2018 BMW 530E recalls and problems

4 recalls and 29 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 BMW 530E.

4
recalls
29
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 BMW 530E recalls

Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module · Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module · Air bags: frontal · Air bags

NHTSA campaign 20V243000 · reported April 29, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC · 33 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right head air bag, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Back over prevention: sensing system, camera

NHTSA campaign 19V684000 · reported September 27, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC · 257,473 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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."
The risk
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Equipment: electrical

NHTSA campaign 18V652000 · reported September 20, 2018 · BMW of North America, LLC · 3,501 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine and engine cooling: engine

NHTSA campaign 18V465000 · reported July 11, 2018 · BMW of North America, LLC · 5,309 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 16, 2026 · Unknown or other

I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2018 BMW 530e, VIN […], which is affected by BMW safety recall 26V-441. I received a recall notice from BMW advising that a defect involving the engine starter may result in overheating and a potential vehicle fire, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. BMW…

Oct 6, 2026 · Visibility

The contact owns a 2018 BMW 530E. The contact vehicle was left outside due to not being able to store the vehicle in the garage, and the front windshield cracked. The dealer was contacted, but no assistance was provided.

Sep 10, 2026 · Electrical system · 79,000 miles

The contact owns a 2018 BMW 530E. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally, with electrical system failures. The “Driving Assistance”, TPMS, Emergency Call Service, check engine, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact associated the failure with…

Mar 4, 2026 · 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…

Dec 31, 2025 · Engine and engine cooling · 79,000 miles

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…

530E model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2017 1000
2018 42910
2019 21331
2020 3200
2021 2101

All BMW 530E years →

Questions

Does the 2018 BMW 530E have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 BMW 530E, the most recent reported on April 29, 2020 (Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module, Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module, Air bags: frontal, Air bags). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 BMW 530E?
Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (9 complaints), followed by seat belts (9).
How many 2018 BMW 530E complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 29 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 16, 2026.