2018 BMW 530E Complaints and Recall Information
The 2018 BMW 530E has 6 complaints and 11 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues with the passenger restraint system malfunctioning, random warning lights, and problems with seatbelt sensors. There are also reports of telematics unit battery failure, GPS errors, drivetrain malfunctions, and warranty coverage denials.
- Passenger restraint system errors. Warning lights related to the passenger restraint system illuminate without warning and sometimes when a light object is placed on the seat.
- Seatbelt sensor failures. Sensors fail to detect occupants correctly, causing the airbag to disable and leading to expensive repairs.
- Telematics control unit battery defect. The internal emergency backup battery malfunctions, preventing emergency calls and blocking dashboard mileage display.
- GPS malfunction. The GPS system registers incorrect vehicle locations without warning, potentially directing drivers to unsafe areas.
- Drivetrain malfunction. The vehicle experiences drivetrain errors requiring high voltage battery replacement despite warranty coverage issues.
The vehicle is subject to 11 recalls affecting various systems including electrical components, safety sensors, airbags, and engine parts. These recalls address defects that pose risks ranging from fire hazards to impaired safety system functionality.
- TurboCord Portable Charger capacitors. (NHTSA 18V652000) Approximately 3,501 vehicles may have capacitors that fail causing shock or fire hazards. Dealers inspect and replace chargers as needed at no charge.
- Back-up camera system. (NHTSA 19V684000) Around 257,473 vehicles may have software issues causing rearview camera loss, increasing crash risk. Software updates are provided free of charge.
- Passenger and driver side air bag inflators. (NHTSA 20V243000) Thirty-three vehicles from model years 2017-2018 may have inflators exposed to excessive humidity leading to impaired airbag deployment and increased injury risk. Replacement inflators are provided at no cost.
- Crankshaft sensor firmware. (NHTSA 18V465000) About 5,309 vehicles, including some 530e models, may stall due to incorrect sensor firmware. Dealers replace sensors free of charge to prevent stalling.
Owners dealing with repeated repairs, safety defects, or unresolved recall issues on the 2018 BMW 530E may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting a qualified attorney can help assess potential claims related to these ongoing problems.
2018 BMW 530E Summary
2018
Model Year
6
Total Complaints
4
Total Recalls
266316
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2018 BMW 530E
33 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS
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.
2018 BMW 530E
257473 vehicles affected
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
2018 BMW 530E
3501 vehicles affected
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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.
2018 BMW 530E
5309 vehicles affected
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
Complaints
2018 BMW 530E
ID: 2107640ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
2018 BMW 530E
ID: 2081774SEAT BELTS
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.
2018 BMW 530E
ID: 2080120AIR BAGS
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 !
2018 BMW 530E
ID: 2056945UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
2018 BMW 530E
ID: 2052651AIR BAGS
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.
2018 BMW 530E
ID: 2052650SEAT BELTS
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.