2018 BMW 3 Series

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Engine is the leading concern among 59 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 21 3 Series model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 59

Of the 2018 reports, 5 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.

Primary concernEngine18 reports · 31% of complaints
Owner complaints59Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationshipNo recalls on fileNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine18
  2. Electrical system14
  3. Fuel/propulsion system10
  4. Other or unspecified8
  5. Fuel system7
  6. Diesel6
  7. Power train4
  8. Vehicle speed control4

Recalls and investigations

No safety recalls on file.

Representative owner complaints: fuel system

7 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Fuel system, Diesel, Feb 10, 2025

    The contact owns a 2018 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine overheating message was displayed on the instrument panel with the temperature gauge rising to hot(H). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the coolant reservoir was topped off however, the failure persisted. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) which was linked to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that recently the vehicle began to leak coolant. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the manifold needed to be taken off to perform a diagnostic test. The contact was informed that the oil filter housing unit and the water pump both needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,150.

  2. Fuel system, Diesel, Jan 23, 2025

    The contact owns a 2018 BMW 328D. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering significantly. The contact was able to pull over and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's workplace. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no record of a recall on the VIN. However, the contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The vehicle remained at the workplace and had not been driven since. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

  3. Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 10, 2023

    The contact owns a 2018 BMW 320I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked for a while, upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The contact stated that the fuel tank ventilation warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was due to the fuel tank ventilation and power management system. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel system malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.

  4. Fuel system, Diesel, Dec 9, 2021

    The contact owns a 2018 BMW 328d. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  5. Fuel system, Diesel, Nov 1, 2021

    The contact owns a 2018 BMW 328D. The contact was informed by a third party that his vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V568000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  6. Fuel system, Diesel, Oct 26, 2021

    The contact owns a 2018 BMW 328D. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where they replaced the fuel pump; however, the fuel pump failed during the test drive. The contact was also informed by the dealer that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

  7. Fuel system, Diesel, Oct 1, 2021

    The contact owns a 2018 BMW 328D. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. An unknown warning light illuminated the instrument panel. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the high-pressure pump had exploded, and the explosion had damaged other parts of the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated recall has been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 34,914.