2018 BMW X4 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2018 BMW X4 has 10 complaints and 2 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues related to the water pump failing, overheating, and electrical problems. Several complaints mention delays in obtaining parts for recall repairs and incidents of sudden power loss and burning odors from the engine compartment.
Common Issues
- Water pump failure. Multiple owners report the water pump completely failing, causing overheating and leaving vehicles stranded on roads.
- Electrical system damage. Corrosion from coolant leaks into the electrical system has caused damage to components including the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) and throttle body, creating potential fire hazards.
- Burning odor. Burning smells from the engine compartment were reported before or during electrical and cooling system failures.
- Recall parts unavailable. Several owners received recall notifications but were unable to get repairs because parts were not yet available at dealers.
- Power loss while driving. Vehicles suddenly lost power during operation, sometimes accompanied by warning lights and smoke from the engine control unit.
- Brake failure. One incident involved braking issues leading to a collision; reports indicate multiple complaints about brake problems and dealer repair attempts.
- Overheating warnings ignored. Some owners reported initial overheating alerts prior to vehicle service, but dealers did not confirm overheating during inspections.
- Multiple electrical codes. Post-repair, vehicles showed multiple electrical fault codes affecting different systems, suggesting ongoing electrical issues.
- Chassis stabilization light. This warning illuminated following water pump and electrical repairs, indicating further system malfunctions.
There are 2 recalls for the 2018 BMW X4 affecting the engine cooling and electrical systems, specifically related to the water pump and its electrical connector. These recalls address risks of short circuits and fire hazards.
Recalls
- Water pump and connector. NHTSA recall number 24V608000 affects 720,796 vehicles including 2015-2018 X4 models. An electrical connector on the water pump may be improperly sealed, exposing it to water and causing short circuits which increase fire risks. Dealers are instructed to inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as needed and to install a protective shield free of charge. Notification letters were sent March 28, 2025.
Owners dealing with repeated repairs, safety defects, or unresolved recall issues for this vehicle may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting a qualified attorney could help clarify available options.
2018 BMW X4 Summary
2018
Model Year
10
Total Complaints
1
Total Recalls
720796
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2018 BMW X4
720796 vehicles affected
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Complaints
2018 BMW X4
ID: 2122851ENGINE
The water pump was found to have extreme corrosion after several other components on the car were damaged from the coolant leak into the electrical system. The car was suddenly losing power while driving and the DME was smoking, potentially causing an engine fire. So far the water pump, Digital Motor Electronics (DME) and throttle body were replaced over a 15 day period in service. The day the car was picked up, the chassis stabilization light came on and the dealership was receiving codes saying multiple additional electrical systems are now triggering the codes. The car was back at the dealer for service and now they are saying even more systems have been damaged by the leak. There is currently a recall on the water pump for this model and year, although this exact VIN is not included in the recall. Initial overheat warnings came on July 22, 2025 just prior to the car going in the shop although the dealer didn't see that the car was overheating. The fault codes were coming up as electrical. Only the dealer has inspected the car thus far. I content this car should have been included in the recall for the water pump as the description of the recall fits the exact damage to the water pump in my car.
2018 BMW X4
ID: 2122850ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The water pump was found to have extreme corrosion after several other components on the car were damaged from the coolant leak into the electrical system. The car was suddenly losing power while driving and the DME was smoking, potentially causing an engine fire. So far the water pump, Digital Motor Electronics (DME) and throttle body were replaced over a 15 day period in service. The day the car was picked up, the chassis stabilization light came on and the dealership was receiving codes saying multiple additional electrical systems are now triggering the codes. The car was back at the dealer for service and now they are saying even more systems have been damaged by the leak. There is currently a recall on the water pump for this model and year, although this exact VIN is not included in the recall. Initial overheat warnings came on July 22, 2025 just prior to the car going in the shop although the dealer didn't see that the car was overheating. The fault codes were coming up as electrical. Only the dealer has inspected the car thus far. I content this car should have been included in the recall for the water pump as the description of the recall fits the exact damage to the water pump in my car.
2018 BMW X4
ID: 2111155ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted on several occasions; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2018 BMW X4
ID: 2111154ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted on several occasions; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2018 BMW X4
ID: 2100950SERVICE BRAKES
Unknown: Dealership replaced my brakes however they weren’t working properly I reported it 3 times BMW said it was common about 2 weeks later I was involved in a car accident where the brakes failed to respond and I rear ended another car.
2018 BMW X4
ID: 2096070UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Water pump completely failed and no longer working. I had to pull off of road on a busy interstate. Firestone confirmed water pump no longer working. Vehicle is at BMW service center. No warning until vehicle overheated and warning came on.
2018 BMW X4
ID: 2085621ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle there was a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2018 BMW X4
ID: 2085620ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle there was a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2018 BMW X4
ID: 2070871ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2018 BMW X4
ID: 2070870ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.