2018 BMW 430i

Routine

Owners filed 36 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 1 time.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine11
011
Engine and Engine Cooling7
000
Seats3
202
Seat Belts3
000
Unknown or Other2
012
Service Brakes2
100
Air Bags2
100
Visibility/Wiper1
000
Tires1
000
Fuel/Propulsion System1
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Seat Belts › Front17V507000
Filed Aug 16, 201767 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, and M4 convertible vehicles. The Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) within the front seat belt assemblies may have been produced with incompatible vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism housings.

Risk. If the vehicle has an incompatible vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism, the seat belt may not restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary replace, the front seat belt assemblies, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Back Over Prevention › Warnings
Filed Aug 5, 2026FL

I am reporting a potential safety defect involving water intrusion into the amplifier location on my BMW F33. According to the dealer's diagnosis, water entered the area containing the amplifier, causing failure of the audio system and the loss of audible safety warnings and alerts. As a result, the vehicle no longer provides audible safety notifications that are intended to warn the driver of potentially hazardous conditions. I believe this condition is caused by a design defect that allows water intrusion and creates an unreasonable safety risk. Research indicates BMW has issued technical service information addressing this condition. I have not taken possession of the vehicle because I am concerned about operating it without functioning audible safety warnings.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jun 2, 2026CA

The steering wheel airbag has a cut mark, and it feels softer than the rest of the airbag cover. It looks like it may be starting to open.

Engine
Filed May 20, 2026FL

The car has experienced numerous coolant leaks according to the dealer and independent authorized service shops including: - turbo coolant lines - oil filter housing - auxiliary radiator - coolant pump - heat management module - upper radiator hose - expansion tank hose - various other coolant hoses All of this work has been done starting at 46,000 miles and continuing through the current mileage of 88,000 miles. Complete loss of coolant in system disabled the vehicle putting driver at risk of being stranded, potential permanent damage of motor due to overheating, and loss of use of the vehicle on numerous occasions. Low coolant warning indicator only comes on when the coolant tank is dangerously low. Most leaks have been detected from inspection and diagnostic testing by authorized service shops. The number of coolant leaks has cost over $10,000 in repairs and excessive depreciation of the vehicle causing financial hardship. Full service records are available upon request.

Engine
Filed Mar 19, 2026MD

Oil Filter Housing failed causing immediate loss coolant rendering the vehicle inoperative.

Engine
Filed Mar 11, 2026NY

2018 430i x drive gran coupe oil filter housing failed. Car started to overheat while driving and the infotainment system indicated that the car is overheating and started to decelerate.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 19, 2026TX

A few months ago, June 18, 2025 my 2018 BMW 430i convertible, which has 57,202 miles on the odometer, alerted me that the passenger side restraint system was malfunctioning. BMW declined to address the issue. Now, I am receiving the same notification for the driver side. Once again, BMW refuses to provide repairs. This poses a significant safety risk, as my airbags could potentially deploy unexpectedly during normal driving, and my seatbelts may fail to secure me in the event of an accident. During my online search, I found a recall for the same issues, the same year and model; however, my VIN was not included in that recall. I am apprehensive about driving my vehicle, as it may be a potential death trap. I believe BMW needs to acknowledge and take responsibility for this serious dangerous defect. My car is currently at the dealership, so I do not have an invoice at this time. Can NHTSA help me with this issue?

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 14, 202566,690 milesCA

The contact owns a 2018 BMW 430I. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for routine service, and the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the water pump was leaking and needed to be replaced. The low coolant level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,690.

Engine
Filed Aug 8, 2025NY

Disconnect coupling on cylinder head broke caused loss of coolant from engine. Overheated my Car damaged the engine and the car did accelerate when I was crossing a highway almost causing a collision

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 23, 2025CA

Seatbelt alert pops up and noise sounds even when seatbelt is already buckled

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 18, 202574,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2018 BMW 430I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that there was an unknown liquid leaking underneath the vehicle. The coolant warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a leak in the water pump and that the water pump needed to be replaced. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling; Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 17, 2025MS

The contact owns a 2018 BMW 430I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven to a local parking lot and then to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant pump failure. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the coolant pump was previously replaced and covered under an unknown recall repair a year prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Dec 13, 2024FL

I pulled out onto Southside Blvd. My brakes failed, my driver’s front of the car hit a Waste Management garbage truck right back tire and cut the sidewall of the tire. The engine was racing, the truck pulled off the road, and I had sudden unintended acceleration. I immediately turned into a strip center and my car was racing through the strip center, the brakes were not working, the car controls were not working, and I turned the ignition switch off and the car stopped. The car had to be towed. Presently my insurance company has issued an estimate to repair the cosmetic issues, but not the mechanical issues.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 5, 202480,769 milesPA

The contact owns a 2018 BMW 430I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started overheating with the low coolant warning light illuminated. The contact parked and left the vehicle at a local dealer. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in SIB: 17 01 21 (Service Action: Replace the Coolant Vent Line on the Cylinder Head) and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 80,769.

SeatsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 24, 2024NJ

Front driver seat , keep sliding when u hit on breaks on the left legs where seat controls are located the balance between right thigh and left thigh is not well measured so becomes increasingly uncomfortable when thicker person driving the car, could cause an accident and risky, Engine problem - so many coolant leak which has cost me over 6000 dollars to repair and yet Still leaking, when I switch to spot mode this coolant overheat and thrn Another leaking, switch to sports plus more coolant leak Second the seat belt holder, a system is design to hand over the seat belt when doors close the that holder keep missing the seat belt or couldn’t drag it to you I’ve seen this in many of the bmw Another incident I notice when you reverse there’s crack or skip between the tires u could feel it like car is shaking reversing especially when wheel turn all the to the end

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 23, 202475,000 milesLA

The contact owns a 2018 BMW 430I. The contact stated that while the dealer was servicing the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact there were several coolant leaks found. The dealer advised the contact to regularly add coolant to the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle experienced reduced power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The messages "Vehicle Engine Heating - Drive Moderately" and "Drivetrain Malfunction" were displayed. The contact noticed a significant amount of smoke coming from underneath the hood and there was smoke inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off and exited the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a Collision Center, where it was inspected. The Collision Center informed the contact that the engine combusted and several parts under the hood had melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 6, 2024SC

In Oct 2022, I was driving normally and suddenly got a message on the dash saying something like "Coolant low, please top up when you have a chance". A minute or so later, I got the red warning "Engine Overheated, turn off engine when safe" and it went into limp mode, and I pulled over immediately and had to flatbed my car to a dealer. Then told me there was a coolant leak (which I was not aware and there was no error message regarding coolant prior to the incident.) And they told me there was a recall on my vehicle coolant vent line. Although I had check NHTSA website frequently and did not see anything being recalled. They replaced the coolant vent line for free. Fast forward 21 months and less than 5000 miles later, I brought the car in for oil change. Upon inspection of my vehicle, the technician noticed some fluid seeping through the turbo coolant feed line and there were buildups. Please see video here. [XXX] . They suggested replacing the turbo coolant feed line and turbo return light for $2,500! I mentioned the incident two years ago due to a coolant leak that was being recalled, if this is related. They told me the recall was only the coolant vent line. The issue now is the turbo coolant feed line and return light. And over time, the coolant just "starts to leak on those lines due to its material". This is a 6 year old mildly driven vehicle with 35K miles. How can the coolant line material so bad that it would start to leak after 5+ years? Found some threads online a

Engine
Filed Mar 29, 2024CA

My BMW 430i 2018showed no warning and suddenly the car started to shake, I stopped immediately and after the car cooled, there was no coolant, the oil temperature gage was always on normal. The car overheated and caused catastrophic engine failure, and need replacement. Upon inspection by several mechanics, its obvious the coolant leak from a hose that connects with engine block

Engine
Filed Mar 5, 2024MA

When I cold started the car it rattled and shook, this stopped and the car was fine to drive. When I was on the road the cars check engine light came on and the car suddenly slowed down. An error popped up saying that there is a “powertrain malfunction”. BMW dealership said that it is a failure in VANOS system. There was a recall on other BMW models expect mine, 2018 BMW 4 series.

Engine1 injured
Filed Feb 7, 2024GA

CAR WAS ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 80 MILES COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON CAR DROPPED SPEED TO 30 MILES PER HOUR ON ITS OWN

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 22, 202477,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2018 BMW 430I. The contact stated that while driving with the front driver's side seat belt buckled, the seat belt failed to restrain as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt failed to retract when unbuckled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was provided an estimate to repair the front driver's side seat belt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact there would be no assistance because the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V507000 (Seat Belts). The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

20 of 36 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2018
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20262100Routine
20256100Routine
20241200Routine
20233200Routine
20228500Routine
202115600Routine
20205100Routine
201921300Routine
2018 — this page36120Routine
201724200Routine

Compare every 430i year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 16, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.