall suspension performance, addressed by recalls.

Tires 4% of complaints

Complaints related to tire issues, though specific details are not provided in the summary.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Bmw X5

Is the 2018 BMW X5 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 BMW X5 received excellent crash test ratings, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. However, it has 5 recalls addressing significant safety concerns like potential engine fires, engine stalls, and suspension failures. While it performs well in crashes, operational safety is impacted by these known issues and 63 complaints, including 1 crash and 1 fire.

What are common problems with the 2018 BMW X5?

The most reported issues for the 2018 BMW X5 include problems with the 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (6.3% of complaints), often related to recall 24V-608 concerning the cooling pump. 'FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL' (7.9%) issues, particularly high-pressure fuel pump failures, are also common, as are general 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (6.3%) and 'POWER TRAIN' (6.3%) malfunctions leading to loss of power or stalls.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 BMW X5?

Yes, the 2018 BMW X5 has 5 recalls. These include recalls for potential engine fires due to cooling system pump electrical shorts (24V-608), high-pressure fuel pump failures in diesel models, electrical equipment issues posing shock/fire risks, and improperly tightened or faulty front suspension components that can affect vehicle control.

How does the 2018 BMW X5 perform in crash tests?

The 2018 BMW X5 performs exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance, indicating a high level of occupant protection in collisions.

What should I be aware of regarding the 2018 BMW X5's engine?

Be aware of potential issues with the engine cooling system pump's electrical connector, which is subject to recall 24V-608 due to fire risk. Diesel models also have a recall for high-pressure fuel pump failure leading to engine stalls. Other complaints mention oil burning, low coolant, thermostat issues, and turbocharger failure.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2018 BMW X5 offers excellent crash safety, potential buyers should prioritize verifying that all 5 open recalls, especially those related to engine cooling, fuel systems, and suspension, have been completed by a BMW dealer to mitigate known operational risks.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Bmw X5

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Bmw X5. The data includes 63 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Bmw X5 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.