2018 BMW 3 Series Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 18 3 crash 2 fire 2 injury

“Rattling noise we’ll driving and when going over 30 mph can lose control”
NHTSA complaint #11546214, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 f…”
NHTSA complaint #11497221, 2022 · 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 CIT…”
NHTSA complaint #11399787, 2021 · fire

Electrical System 13 2 crash 2 fire 3 injury

“I smelt and saw smoke coming from the back of my vehicle. I pulled over on to the left side of [XXX] bound. Then, I jumped out of the car to check the truck. I didn't see anything, then i popped the hood and still did not see anything visible. I then went back to the trunk to check it again, and that is when I saw flames pop out from the back seat area. It was in the area where the back de-frost wires and some other wires are as well. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11667410, 2025 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“Rattling noise we’ll driving and when going over 30 mph can lose control”
NHTSA complaint #11546214, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“While driving on the highway, my vehicle unexpectedly caught fire due to no fault of my own. Upon investigation, it appears the fire originated from a short in the rear window defroster wiring, which led to significant damage in the right rear C-pillar area, headliner, rear window, and rear deck. This event was not only hazardous to my physical safety but also deeply traumatic on a personal level. As someone who suffered severe burns as a child, experiencing a fire while operating a vehicle triggered a powerful emotional response. The trauma of the incident has had a profound impact on my ment…”
NHTSA complaint #11678001, 2025 · fire

Fuel/Propulsion System 10 1 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 f…”
NHTSA complaint #11497221, 2022 · fire

“Car just shut off when driving at 65mph and never started back up, took it in and repair was a bad fuel pump and fuel rail line causing metal shards to go through fuel tank and injectors.”
NHTSA complaint #11670096, 2025

“Gas tank began leaking from top of blind flange, similar to other extended warranties (SIB 01 03 22 and SIB 01 07 22). BMW is refusing to cover my specific model year (I have sent letters requesting reimbursement and called multiple times). It created an explosion hazard in my garage. Had mechanic repair, I do not have part. Cost $2,000 for new tank that will probably develop same issue. There were no warning lamps.”
NHTSA complaint #11624760, 2024

Unknown Or Other 8 1 crash 1 injury

“My 330i 2018 bmw has a cracked in the oil housing unit. This is due to bmw putting plastic parts instead of aluminum. After researching this I found thousand of people complaining about the sane thing. The car overheats and sometimes the oil gets mixed into the coolsnt system b causes more damage. This seems to happen on cars with mileage between 60-70 on engines B46, B48 n B58z”
NHTSA complaint #11655822, 2025

“Car coolant is leaking due to a bad plastic coolant vent line. I had this issue in January 2023 where it was covered under a recall. I tried contacting the bmw dealership who fixed this recall and they stated there was no current recall. Although is the same issue again.”
NHTSA complaint #11608828, 2024

“Multiple codes came on right after I had gotten my thermostat and my water pump fixed. However it ended up being that there was more leaks throughout the rest of the car. The car has currently cost me $3400 to fix and it’s still not fixed because nobody can figure out where the actual leak is coming from. The coolant is leaking and nobody can figure out where, it’s been having jerking issues since it started leaking and I read on other Bmw’s that the coolant leaks into the head gasket, causing the engine to blow”
NHTSA complaint #11569599, 2024

Fuel System 7

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11641715, 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 w…”
NHTSA complaint #11637952, 2025

“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 th…”
NHTSA complaint #11511146, 2022

Power Train 4 1 crash 1 injury

“Rattling noise we’ll driving and when going over 30 mph can lose control”
NHTSA complaint #11546214, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Car just shut off when driving at 65mph and never started back up, took it in and repair was a bad fuel pump and fuel rail line causing metal shards to go through fuel tank and injectors.”
NHTSA complaint #11670096, 2025

“Multiple codes came on right after I had gotten my thermostat and my water pump fixed. However it ended up being that there was more leaks throughout the rest of the car. The car has currently cost me $3400 to fix and it’s still not fixed because nobody can figure out where the actual leak is coming from. The coolant is leaking and nobody can figure out where, it’s been having jerking issues since it started leaking and I read on other Bmw’s that the coolant leaks into the head gasket, causing the engine to blow”
NHTSA complaint #11569599, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 4 1 crash

“ACCELERATION ISSUES. I COMPLAINED TO BMW ABOUT THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2018 FOR MY 2018 BMW. HOWEVER, BMW SAID THERE WASN'T A PROBLEM. ON SUNDAY AT AROUND 6:28 PM I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT MY CHASE BANK AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTS ACCELERATING CAUSING ME TO HAVE A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A PARKED CAR. MY 2015 BMW HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS IN RALPH'S PARKING LOT IN BEVERLY HILLS ABOUT TO PULL OUT WHEN SUDDENLY MY BMW ACCELERATED, AND I NEARLY KILLED TWO PEOPLE. WHEN I BOUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE BMW REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. SOMETHING WAS CALIBRATED TO HIGH.”
NHTSA complaint #11300113, 2020 · crash

“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 complet…”
NHTSA complaint #11502140, 2023

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11384147, 2018

Air Bags 3 1 crash 1 injury

“AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN SERIOUS ACCIDENT CAUSING INJURY. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING WHEN STUCK IN FRONT LEFT BUMPER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH”
NHTSA complaint #11079929, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My passenger airbag sensor malfunctioned and the repair is over two thousand dollars. The car is only 6 years old and I believe airbags should last longer than 6 years. BMW has extended warranties for airbags on some models (mine not included) for 15 years without mileage limitation. If a collision occurs, my passenger would be in extreme danger.”
NHTSA complaint #11629707, 2024

“I was driving to home, Nobody is traveling with me. Suddenly SRS System gave me a warning that "Restraint System Malfunction" .I went to the dealer he diagnosed and told that. Passenger Seat Occupancy sensor failure, that will prevent the deployment of Airbags. The vehicle mileage is less than 34k. They fixed and charged me for $1958.71.”
NHTSA complaint #11555355, 2023

Service Brakes 3 1 crash

“I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE FOR ABOUT A MINUTE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND LUNGED FORWARD.I APPLIED MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE,ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR , BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME IS THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED THE CAR ,AS HE WAS STOPPED TOO. THE CAR THEN BOUNCED BACKWARD AND TURNED OFF BY ITSELF. I WAS ON A MAIN STREET AT A LIGHT. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT ANOTHER CAR WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE IT STOPPED THE CAR AND PREVENTED MY CAR FROM HITTING PEDESTRIANS.”
NHTSA complaint #11337852, 2020 · crash

“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!”
NHTSA complaint #11483780, 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 o…”
NHTSA complaint #11448905, 2021

Steering 2

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11490461, 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 o…”
NHTSA complaint #11448905, 2021

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“THIS CAR DOESN'T HAVE A WAY FOR DRIVERS TO PUT THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL IF THE ELECTRICAL PANEL AND THE ENGINE IS DEAD. I WAS IN THE FLOODED AREA IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND FELT SCARED WHEN BIG TRUCKS PASSED ME SIDE BY SIDE. EVEN THE SHERIFF WHO HELPED ME COULDN'T FIND IT IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. I HAVE A 12 MONTHS OLD GRANDSON AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11233062, 2019

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owns a 2018 BMW 330E. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle hesitated, stalled, and restarted independently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced.  The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), however the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 103,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11635124, 2024

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11490461, 2022

Seat Belts 1

“CUSTOMER REAR PASSENGER SETBELT DOESNT LATCH”
NHTSA complaint #11504837, 2023

Seats 1

“I was driving to home, Nobody is traveling with me. Suddenly SRS System gave me a warning that "Restraint System Malfunction" .I went to the dealer he diagnosed and told that. Passenger Seat Occupancy sensor failure, that will prevent the deployment of Airbags. The vehicle mileage is less than 34k. They fixed and charged me for $1958.71.”
NHTSA complaint #11555355, 2023

Structure 1

“SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY”
NHTSA complaint #11291754, 2019

Tires 1

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11372150, 2019

Visibility/Wiper 1

“I WAS ON THE CAPITAL BELTWAY OUTSIDE WASHINGTON DC GOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND MY SUNROOF SUDDENLY SHATTERED. IT WAS EXTREMELY SCARY BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT GOING OFF. IT WAS A VERY HOT DAY, LOW 90S. LUCKILY I HAD JUST CLOSED THE SUN VISOR SO THE GLASS DID NOT POUR DOWN ON ME OR MY PASSENGERS. WHEN WE PULLED OVER, WE FOUND A LARGE HOLE IN THE FRONT PANEL OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF AND SHATTERED GLASS SITTING ON THE FABRIC SUN VISOR.THE REMAINING GLASS WAS CRACKLED. I JUST GOT THIS CAR, BRAND NEW, 2 WEEKS AGO AND I KNOW IT HAD BEEN IN A HAIL STORM AND HAD DENTS THAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED J…”
NHTSA complaint #11114422, 2018