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.
Of the 2018 reports, 5 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints
59 reports, newest first.
Engine, Oct 26, 2023
The radiator failed due to rocks flying through the grill and smashing the radiator causing coolant to flow out of the radiator which could cause deadly issues if a car has no coolant while operating. Bmw knows this is an issue and refuses to warranty/recall the parts. They know its an issue because after 12/17 every 340i came with a rock guard to protect the radiator but every car before that was just left to be victim of a potentially deadly situation including mine (manufactured 10/17). Bmw refuses to acknowledge the problem but the addition of the rock guard to cars after 12/17 should be enough evidence to show they knew it was an issue. Now all 2016-2018 m sport f30 chassis built before 12/7 are susceptible to this deadly situation and bmw refuses to cover for any damages even though they know it's a serious issue and they won't even cover the rock guard
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 24, 2023, crash
Rattling noise we’ll driving and when going over 30 mph can lose control
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 13, 2023, crash
Rattling noise when accelerating
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 22, 2023
Fuel Tank Filler Hose Collapse - unable to refuel and vehicle remains stranded.
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.
Seat belts, Feb 1, 2023
CUSTOMER REAR PASSENGER SETBELT DOESNT LATCH
Vehicle speed control, Jan 17, 2023
The car's cruise control's rocker switch got stuck causing the vehicle's speed to increase continually. The rocker switch allows driver to increase or decrease speed when the cruise control is activated. The rocker switch permits speed increase in increments of 1 mph or 5 mph. If pressed up until a resistance point, the speed increases by 1 mph; if pressed beyond the resistance point, it increases by 5 mph. In my instance, I was on cruise control at 61 mph (in a 55 zone, where traffic was also moving in the 60's). I wanted to increase speed by 3-4 mph using the rocker switch to safely complete an overtake. However, the rocker switch got stuck and caused the car's peed to increase past 80mph. I almost missed hitting the car ahead of me.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 13, 2022, fire
On January 19, 2022 I was driving and then smoked filled inside my car and the outside engine was smoking and a light came on that said check coolant. BMW service took me in that day and they said my coolant broke. They removed it and replaced it. They did not understand how the coolant broke but I paid for the service and parts and moved forward. On November 25, 2022 I went into the same BMW service center to get a routine car service and they stated there was a recall and they would replace my coolant for free. (After I told them I paid for it ($699.63) . They insisted I replace it for free again and reach out to BMW corporate for a reimbursement of previous service. I received a call yesterday stating they would not replace it and reach out and file a report with NHTA.
Steering, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 23, 2022
The car started to make a popping noise and then the collision warning light, Steering Light and Pedestrian warning lights came on and the steering became very tight. The electric steering became manual. Yes problem has been reported to Braman BMW Jupiter as well as BMW USA.
Service brakes, Sep 10, 2022
My BMW 330XI 2018 wagon recently passed 40000 miles. My wife heard a rubbing noise when braking a few days ago. We took car into a repair shop and they found the rear brake pads were worn down to the metal. At no time did a brake wear warning light ever alert us to this!
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 16, 2022
In Feb 2022 my vehicle reported low coolant and later the engine overheating. At one point the accelerator pedal became less effective and the car significantly slowed down while on the highway. After refilling the car's engine coolant and still getting alerts, I brought the vehicle to the BMW auto shop where it was determined there was an active coolant leak from the hose of the cylinder head expansion tank. The hose was then replaced. Today I visited the same BMW auto shop where they reported an open recall on this exact issue, yet I do not see an open recall on this site. Please investigate as others may be having this faulty equipment safety issue with risk of engine overheating/fire.
Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2022
Cylinder Head Hose Expansion Tank Replacement - Coolant leaks out completely - This repair has been done twice on this vehicle with only 26K miles. BMW USA states no recall but the dealership informed me they have issued a bulletin but just put back on the defective hose since no other replacement hose is available...I'm paying out of pocket for the repair.
Engine, Jun 22, 2022
Unknown - I returned from a work related trip out of the country, started my vehicle and coolant was pouring everywhere. BMW stated there's a recall coming out but have not seen one since the repair in April which was over a thousand USD.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 25, 2022
In May 2021 I purchased a 2018 Certified Pre-owned BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid with 20K miles from the BMW dealership at Glendale, CA. My car is under original manufacture warranty to this day but I also have paid for an extra warranty and maintenance program. On December 26th, 2021, as I was driving back from Las Vegas on highway 15, about 40 miles into the trip, my car dash displayed an error message "Charging Malfunction" immediately after this error, the entire car systems INCLUDING BREAKS AND STEERING WHEEL! stopped working. I lost control of my car and my car went towards the right side of the road where there's no asphalt and it's all dirt and pebbles. car was finally stopped with the help of manual handbrake but I was terrified and I felt lucky to survive the incident. BMW roadside assistance towed my car to the BMW dealership in Las Vegas since it's the closes dealer. they said they don't have any loaner car and I should get rentals and they will pay for it at the end since it's part of my warranty is to provide "Transportation" while the car is at the shop. they also said once my car is fixed, they will "reunite" my car in Los Angeles. 2 days after, the dealership declined any repair due to a leak on the radiator and I was told my car was "Overheated". Although my car had no indication of overheating ever or at the time of the incident. The picture I took from the error also shows the temperature of my car which is normal. See picture. I can't wrap my head around losing break and steering wheel without any prior error or indication of overheated car. BMW is can't explain why and neither can my insurance after reviewing my car's computer logs, how could I trust driving this car again if break and steering wheel could fail without any prior indication of overheating or low coolant or ANY error? A car that is still under manufacturer warranty with only 31K miles! who will be responsible if I crash and get injured or die if this happens next time?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Engine, Apr 16, 2021
ON THE WAY HOME FROM PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE AS A CPO AT THE BMW DEALER, A LOUD ENGINE KNOCK DEVELOPED. MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE BMW DEALER TO CHECK IT, AND ON THE WAY THERE, IT LOST POWER & ENGINE MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. HAD TO PULL OFF HIGHWAY, FEARING CAR WOULD STOP RUNNING ALTOGETHER. DIAGNOSIS WAS FAILED ROD BEARINGS, WITH LOTS OF METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL FILTER. MILEAGE WAS 36,500 MILES.
Engine, Mar 8, 2021, fire
RETURNING FROM A LOCAL GROCERY STORE I DROVE INTO OUR GARAGE AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. IMMEDIATELY I HEARD A LOUD POP FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, LIKE FROM A FIRECRACKER, AND I SAW BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND FROM THE LEFT WHEEL WELL. I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR TO DRIVE OUT OF THE GARAGE. NOTHING WORKED SO I PUSHED THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE BY HAND AND RELEASED THE HOOD LATCH. BY NOW THE HOOD'S EXTERNAL SAFETY LATCH WAS SO HOT I COULD NOT RELEASE IT. WITH THE HOOD CLOSED, I WAS UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE ENGINE FIRE USING A 15 LB CO2 AND A 5 LB ABC EXTINGUISHER. THE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT ALSO WERE UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE UNTIL THEY SAWED THE HOOD IN HALF. THE 2 1/2 YEAR OLD CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. A EXPERT FROM BMW OF NORTH AMERICA INSPECTED THE CAR REPORTING THAT WAS TOO MUCH DAMAGE TO DETERMINE THE FIRE'S CAUSE. BMW NA CALLED TO REPORT THE RESULT NOT THEIR INVESTIGATION AND SAY THAT NO WRITTEN REPORT WAS AVAILABLE, ONLY THE VERBAL VERBAL FONECON.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 18, 2020
VEHICLE HAD 300 MILES ON IT. ALL POWER WENT OUT IN THE VEHICLE INCLUDING THE STEERING GOING STRAIGHT 45MPH WITH MY SMALL CHILD IN THE CAR. ALMOST DIED, BUT WAS ABLE TO CONTROL CAR TO GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ALMOST GETTING HIT HEAD ON. CALLED BMW FROM WITHIN THE CAR AND WENT LATER THAT DAY TO GET A LOANER. I REFUSED TO TAKE BACK CAR DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES. AFTER A WEEK OF THEM "FIXING" IT THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A MAIN CONTROL PANEL FOR THE FUEL PUMP THAT WENT OUT. I DO SEE THROUGH WHEN CHECKING RECALLS FOR 2018 BMWS THAT THERE WAS ONE ISSUED FOR A PUMP, BUT NOT UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2018. THIS HAPPENED TO ME IN MARCH OF 2018, SO IF IT IS THE SAME ISSUE THE RECALL SHOULD BE SHORTENED.
Electrical system, Dec 2, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW 320I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RODENTS WERE FOUND EATING THE WIRES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SPEAKERS WERE EMITTING A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PAUL MILLER BMW (1515 NJ-23, WAYNE, NJ 07470) WHERE NO FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE SPEAKER AND WIRES WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AS WIRES WERE FOUND CHEWED IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHOM INFORMED HIM THAT CHIPMUNKS WERE ENTERING THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO GRILL ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS ALLOWING THE RODENTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Tires, Nov 4, 2020
2018 BMW 330 IX. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE CONTINENTAL RUN FLAT TIRES ON VEHICLE BLEW OUT AND AS A RESULT CAUSED DAMAGE TO RIMS ON VEHICLE. CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR DAMAGED RIMS. *LD *JS
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2020
WHEN REAR WINDOWS ARE DOWN, THERE IS A LOUD REVERBERATING ROARING SOUND THAT THAT INCREASES W SPEED AND IS VERY DISTRACTING TO DRIVER. IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM ON 330I EVEN ONES BEFORE 2018. BMW SERVICE MANAGER SAY IT IS A DESIGN DEFECT.
Electrical system, Sep 1, 2020
INCE DECEMBER OF 2019 I HAVE HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR AND MY IPHONE. I HAVE RESPONSIBLY GONE TO DEALERSHIP FAR TOO MANY TIMES TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED. CALLS HAVE DROPPED WHILE I'M ON THE PHONE WITH CLIENTS WHO ARE EMOTIONALLY FRAGILE. (I AM A THERAPIST ). THE CALLS CONTINUALLY DROPPED AND AFTER LOOKING AT THE ISSUE THE SERVICE DEPT DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS MY PHONE. I WENT TO APPLE AND GOT A BRAND NEW TELEPHONE AND THE ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN. SO CLEARLY IT WASN'T MY PHONE. THEY REPLACED SOME PARTS BUT I HAVEN'T DRIVEN MY CAR DUE TO COVID. I GOT IN THE CAR TO FIND MY MUSIC FROM MY TELEPHONE NO LONGER PLAYS THROUGH THE STEREO AS IT DID PRIOR. BMW HAS ADMITTED TO ME THEY HAVE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE 2018 BMW AND COMPARABILITY OF THE IPHONE. THE DEALERSHIP HAD A RESPONSIBILITY TO DISCLOSE THIS WHEN I LEASED THE CAR THE OMITTED THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT WOULD CAUSE ME TO PAUSE IN LEASING IT AS ITS IMPERATIVE TO MY JOB AND BUSINESS TO BE ABLE TO TALK AND RECUR VERY CALLS FROM CLIENTS. I TRIED TO RESOLVE THIS WITH BMW CORP AND THEY OFFERED NO MONITORY OR ANY RESOLUTION FOR MY UNREASONABLE NUMBER OF TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP, FOR INCONVENIENCING MENTALLY FRAGILE PEOPLE AND MY TIME. THEY ALSO DID NOT DISCLOSE THIS INFORMATION THEY CLEARLY ARE AWARE OF WHEN I LEASED THE VEHICLE.