Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
450.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
225.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
225.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2019peak 3Mar 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2018 BMW 530E
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
Recalls on the 2018 BMW 530E
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V243000
AIR BAGS
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i and 540i xDrive and 2017-2018 530e xDrive vehicles. Prior exposure to excessive levels of humidity within the driver and passenger head air bag inflators may affect the proper deployment of the head air bags.
Risk: In the event of a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the head air bag may be impaired and/or the igniter could separate from the inflator, increasing the risk of injury.
19V684000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
18V652000
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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.
Risk: An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
18V465000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lynn, MA1 injured
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11654120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,500 milesLA Habra, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCERLERATION
NHTSA complaint #11297810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Austin, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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."
NHTSA complaint #11722098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
ENGINE
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."
NHTSA complaint #11722098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesIrvine, CA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11707996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesIrvine, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11707996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
SEATS
Passenger seat occupancy sensor faulty causing restraint system malfunction and seat belt warning
NHTSA complaint #11697612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
SEAT BELTS
Passenger seat occupancy sensor faulty causing restraint system malfunction and seat belt warning
NHTSA complaint #11697612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
AIR BAGS
Passenger seat occupancy sensor faulty causing restraint system malfunction and seat belt warning
NHTSA complaint #11697612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clemson, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11672168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynn, MA1 injured
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11654120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland Hills, CA
AIR BAGS
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 !
NHTSA complaint #11652985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
san Jose, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11636980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Porter Ranch, CA
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11634005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Porter Ranch, CA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11634005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11605053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
SEATS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11591199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11591199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vienna, VA
SEAT BELTS
Passenger restraint system malfunction cause by faulty sensors that are not covered by warranties.
NHTSA complaint #11584457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vienna, VA
AIR BAGS
Passenger restraint system malfunction cause by faulty sensors that are not covered by warranties.
NHTSA complaint #11584457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11576746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11574500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hutto, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11573475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fremont, CA
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11563427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11558862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Draper, UT
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11537627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
I get the message “Passanger Restraint System Failure” at random times.
NHTSA complaint #11524031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.