Model-year record

2018 BMW 5 Series
See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.
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Complaints filed
78
Reports to NHTSA, 2018
Safety recalls
0
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
No data
EPA estimate
Known issues
Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (40% of 78 reports), followed by electrical system (14%).
+ 6 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 78 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11697612, ODI 11669239, ODI 11652985, ODI 11648020, ODI 11634005.
Individual complaint reports(78)
Showing the 50 most recent reportsElectrical SystemMar 2026 · ODI 11722098Details +Close −
My 2018 BMW 530e suddenly shut down while I was driving. I charged it overnight, but the next day it showed a check‑engine light and a drivetrain failure warning. I tried driving it again, and it drove for some distance and shutdown after few minutes. Luckily, i was able to park the car on the side of the road. I brought(towed) it to a mechanic, and he told me the issue was a CCU failure, which would cost about 12,000 to fix. I believe this should be covered by the manufacturer because this isn’t a normal wear‑and‑tear problem, and I can’t absorb such a high repair cost."
- Reported
- Mar 2026
- Incident date
- Mar 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingDec 2025 · ODI 11707996Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2018 BMW 530E. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for water pump repairs, the wrench warning light was illuminated, and the message "Passenger Seat Restraint Sensor Failure" was displayed. The contact stated that the dealer inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the passenger's seat occupant weight sensor had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The contact stated that the failure had persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
- Reported
- Dec 2025
- Incident date
- Apr 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsNov 2025 · ODI 11697612Details +Close −
Passenger seat occupancy sensor faulty causing restraint system malfunction and seat belt warning
- Reported
- Nov 2025
- Incident date
- Nov 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJul 2025 · ODI 11672168Details +Close −
I got a "Drivetrain malfunction" error on my 2018 530e bmw, which is a hybrid plug-in model. I sent the car to the local dealer. They did all the diagnosis and concluded the high voltage battery needed to be replaced. However, they told me that the warranty (80K/8 years) will not cover it although my card is still in the warranty period. The dealer said that the BMW North America made the decision and there was nothing they could do. Without replacing the battery, the car could fail on the highway, which could be a huge safety concern. I called BMW North America and talked to the warranty department, the guy sounded stoned/disillusioned with his job/just woke up and said there’s nothing he can do and the dealership already talked to the warranty department/somebody the public doesn’t have access to and the dealership goes with whatever that department tells them.
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJul 2025 · ODI 11670682Details +Close −
Infotainment System interplay through audio voices coming from place of employment this have been unusual to audio system in various of my vehicles this over the air bugs are safety concerns as well as frequent unexpected wiper blade activation without touching for auto movement complex to electrical issues uncommon to vehicle routing infotainment system leading to unexpected interruptions sending false signals to vehicle electrical system causing many interruptions. highlighting the growing complexity and potential risks associated with vehicle software.implications, and solutions for these complex symptoms.
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jun 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJun 2025 · ODI 11669239Details +Close −
It keeps coming up with the error message passenger restraint system malfunction
- Reported
- Jun 2025
- Incident date
- Jun 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJun 2025 · ODI 11669337Details +Close −
Sunroof exploded, glass shards everywhere. This has to be a manufacturer defect
- Reported
- Jun 2025
- Incident date
- Jun 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJun 2025 · ODI 11667326Details +Close −
I was driving home after picking my son up from school and out of no where the vehicle temperature was in the red and a message popped up stating that vehicle coolant needed to be replenished but that continued driving of the vehicle was ok. It was not ok at all! The car started smoking and we were left stranded on the side of the road. I’ve read numerous blogs showing that the same thing has happened to other people and that there have even been recalls on other bmw’s in regards to the engine coolant system.
- Reported
- Jun 2025
- Incident date
- Jun 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Seat BeltsApr 2025 · ODI 11654120 · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
The seatbelt/passenger seat fails to recognize a passenger is occupying the seat and turns off the airbag. This issue has been reported many times to BMW and on vehicle forums. This is an expensive fix ($2800) that should be issued a recall by the manufacture and not passed onto the owner of the car.
- Reported
- Apr 2025
- Incident date
- Apr 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- 1 injuries
Air BagsApr 2025 · ODI 11652985Details +Close −
i have read all the forums and there are many complaints on this same safety issue and why hasn't a recall been issued? Passenger restraint system light stay on !
- Reported
- Apr 2025
- Incident date
- Aug 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMar 2025 · ODI 11648020Details +Close −
i was just driving my bmw and a airbag light and a malfunction error popped up on my dashboard, that read that the Passenger restraint system has malfunctioned. and i was doing some research on what was wrong with my car, and all the forums are indicating that this is a very common issue on these cars due to a bad seat occupancy sensor mat. to fix this you either still have to have an extended warranty if you don’t have one you have to pay upwards of 3,000$ to get this part replaced at a dealer. and me personally i don’t have the money to just spend on car repair of that amount and im sure alot of the other people with this same problem are in the same boat as me. this could be very dangerous because it puts all my passengers at risk if i were to get in a auto collision it would be devastating. i mean this should 100% be a recall because of this is a wide spread problem that puts many many people at risk. i haven’t been to the dealer with it yet, but i can self diagnose because countless people have been reporting on forums and online the same issue with the same error on the dash. my car hasn’t been in an accident yet so i haven’t had it inspected by insurance companies or police. this problem first appeared today and my heart dropped.
- Reported
- Mar 2025
- Incident date
- Mar 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Seat BeltsFeb 2025 · ODI 11641549 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
Constantly pops up a message for passenger restraint system malfunction. I had an accident where I swerved off the road into a ditch at about 60 mph. I the driver was not hurt and the passenger wouldn’t have been hurt either if it was for the passenger seat belt not locking correctly at first and then repeatedly locking and unlocking the entire time hurting his chest.
- Reported
- Feb 2025
- Incident date
- Nov 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 1 injuries
Engine And Engine CoolingJan 2025 · ODI 11638278Details +Close −
The contact's wife owns a 2018 BMW 530I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir, and the warning light turned off; however, the check engine light soon returned. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test discovered that coolant and freon had leaked from the turbo lines, causing damages to the oil housing and water pump. The dealer provided the contact with an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
- Reported
- Jan 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJan 2025 · ODI 11636980Details +Close −
1. Telematics Control Unit (TCU) Internal Emergency (Backup) Battery malfunction. It is available for inspection. It puts passengers at risk because passenger are not able to make emergency calls. Its warning message on dashboard blocks display of car mileage. BMW issued letter in December 2024 admitting to the defect. Our car 2018 BMW has been experiencing the malfunction since 2023.7 or earlier as evidenced by dealer service record. But BMW only in Dec 2024 started offering 6 year extended warranty from car delivery. BMW NA and dealership denied servicing the defect in our car when we requested in Jan 2025. We demand BMW to recall all cars having the defects or cover all extended warranty for 15 years. 2. GPS malfunction. GPS registers the wrong position of the car. It puts passengers at risk by directing them to wrong destinations such as open waters. Issue occurred since Dec. 2024. No warning sign.
- Reported
- Jan 2025
- Incident date
- May 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SuspensionJan 2025 · ODI 11636282Details +Close −
On September 11, 2024, I took my vehicle to BMW of Great Neck for a tire and rim job under insurance. BMW failed to return my lug nuts, leaving my vehicle in an unsafe condition. It took nearly a month for them to provide the missing lug nuts. Upon inspection, each wheel had fewer than the required 5 lug nuts, creating a serious safety risk. On September 24, 2024, I had to return to BMW due to a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) sensor issue, which should not have occurred after their September 11th service. Instead of addressing the issue, BMW dismissed it and suggested I get it fixed elsewhere. BMW’s own manager confirmed my vehicle was returned in this unsafe condition. If I hadn’t noticed, this could have resulted in wheel detachment, loss of control, or a crash. Additionally, after a routine oil change on December 27, 2024, BMW’s Multi-Point Inspection (provided January 12, 2024) revealed: •A missing stiffening plate, which supports chassis integrity. BMW stated this could cause chassis damage. •Coolant expansion tank & vent hose leaks, affecting vehicle cooling. •Fluid leaks, which could worsen over time. Contradiction in BMW’s Diagnostics & Evidence of Negligence: •The 1/12 Multi-Point Inspection contradicts the 12/27 diagnostic image I captured from service advisor Kevin Guo. •BMW failed to identify these issues on 12/27, despite servicing my vehicle that day. •This suggests either a misdiagnosis, negligence, or an attempt to cover up damages. Safety Concerns & Inspection Status: •The wheel issue put my safety at risk, and BMW has not taken accountability. •The stiffening plate issue affects vehicle stability, which could lead to handling problems or structural failure. •These issues were confirmed by BMW’s own inspection report on 1/12/25, contradicting the 12/27 diagnostic. BMW of Great Neck’s negligence directly compromised my vehicle’s safety. I request an investigation into their repair practices to prevent this from happening to others.
- Reported
- Jan 2025
- Incident date
- Sep 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJan 2025 · ODI 11634477Details +Close −
1) Passenger restraint system malfunction. According to information on the web and several BMW forums, this is a common problem on these vehicles and it is a serious and inherently unsafe issue that should necessitate a recall from the manufacturer. The root cause is typically a malfunction of the passenger seat pad that is utilized by the passenger restraint system. BMW service repair cost is $2,700-$3,000. This is really outrageous given that it's part of the safety restraint system and many BMW 5 series (and likely others) have this problem.
- Reported
- Jan 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJan 2025 · ODI 11634005Details +Close −
The Passenger Restraint System Malfunction warning light comes on randomly. Also the passenger side seat belt light comes on even if I put my wallet or something very light on the seat. I previously replaced the driver side seat sensor because the restraint system error was coming on. It seems odd that this critical component would fail in both seats by year six.
- Reported
- Jan 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingJan 2025 · ODI 11633671Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2018 BMW 530I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a coolant level message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test determined that there was a coolant leak inside the engine. The contact was informed that the vehicle was covered under warranty and that an undisclosed part inside the coolant system was replaced. The contact stated that one week after the repair, the message returned, and the contact was informed that the upper coolant hose was defective. The contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty and the contact paid for the repair. After the second repair, the contact stated that the failure retuned and there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
- Reported
- Jan 2025
- Incident date
- Aug 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineDec 2024 · ODI 11631867Details +Close −
I contacted the dealership where I purchased my vehicle called Global Imports on December 6 because the car was running hot. I arrived on Saturday morning was informed that the radiator was leaking and a water pump was leaking that they both needed to be replaced and I would be charged around $3000 to replace it. There were no recalls the service bulletins that I mentioned they advised me were only repair notifications. They said there were no other notifications regarding the radiator only to have the check engine light come back on a week later I took it to a different dealership and I was advised that the 15 year warranty on the flaps which the flaps are not functioning properly. I was advised to take it back to Global Imports .
- Reported
- Dec 2024
- Incident date
- Dec 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Latches/Locks/LinkagesNov 2024 · ODI 11627712 · crashDetails +Close −
The car's hood sensor did not alert us to the fact that the hood was not properly closed. This resulted in the car's hood opening while being driven, causing the driver to lose sight of the road and crashed into a guardrail in a canyon road (see photo). The car is currently being evaluated by the insurance company for a total loss, and the car may be available for inspection currently, although it may also be taken apart by the auto collision company for their estimate evaluation. The failure of the hood latch mechanism to properly and conspicuously notify us prior to driving the car put us at severe risk of being in a life threatening accident as well as potentially imperiling the lives of other drivers or pedestrians. The vehicle was inspected by BMW after I reported the incident to them, and I have a written report from them. BMW concluded they are "technically confident that no manufacturing defects, faults or malfunctions were present in the vehicle that could have contributed to this incident." There were no warning messages of the problem prior to the hood opening. We also provided BMW with a video taken after the crash whereby the hood latch on the right side of the car was intentionally left open, and the hood latch on the left side of the car was closed, and demonstrated in this situation that there was no indication on the BMW i drive screen of any notifications to alert the driver of the hood not being completely closed. Despite asking numerous times for BMW to address the findings in that video, which we shared with them at their request, they never provided any response to the video. I would like to share the video with you but am unable to upload MP4 files onto your platform.
- Reported
- Nov 2024
- Incident date
- Nov 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash
Air BagsJul 2024 · ODI 11605584Details +Close −
Passenger restraint system Malfunction. L
- Reported
- Jul 2024
- Incident date
- Jul 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJul 2024 · ODI 11605053Details +Close −
The occupant sensor in the driver seat has failed, triggering an airbag warning. This car is only 6 years old, and the cost of the part/labor to repair it is $2500.
- Reported
- Jul 2024
- Incident date
- Jul 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJul 2024 · ODI 11604742Details +Close −
I parked my car and there were not any lights on the showing. When I returned to my car about an hour later 2 lights were shown (1) 4 wheel drive and (2) Passenger restraint system. I am concerned about the passenger restraint system because until I can get this repaired, no one can use the passenger seat because of this safety issue.
- Reported
- Jul 2024
- Incident date
- Jul 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJul 2024 · ODI 11603633Details +Close −
The car is reporting that there is a passenger restraint system malfunction. When there is a passenger in the front seat, the airbag is disable.
- Reported
- Jul 2024
- Incident date
- Mar 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJul 2024 · ODI 11602418Details +Close −
The 540d has swirl flaps on the intake manifold to regulate air intake so it adjusts how much air the intake manifold feeds the engine. There's an actuator motor that connects to the swirl flap shaft that connects via a plastic linkage. When the linkage breaks, the flaps are no longer controlled by the actuator and stays in its semi closed state. The result is when you give it full throttle, it spews out plumes of black smoke that is thick and the equivalent to rolling coal on a deleted diesel truck. The car still runs, but this poses a danger to those behind you and not very environmentally friendly to spew out soot. BMW's solution is a $6,000 repair bill, because the entire intake manifold has to be replaced for that linkage. This will be a guaranteed fail again - considering I had a check engine light for swirl flap issues starting around 40K miles.
- Reported
- Jul 2024
- Incident date
- Jun 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJun 2024 · ODI 11595827Details +Close −
Car randomly shows “Passenger restraint system malfunction”. I have read multiple complaints from other BMW owners about this issue that is not covered under BMW warranty.
- Reported
- Jun 2024
- Incident date
- Jun 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJun 2024 · ODI 11591952Details +Close −
When i have a passenger in the car I will intermittantly get the warning "Passenger restraint system malfunction" which will turn off the air bag to the passenger side when driving even when there is a passenger in the car. From forums it sounds like there is a pressure pad in the seat that is a very common malfunction for BMW. This seems like a pretty critical part to ensure the airbags are operational when a passenger is in the car, and feel it should not be as common a problem as it seems to be.
- Reported
- Jun 2024
- Incident date
- Jun 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Seat BeltsMay 2024 · ODI 11591199Details +Close −
Passenger Restraint System Malfunction keeps coming on. I have not done any modifications to the car, it comes on during the morning when maybe the weather is a little damp. Has happened twice in a month.
- Reported
- May 2024
- Incident date
- May 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMay 2024 · ODI 11586947Details +Close −
My car is producing a warning light for "Passenger restraint system malfunction". This is a safety hazard and it is not covered by warranty. I believe this should be investigated and a recall should be mandated as many people have this issue. The cost to fix is over $2,500 and BMW should bear the cost of this safety issue.
- Reported
- May 2024
- Incident date
- May 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMay 2024 · ODI 11586573Details +Close −
Passenger seat restraint malfunction error code. Code will show fault when no one is in the passenger seat and if the person is light enough in weight, it will also pop up. The issue means that the air bag will not deploy when there is someone in the seat. A HUGE safety concern and online search shows that this is a very common problem with BMW’s. BMW needs to issue a recall for this and fix the issue. Please note that the date the incident occurred below is an approximation and the code has been continuing since the first code came up.
- Reported
- May 2024
- Incident date
- May 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsApr 2024 · ODI 11584457Details +Close −
Passenger restraint system malfunction cause by faulty sensors that are not covered by warranties.
- Reported
- Apr 2024
- Incident date
- Apr 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMar 2024 · ODI 11576746Details +Close −
It appears that the dealer has disabled my passenger side air bag system. The car is available for inspection. The safety of any front passenger is at risk as the system has been disabled by the dealer after a 'vehicle check' that occurred during routine maintenance. The problem (airbag system disabled) has been confirmed by the same BMW dealer that performed the service. The vehicle has not had additional inspections. Prior to this problem, an alert/message would indicate the passenger would need to buckle up. Never was a passenger in the seat, I would move the groceries, backpack, water bottle, etc to the floor and message would dismiss itself. This message to buckle up has been appearing since the car was purchased as a certified BMW from a BMW dealer. Recently, I took my car into the BMW dealer that I typically go for scheduled, routine maintenance. The maintenance consisted of an oil change, oil filter change, air filter change, and vehicle check. When I started the car after picking it up, a chime sounded and a warning message was displayed that says "Passenger restraint system malfunction: Contact BMW Carefully drive to the closest service center. Passenger restraint system is limited. Increased risk of injury in case of a collision. Continue wearing safety belt." Additionally, a red air bad light is displayed on the dash board instrument cluster. Every time the car is started the chime sounds and these message is displayed. Dealer is requesting 2,000-2,500 to replace a part - meanwhile system was dealer disabled. Please note this issue has occurred in the past with BMW SRS systems, and a recall resolved the issue.
- Reported
- Mar 2024
- Incident date
- Jan 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Seat BeltsMar 2024 · ODI 11576351Details +Close −
Passenger Restraint system malfunction warning keeps appearing. This car has never been in an accident or had any moisture, spills etc. that would cause that to happen. I'm reporting it as an issue due to the many complaints by BMW customers with the same issue. BMW charges $2500 to fix for this very common problem.
- Reported
- Mar 2024
- Incident date
- Dec 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMar 2024 · ODI 11575506Details +Close −
My passenger restraint system randomly faults. Problem with passenger seat mat. Many BMW owners have reported the issue. Should be recalled by BMW.
- Reported
- Mar 2024
- Incident date
- Sep 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Seat BeltsFeb 2024 · ODI 11574500Details +Close −
I continually get the message 'passenger restraint system malfunction' Was meant to be repaired under warranty in 2022, it came back, but problem persisted intermittently since.
- Reported
- Feb 2024
- Incident date
- Jul 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemFeb 2024 · ODI 11573475Details +Close −
Digital display cluster suddenly started flickering and had a shifting image moving incorrectly to the left. It made reading the electronic speedometer and other gauges impossible and highly unsafe while driving on highway. There was no way to safely determine speed or vehicle. The display did not recover after parking the car and restarting engine.
- Reported
- Feb 2024
- Incident date
- Feb 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJan 2024 · ODI 11565256Details +Close −
The vehicle throws a “passenger restraint system malfunction” every 5 minutes while driving. Based on discussions on bmw forums, this is a common issue among several models of BMW. The issue seems to be caused by loose wires/sensors beneath a he passenger seat.
- Reported
- Jan 2024
- Incident date
- Jan 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Seat BeltsJan 2024 · ODI 11563427Details +Close −
The passenger seat is a mess. There are two issues that repeatedly happen on this car. One - there is false passenger seatbelt warning and two their is a passenger restraint system malfunction message. I took this to the BMW dealership and they said it requires a sensor mat replacement that costs over $2000. I looked it up online and found many people have had the exact same issue with this car.
- Reported
- Jan 2024
- Incident date
- Dec 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
TiresDec 2023 · ODI 11562788Details +Close −
245/35 R20 Dunlop Sport Maxx GT Found tires to be bulging out on sidewalls. Service center confirmed that both front tires were separating and are unsafe to drive on. Susceptible to blow outs. Rear tires have not been inspected as of yet.
- Reported
- Dec 2023
- Incident date
- Dec 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemDec 2023 · ODI 11558862Details +Close −
I took my car to pacific bmw in Glendale California on July 21 2023. It was getting a battery replacement under warranty. I recieved my car back November 16 2023. After 4 months of waiting and being Discriminated against, my car only got 3 out of 6 battery modules replaced. It's a safety hazard to mix new and used lithium batteries. Warranty covered me for all 6 modules to be changed but the dealership deliberately only fixed 3. After being advised to change them all.also they charged me for parts covered under warranty. I took my car in because I would get 4-6 miles on a full charge. Pacific gave it back to me with 9 miles on a full charge. It should be at least 18. I do not feel safe in my own car. Yes I have attached proof.
- Reported
- Dec 2023
- Incident date
- Nov 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsSep 2023 · ODI 11546552Details +Close −
I recently took my vehicle in for a service due to "passenger system restraint" error code. Upon dealer inspection it would cost upwards of 4,000$ to fix this issue. I called my warranty company and they do not warranty any repairs that have to do with restraint systems. This seems to be a widespread issue from what I have read. This can really cause a major issue if the seatbelt for the passenger side does not work upon a collision. This has to be putting people in a serious situation and should be investigated. Thanks for your time.
- Reported
- Sep 2023
- Incident date
- Sep 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsSep 2023 · ODI 11542421Details +Close −
My car has around 74k miles on it. I had the following service request warning present itself this last week, 'Passenger restraint system malfunction:' on my drive into work in the morning. At first I dismissed the message and closed it to see if it would clear itself. It did not clear. It came back up a couple of minutes later. This time I left it alone. It proceeded to close itself and reopen every minute or so for about 10-15 minutes. Then it turned off and didn't come back on until I started my car later in the day and again the following morning. After taking it into the BMW dealer, the warning light was able to be replicated by the dealer and they've told me it is the seat mat (occupancy sensor) that was faulty. No outside influence appears to be at fault for the failure. Just that the part went bad. This is the diagnostic message given: CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE PRESENT FOR PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION. PERFORMED VEHICLE TEST, FAULTS PRESENT REGARDING PASSENGER FRONT SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION. PERFORMED TEST PLAN AND INDCATED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION IS FAULTY. RECOMMEND REPLACING PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION. According to the dealer, if this if not fixed the airbag and/or seatbelt won't perform in the event of an accident. This appears to be a very common issue for BMW and similar to a 2017 BMW Technical Service Bulletin MC-10146769-9999. There was no warning of this issue prior to receiving the error message. There has been no opportunity for moisture to compromise the sensor (via window, sunroof or drinks spilled). Nor has any cellphone been stored on the passenger seat as I've read of some reasons provided to other Owners with the same error message. This seems to be an ongoing issue with this part for some time and it would seem to be an important issue for BMW to resolve in their design for the safety of the user.
- Reported
- Sep 2023
- Incident date
- Aug 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SeatsAug 2023 · ODI 11539754Details +Close −
Passenger restraint system warning is appearing frequently. The dealer service department said the front passenger seat mat needs to be replaced due to faulty front passenger seat occupancy detection. This is a known and common problem impacting front passenger seats but bmw is not recalling even though it impacts air bag deployment. The cost of the repair is estimated to be $2030 at Roadshow BMW in Cordova, TN.
- Reported
- Aug 2023
- Incident date
- Aug 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsAug 2023 · ODI 11537627Details +Close −
BMW has had known issues with its passenger seat safety sensors failing. These are expensive repairs exceeding $2,000+ and happen frequently with the 2018 - 2020 BMW 5 Series. My 2018 BMW 530e has had this sensor fail with regular usage. There hasn't been an abnormal exposure to moisture (I live in Utah, a very dry climate) and so the vulnerability of this technology and the cost associated with it's upkeep and it's necessity for basic safety, means BMW should own up to ensuring that this has better and more reliable craftsmanship.
- Reported
- Aug 2023
- Incident date
- Aug 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJul 2023 · ODI 11532317Details +Close −
There is a sensor that has malfunctioned under the passenger seat. This passenger restraint sensor is meant to detect a person in the seat so the airbag can deploy. The problem is that I’m Oder to fix this send the cost is over $2,000. It’s not concerned by BMW although it’s part of their safety design.
- Reported
- Jul 2023
- Incident date
- Jul 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJul 2023 · ODI 11531783Details +Close −
Passenger restraint warning light continues to illuminate intermittently after services were performed to remedy. Dealer diagnosis showed the seat module had moisture. Dried out. Worked ok for a few months then reoccurred. Next mechanic diagnosed faulty CIS seat box. Replaced the module. Worked ok for a few months then reoccurred.
- Reported
- Jul 2023
- Incident date
- Aug 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJun 2023 · ODI 11529860Details +Close −
I have been smelling a vinegar smell in my vehicle for 1 week upon turning on the air conditioner. At the end of one week I have been having several health issues and I am concerned that this is mold, mildew, or another toxic chemical. I live in Las Vegas where temperatures have reached 3 digits and I am unable to use my air conditioner due to this horrible smell. I ended up in the hospital this week and no one knows what the issue could be. I am concerned that it’s from breathing in toxins from my car
- Reported
- Jun 2023
- Incident date
- Jun 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMay 2023 · ODI 11524031Details +Close −
I get the message “Passanger Restraint System Failure” at random times.
- Reported
- May 2023
- Incident date
- May 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SeatsApr 2023 · ODI 11519021Details +Close −
The seat occupancy sensor malfunctioned. The technician said the computer showed it had moisture that caused the problem. I had the sensor replaced and the repair shop siad there was no sign of moisture contamination. I took pictures of the seat cushion allow with the imbedded sensor and there is no sign of moisture. I feel the sensor was defective and BMW should have been responsible for the replacement but they use the excuse that moisture caused the problem.
- Reported
- Apr 2023
- Incident date
- Mar 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemApr 2023 · ODI 11516933Details +Close −
KLE MODULE FAILURE - Causing short on EV Hard Wires Wall Charger. Module Burned out on vehicle, which could cause fire and electrical problems. This failure also causes problems with emissions issues as this is a Hybrid Vehicle. BMW has has several issues with this and advising that it is not a covered part in the 2018 module, but has been covered and repaired in 2019 + Vehicles.
- Reported
- Apr 2023
- Incident date
- Mar 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.
Recalls
No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2018 BMW 5 Series 4 DR AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
- Not rated
2018 BMW 5 Series 4 DR RWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
- Not rated
Fuel economy by trim
No EPA fuel-economy record is available for this model year. Some trims and older vehicles were not tested or are not in the current EPA feed.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare the year-by-year record
Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.
2018 BMW 5 Series: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2018 BMW 5 Series?
Owners filed 78 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 BMW 5 Series. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2018 BMW 5 Series?
The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (40% of complaints) and electrical system (14%).
How many recalls does the 2018 BMW 5 Series have?
No safety recalls are on record for the 2018 BMW 5 Series as of Jul 2026.
What gas mileage does the 2018 BMW 5 Series get?
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2018 BMW 5 Series aren't available yet.