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2018
New 2026
Used 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

BMW X5

EPA MPG: 20 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2018 X5 has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2018 BMW X5 has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2018 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 BMW X5 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

""Oil pan gasket developed a small leak after about 7 years and 38000 miles. I had purchased an extended warranty from BMW when I bought the vehicle new from the dealer so the repair, which the dealer said would normally cost $6700, did not cost me anything.""

Anonymous, AZ (2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"In January 2024 I had a tiny leak and was told to replace the valve cover. I did in 11/4/24. It cost me $1,409.19. I have not had any other problems since then. Really, that was my only problem. Otherwise it has been a great car."

Anonymous A., FL (2018 BMW X5 sDrive35i 4.4-L V8 turbo)
Other minor engine problem

"I have not had any other engine problem other than that valve cover replacement. The reason is they make the valve covers out of plastic now and they only last about 45000 miles. No other problem. Great car"

Anonymous A., FL (2018 BMW X5 sDrive35i 4.4-L V8 turbo)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

""Rattle was in the sunroof hardware pretty much from the time we purchased the car. Cost over $2,800, but was covered by a extended car warranty.""

Anonymous, OR (2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Hardware replacement

"Head unit was in constant reboot, so no access to anything in the infotainment system. Took a long time in the shop to do the repair (over a week), and long delays associated with warranty claim. Despite buying extended warranty from BMW they claimed it was a 3rd party warranty and it took 3-4 days for them to get approval for warranty coverage of the defective unit. When I received the car back, I did not get my CD back, despite asking them to get it out when I took the car in. They also did not resynch the nav system, requiring a USB stick with a code, so the nav system still is not operational. I am avoiding going in to repair it, due to the long wait and poor customer service on the initial repair."

Anonymous, ON (2018 BMW X5 M 4.4-L V8 turbo)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Other driveline problem

""Ride became extraordinarily hard. It turned out there was a leak in the air suspension. Replaced both air suspension unit units in the rear, even though only one malfunction. Relatively expensive repair.""

Anonymous A., ON (2018 BMW X5 M 4.4-L V8 turbo)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose interior trim or moldings

"outside trim on both front seats have broken loose due to only being attached by plastic"

Anonymous A., OK (2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Other body problem

"The panel on the driver's side around the controls broke off and had to be replaced."

Anonymous, FL (2018 BMW X5 sDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Electronic or air suspension

"Air bags had leaks in them so it was a rough ride. Electronic shocks also had leaks."

Anonymous, CA (2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

2018 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 13, 2024
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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 circuit.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V608000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 720796
Hide Recall Details
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Jul 29, 2021
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V586000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 11216
Hide Recall Details
EQUIPMENT
Sep 20, 2018
An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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 iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V652000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3501
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION
Jun 28, 2018
If the lower control arm breaks, vehicle handling and control can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive35d, and X6 sDrive35i vehicles. The pivot bolt on the front lower-left control arm may not have been properly hardened, which may cause the control arm to break.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V439000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 43
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION
Nov 17, 2017
Loose bolts can affect the performance of the suspension, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V727000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 33
Hide Recall Details
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