2018 BMW X5 Problems And Complaints

header-image
Rating7.8

Ranked #9 in 

Midsize SUV
Write Review
$57,200 - $74,050
Starting Price 

2018 BMW X5 SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

5

Recalls

3

Investigations

63

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on March 28, 2023

The 5-Series is arguably the face of BMW and offers a balance between price, luxury, and performance. Its iconic silhouette is easily recognizable and the classy design has been extremely popular among the masses since its inception. For 2022, there are four powertrains to choose from and if you want maximum performance, you can always go for the top-of-the-line M5, but regular trims are nothing to scoff at either. The cavernous interior and practicality of the 5-Series satisfy its feasibility as a daily driver; along with the long list of standard features and technological advancements.

The 2022 BMW 5-Series is fairly reliable as it only has 3 complaints and 1 recall registered on the NHTSA database.

2022 BMW 5-Series User Complaints and Problems

Engine and Mechanical Problems

  • Transmission - One complaint states that there was a transmission recall for the 5-Series vehicles but the owner’s VIN number was not included. They mention that their vehicle constantly jerks forward and the dashboard does not illuminate any warning lights.

Safety Problems

  • Airbags - The user mentions that they were involved in a car accident where they were traveling through a traffic circle. There was another car that was entering the circle but it failed to slow down and hit the BMW. The rear passenger side door was hit and the driver was thrown into the driver door, resulting in a hip injury. The owner’s son was in the rear seat and was knocked unconscious. Even after this crash, the rear passenger side airbags did not deploy and neither did the car display any warnings or illuminate any lights.

Exterior Problems

  • Sunroof - A complaint mentions that the sunroof of the car suddenly exploded while driving. However, there was no visible damage to the sunroof and neither were there any cracks. This occurred while driving on a highway when the temperature outside was around 35 degrees. The glass spontaneously exploded. 

2022 BMW 5-Series Recalls

S No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1

February 9, 2022

22V070000

Internal transmission leak may cause rollaway

An internal transmission leak can result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury

Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics unit, free of charge.

Should you buy the 2022 BMW 5-Series?

The 5-Series has often outshined its segment rivals and if you are looking for a luxury sedan with good practicality and strong performance, the 5-Series might just be the one for you. When it comes to reliability, the 2022 BMW 5-Series is actually quite strong. There are only 3 complaints and all of them seem to be one-off incidents. There is also only one recall, and the issue was swiftly rectified by BMW. In conclusion, if you are in the market for a luxury sedan the 5-Series is one of the better options available.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

February 17, 2026, NHTSA ID Number: 11718491

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11718491

Incident Date:
February 17, 2026

Vehicle Identification Number:
5UXKT0C59J0

Consumer Location:
LEANDER, TX

Summary
Vehicle: 2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e Recall: NHTSA Safety Recall 24V-608 Complaint Description: My 2018 BM...

October 16, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11693892

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11693892

Incident Date:
October 16, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5UXKT0C5XJ0

Consumer Location:
POWDER SPRINGS, GA

Summary
I replaced an Electric Auxillary Heater on my vehicle in 2024 part that was subsequently offered an warra...

September 30, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11690659

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11690659

Incident Date:
September 30, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5UXKR2C59J0

Consumer Location:
PETERMAN, AL

Summary
Driving the vehicle a short distance, I can smell oil burning after the car is stopped. I have had to put...

September 8, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11685697

Components: 030000 BRAKES (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11685697

Incident Date:
September 8, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5UXKR2C50J0

Consumer Location:
THE COLONY, TX

Summary
I am writing to formally report an issue with my vehicle involving a persistent parking brake malfunction...

July 21, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11675079

Components: 074000 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11675079

Incident Date:
July 21, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5UXKS4C57J0

Consumer Location:
SUISUN CITY, CA

Summary
On July 9, while accelerating on a busy freeway during rush hour, the car stalled in the middle lane and ...

84/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

81/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

76/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

81/100Best

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

Similar Cars

2018 Audi Q5
2018 Audi Q5

MSRP: $41,500- $52,100

7.6/10
2018 Audi SQ5
2018 Audi SQ5

MSRP: $54,300- $58,500

8.4/10
2018 Audi Q7
2018 Audi Q7

MSRP: $49,900- $65,400

8.2/10
2018 Porsche Macan
2018 Porsche Macan

MSRP: $47,800- $87,700

8.0/10
2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

MSRP: $123,600- $227,300

6.9/10
2018 Volvo XC60
2018 Volvo XC60

MSRP: $41,500- $48,700

7.8/10
2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
7.3/10
2018 Infiniti QX60
2018 Infiniti QX60

MSRP: $43,300- $45,100

7.3/10
2018 Land Rover Discovery
2018 Land Rover Discovery

MSRP: $52,090- $67,490

7.5/10
2018 Lexus RX 350
2018 Lexus RX 350

MSRP: $43,470- $50,520

7.8/10