Owners filed 29 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 4 times.
Most common 2018 BMW 530e problems
8 of the 29 complaints (28%) are about the electrical system.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Electrical System
8
0
0
0
Seat Belts
7
0
0
1
Air Bags · airbags
5
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
2
0
0
0
Structure › Body · body and frame
2
0
0
0
Visibility › Windshield
1
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
1
1
0
0
Seats
1
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine
1
0
0
0
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · airbags
1
0
0
0
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V243000
Filed Apr 29, 202033 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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 › Camera19V684000
Filed Sep 27, 2019257,473 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. 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.
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.
Filed Sep 20, 20183,501 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Jul 11, 20185,309 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. 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.
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.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 16, 2026CA
I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2018 BMW 530e, VIN [XXX], 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 advised owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures until the recall repair is completed. The notice stated that the remedy was not yet available. I have contacted BMW seeking assistance with alternative transportation while awaiting the repair. Unfortunately, the dealership’s loaner vehicle arrangement does not accept my insurance carrier, The General. BMW’s alternative rental arrangement uses Enterprise, which I am unable to rent from due to a prior issue.As a result, neither transportation option offered is accessible to me. I am not requesting that BMW replace or repurchase my vehicle. I simply want the safety defect repaired and a reasonable transportation solution while awaiting that repair. I am concerned about the safety implications of continuing to use a vehicle for which the manufacturer has issued a fire-risk warning, particularly when the recall repair has not been made available to me. I contacted BMW directly and was informed that the remedy for safety recall 26V-441 is not yet available. Therefore, I cannot have the safety defect repaired at this time. BMW has advised affected owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from st
Visibility › Windshield
Filed Oct 6, 2026MI
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.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 10, 202679,000 milesPA
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 NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V441000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with undisclosed sensor failures. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 4, 2026TX
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."
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 31, 202579,000 milesCA
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.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 5, 2025NY
Passenger seat occupancy sensor faulty causing restraint system malfunction and seat belt warning
Electrical System
Filed Jul 9, 2025SC
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.
Seat Belts1 injured
Filed Apr 11, 2025MA
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.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 6, 2025CA
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 !
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 19, 2025CA
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.
Seat Belts
Filed Jan 3, 2025CA
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.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 29, 2024GA
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.
Seats
Filed May 29, 2024TX
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.
Seat Belts
Filed Apr 22, 2024VA
Passenger restraint system malfunction cause by faulty sensors that are not covered by warranties.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 11, 2024GA
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
Seat Belts
Filed Feb 28, 2024CA
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.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 22, 2024TX
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.
Seat Belts
Filed Jan 3, 2024CA
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.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 6, 2023CA
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.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 10, 2023UT
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.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification
Filed May 26, 2023TX
I get the message “Passanger Restraint System Failure” at random times.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 13, 2023CA
KLE MODULE FAILURE - Causing short on EV Hard Wires Wall Charger. Module Burned out on vehicle, which could cause fire and electrical problems. This failure also causes problems with emissions issues as this is a Hybrid Vehicle. BMW has has several issues with this and advising that it is not a covered part in the 2018 module, but has been covered and repaired in 2019 + Vehicles.
Seat Belts
Filed Aug 5, 2021CA
Passenger seat belt warning light activates even though there is no one or anything in the passenger seat.
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jan 7, 20206,500 milesCA
SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCERLERATION
Electrical System
Filed Aug 11, 201914,800 milesCA
BACKUP CAMERA DOES NOT RELIABLY ACTIVATE WHEN PLACING THE CAR IN REVERSE. SCREEN ON INSTRUMENT PANEL IS BLANK WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISPLAYING THE BACKUP CAMERA. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED NEW SOFTWARE TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, EVEN WITH THE NEW SOFTWARE.
Structure › Body
Filed May 6, 20196,700 milesCA
THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR OPENING WHILE MY CAR WAS IN MOTION. DURING THIS OCCURRENCE, WITHIN A COUPLE MINUTES OF STARTING THE CAR AND DRIVING, FIRST THROUGH A PARKING LOT, AND THEN TURNING RIGHT AND ACCELERATING ON A STREET, AT APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR OPENED BY ITSELF. NO ALARMS, TONES OR WARNING LIGHTS WERE PRESENT UNTIL THE DOOR OPENED ON ITS OWN.
Seat Belts
Filed May 6, 20198,700 milesCA
VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAY A FASTEN SEAT BELT WARNING MESSAGE WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ALONG WITH A WARNING TONE EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT IS BUCKLED AND NO OTHER PEOPLE ARE IN THE CAR AND NO WEIGHT IS ON THE OTHER SEATS. MESSAGE OCCURS WITHIN A COUPLE MINUTES OR DRIVING AND WILL SELF-CLEAR AFTER ABOUT A MINUTE. PROBLEM OCCURS SEEMINGLY RANDOMLY AND INTERMITTENTLY.
Structure › Body
Filed May 3, 20194,000 milesCA
RIGHT FRONT DOOR OPENED BY ITSELF WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION. WHEN DOOR OPENED BY ITSELF, A LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED AND A WARNING TONE SOUNDED. PULLED THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SLAMMED DOOR SHUT.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 14, 201910,670 milesCA
AFTER HAVING MY BMW 530E RUN THROUGH A HAND AND SEMIAUTOMATED CAR WASH, THE CAR WAS DRIED AND DETAILED. WHEN I GOT IN THE CAR AND BEFORE TURNING THE 530E ON, THE IDRIVE SCREEN WAS DISPLAYING A WARNING MESSAGE INDICATING THAT "BATTERY CANNOT BE RECHARGED" AND TO "STOP CAREFULLY: POWER SUPPLY." THE UNDERCARRIAGE WASH WAS NOT DONE ON THIS TRIP TO THE CAR WASH AS IT IS AN ADDED FEATURE. CONTACTED BMW THROUGH THE IDRIVE SYSTEM AND SPOKE TO A MASTER TECHNICIAN WHO ADVISED TO NEVER DO A AN UNDERCARRIAGE WASH. HE ALSO ADVISED TO TURN OFF THE CAR FOR 10 MINUTES. AFTER 10 MINUTES THE MASTER TECH CALLED BACK AND I RESTARTED THE CAR AND ALL WARNINGS WERE GONE AND IDRIVE VEHICLE STATUS WAS "ALL SYSTEMS OK." MY 530E DROVE HOME 10 MILES WITHOUT ANY FURTHER ISSUES.
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: Apr 29, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.