2018 BMW 530I
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2018 BMW 530I. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2018 BMW 530I. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Owner complaints
26 complaints1 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Vehicle keeps saying that "passenger restraint system malfunction" and turns off air bags even when there is a passenger . A lot of people from BMW forums are reporting same issue
- Engine
The oil filter housing has a plastic coolant passage that cracked. That lead to a complete loss of coolant, leaving my teenage daughter stranded. The problem seems pretty wide spread on these cars and happens right around the end of the warranty period. It could have been a more than $2500 repair. I ended up fixing it myself for a little less.
- Air bags
It keeps coming up with the error message passenger restraint system malfunction
- Engine
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…
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.
- Engine and engine cooling
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…
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.
- Engine and engine cooling
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…
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 returned 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.
- Air bags
Passenger restraint system Malfunction. L
- Air bags
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.
- Air bags
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.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Seats
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.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Unknown or other
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.
- Seat belts · Seats
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 $2500 to fix for this very common problem.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Seats
I recently took my vehicle in for a service due to "passenger system restraint" error code. Upon dealer inspection it would cost upwards of 4,000$ 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…
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.
- Seats
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.
- Air bags
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.
- Air bags
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.
- Engine · Unknown or other
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…
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
- Engine
Engine suddenly lost most of power, causing risks of losing control. Diagnosis suggests a bug in Digital Motor Electronics (DME) unit. Per TSB SI B12 08 18, the correction is to update software. This should be a recall to make sure drivers don't experience sudden engine malfunction during driving.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Seat belts
Passenger Restraint System Malfunction. This is what randomly and constantly pops up. The fasten seat alert goes off the whole time I’m riding, although no one is in the passenger seat. I took it to the BMW service center twice and each time they keep my vehicles for hours, just to say they couldn’t duplicate the issue.
- Air bags · Seats
Passenger restrain system malfunction where airbags will not deploy if car is in accident. this seems as an issue with BMWs and they had recall before on certain models and years, dealers do not want to process claims under manufacturing warranty to fix an issue even the car is still under…
Passenger restrain system malfunction where airbags will not deploy if car is in accident. this seems as an issue with BMWs and they had recall before on certain models and years, dealers do not want to process claims under manufacturing warranty to fix an issue even the car is still under manufacturing warranty. claiming that water could have been spilled seems very convenient not to fix this issues. i took my car to dealer and they ran diagnostic test and charge me $200 to tell me to turn heat in the seat because moisture, sound unfair. week after that same message came on i am not sure how it is legal for BMW dealers to clear code and send people home and tell them to turn heat in the seat and hopefully problem goes away. which it did not and there should be recall for this issue especially if airbags are concern.
- Unknown or other
My car had under 17,000 miles and had been serviced on schedule by an authorized dealer. I had BMW anchored driver's floor mat in place. My mother-in-law and I were wearing our safety belts. We were approaching a four-way intersection with a traffic light. The speed limit on the road IS 35…
My car had under 17,000 miles and had been serviced on schedule by an authorized dealer. I had BMW anchored driver's floor mat in place. My mother-in-law and I were wearing our safety belts. We were approaching a four-way intersection with a traffic light. The speed limit on the road IS 35 miles an hour. I was driving slower than that speed. As I was approaching the intersection with a red light , I had taken my foot off the accelerator. although my foot was not on any pedal, the car suddenly accelerated. I hit the brakes but I could not slow the car. I was rapidly approaching the intersection and other vehicles. to the right of the road was a house. I steered the car off the road and into the field on the left. I am certain that my foot was on the brake pedal because of its position and resistance. the car had accelerated without my foot on any pedal. Due the car's speed and an incline at the entrance to the field, the car became airborne for a short distance before landing hard and continuing toward a dumpster. although I was unable to slow the car, I was able to steer the car away from the dumpster and toward a steep hill at the end of the field. The car was slowed by the incline and contact with the ground. my foot was still on the brake pedal. I was able to place the car in neutral. I placed the car in park and turned off the ignition. I called 911. The airbags did not deploy. My husband and the police officer both confirmed that there was nothing impinging upon the accelerator pedal. My mother-in-law was transported by ambulance to the hospital where she was admitted for acute lumbar spinal compression fracture. I was evaluated in the ed and released. BMW IS to send an engineer from BMW to evaluate my car. The body shop told my husband that an employee started my car which initially revved at a high rate. Unintentional acceleration
- Steering
While driving on a city street, dash warning lights illuminated, advising to drive immediately to the nearest BMW service center. At the same time the vehicle became hard to steer. While trying to pull off the roadway the steering wheel locked up, nearly causing an accident. Obviously a serious safety concern. Currently at the dealer for repair.
- Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification · Seat belts
While driving message will pop up regarding passanger's seat belt and even driver was fasten the seat belt message will pop up in the screen to fasten the seat belt. it will start after 20 minutes of driving.
- Electrical system
I was driving on the highway to work at 9AM, it was a beautiful morning traffic was moving very smooth I was going 50mph approximately when all of a sudden my car jerks forward and backward then a beeping sound and stop suddenly on the van wyck expressway I saw my life flash in front of my eyes.…
I was driving on the highway to work at 9AM, it was a beautiful morning traffic was moving very smooth I was going 50mph approximately when all of a sudden my car jerks forward and backward then a beeping sound and stop suddenly on the van wyck expressway I saw my life flash in front of my eyes. Luckily the person behind me was like two cars AW1 car away so no one collided in me , however when I look through my rear view mirror I saw all the trucks and cars coming down I don't know how I was able to move the car over into the service lane, the craziness IS that even though the car stop it was still in drive I was unable to put the car in neutral. It's been a week since this happen and I'm still having anxiety. I am having a hard time changing the car because BMW insisted. They said some collision avoidance was on very sensitive and it's fix now. But the why would a car stop suddenly on a highway when nothing was in front on me and no other vechicle was close by I thank god that I'm able to write this I need some serious help because if I get back in that same car I'm going to be driving in fear for the next 3 years who do I speak to regarding this issue. I didn't expect to get this type of treatment from BMW IS like they don't care how it's affected me it's only 1 month all they have to do IS change the car I did not pull slot of mileage on the car I just got the car I was I love with the car but after this incident I don't know if I'll ever feel a 100% safe driving a BMW. I never had any issue with my 528I it was perfect but it's sad to say that not this time around. Why am I going through so much stress and headache to change the vechicle it's jot my fault. I'm so disappointed in BMW.
- Air bags · Seat belts
Car issued a safety warning concerning, "passenger restraint system malfunction" stating the passenger restraint system IS limited. warning shows up when passenger seat empty and when car IS stationary or moving. dealership service center verified vehicle had error code but stated they "believe"…
Car issued a safety warning concerning, "passenger restraint system malfunction" stating the passenger restraint system IS limited. warning shows up when passenger seat empty and when car IS stationary or moving. dealership service center verified vehicle had error code but stated they "believe" it IS moisture in the sensor and instructed me to redirect air conditioning to floor when warning comes on screen. concerned about whether this IS really just a sensor problem that should be ignored or if there IS actually a safety problem with the restraint system.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11012074the NVLD limited emissionrelated warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
- 11012067The NVLD limited emission related warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
- 11008101For this vehicle, the EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusion criteria that apply to the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
- 10252038Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care. Voltage supply The Service Engine Soon light is on with the following DME Fault Code: 21B209 - Starter alternator / belt for 48V system (OSA_RIEMEN_RISS): Belt betweenCombustion engine and starter generator torn And/or one or more of the following other issues are also occurring: Noise in the area of the belt drive. Odor from the engine compartment. Smoke formation in the area of the belt drive. Drive belt damaged or prematurely worn. Torn drive belt.
- 10252031One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249032The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3). FaultB7F8F9 HU-H: Reset will be stored in the HU-H3.
- 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 10249018At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk) as seen at the 11 second mark of the video. See attached video V36 01 21.
- 10249017SITUATION Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction. 1. A one-time thump sound at the start of movement Shortly after the steering column starts moving, retracting, or extending, a one-time thump noise is heard. See attached video V32 03 23 2. Humming noise while steering column extends in the axial direction. The sound is only heard when the steering column is extended, not when the steering column is retracted. When the steering column starts to move in the extended direction, the humming noise can be heard. See attached video V32 04 23
- 10247567Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE
- 10245422Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicles equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.
- 10245367Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care. Voltage supply The Service Engine Soon light is on with the following DME Fault Code: 21B209 - Starter alternator / belt for 48V system (OSA_RIEMEN_RISS): Belt betweenCombustion engine and starter generator torn And/or one or more of the following other issues are also occurring: Noise in the area of the belt drive. Odor from the engine compartment. Smoke formation in the area of the belt drive. Drive belt damaged or prematurely worn. Torn drive belt.
- 10245365Pressure control valve (pcv) extended ltd wty 15 years/150,000 miles
- 10245364Diesel fuel injectors: ltd wty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
- 10242698?The sunroof will not operate in either direction.
- 10242694?The front seat will not calibrate/initialize, and the stored faults cannot be deleted.
- 10242691?Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction.
- 10239614The air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a stand still. The vent outlet temperatures vary by 25 degrees Fahrenheit or more (38 F to 60 F +) without changing any climate control settings.
- 10239611Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam headlight: Short circuit and/or 8041A5 - light outputs: Number of permitted short circuit cycles exceeded
- 10239604A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.
- 10239602A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system (NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and scavenging air system, micro-leak: leakage more than 0.5 mm.
- 10239601BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop effective June 6, 2023 on certain Model Year 2023 - 2024 BMW vehicles that were produced between October 26, 2022 and May 8, 2023.
- 10239599With the introduction of the BMW Remote Software Upgrade, all Service Pack 18 vehicles and partial Service Pack 15 vehicles may receive new functionality or modifications in their features.
- 10239595Radiator Grille Upper and Lower Active Air Flaps limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
- 10238090After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.
- 10238083Due to a software error, the vehicle sporadically does not achieve sleep mode. As a result, the 12-volt battery becomes discharged and may cause a no-start condition.
- 10238081Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.
- 10236236Issues with the various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (KAFAS system) can possibly lead to following customer complaints: KAFAS camera system deactivates itself, due to system restrictions that are not clear to the customer KAFAS camera system cannot be activated due to system restrictions that are not clear to the customer Road signs are sporadically not detected.
- 10235206Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).
- 10235205The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration in the mobile communication network. Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration. The Connected Drive voice services (Concierge Call, BMW Assistance, and emergency call voice) can no longer be used regionally in the US in vehicle with telematics control units ATM-1 and TCB-4G. Voice control of the vehicle and all other telephone (paired mobile devices) functions are not affected. Emergency call location data is unaffected.
- 10235203Customer states there is no audio playback (telephony, navigation, radio) and system sounds (PDC, turn indicators, acoustic signals) may also have failed.
- 10235200One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.
- 10235191Due to a software error, the vehicle sporadically does not achieve sleep mode. As a result, the 12-volt battery becomes discharged and may cause a no-start condition.
- 10235181A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.
- 10235179There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower.
- 10235178BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: Due to a software failure, there is the possibility that the transmission does not go into "sleep mode" if the car is turned off.
- 10233157There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower. The noise goes away as the vehicle/driveline reaches operating temperature.
- 10230740Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).
- 10230734Due to a software error, Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) and Remote Support are currently not possible. Additionally, the Integrated Owner's Handbook cannot be displayed.
Every BMW 530I model year
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