2018 BMW M5: common problems and reliability
One of the worst M5 years.
One of the BMW M5 years to avoid. All M5 years
27 owner complaints, most about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 M5?The 2018 BMW M5 has 27 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and seat belts.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 BMW M5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other M5 years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the M5?
Across the 19 M5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 124 (2006). With 27 complaints, the 2018 M5 sits above the model's median of 4.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 M5
electrical system:software
Campaign 18V323000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the engine control unit software may cause the fuel pump to stop.
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 19V684000BMW 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."
fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
Campaign 18V473000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. The fuel level sensor in the fuel tank may become stuck against an in-tank fuel line, causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate and possibly larger amount of fuel than is actually available.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily influenced by ownership costs.
Owner insights cover all generations of the M5. See the full M5 owner picture and every model year.
Other M5 model years
Compare every M5 year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the M5 against its rivals
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