repaired · 2021 Q1
Sensing system: camera
Risk. The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
2018 BMW M5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 2018 BMW M5, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-684 the manufacturer reports only 96% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 BMW M5 has problems
6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Engine
2Air bags
1Power train
1Seat belts
1Seats
1Service brakes
1Structure
1Fuel/propulsion system
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2018 BMW M5 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Storage: tank assembly
Risk. An incorrect fuel reading may lead to the vehicle stalling and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Electrical system: software
Risk. If the fuel pump stops, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other M5 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the M5 median. How we score
'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'00'01'02'03'06'07'08'09'10'13'14'15'16'18'19'20'21'22'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What M5 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I had gotten into a head on collision in January. My insurance had refused to cover me because I had only been insured for a month. Now I’m trying to get it fix out of pocket. I’m finding out about more repairs needed ASAP. My engine might be gone.
BMW issued a stop sale on 2017-2023 bmw F90 M5 chassis regarding the expansion tank failure. All vehicles should be affected by the recall. My current vehicle is experiencing the issues stated on the recall notice. Expansion tank is failing and causing coolant to seep into engine bay
The coolant tank on my 2018 M5 failed causing a coolant leak. This is a highly documented problem on the forums and mine needed replacement at 22k miles. The bigger issue is the location of the tank because the coolant leaks on the ignition coils and fuel injectors causing failures later. My coils…
Own a 2018 M5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.