ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
2018 BMW X2
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 14 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 BMW X2, most frequently naming the exterior lighting, electrical and brakes categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 109 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 1 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 2 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 3 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 4 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 5 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 6 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 7 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 8 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 9 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 10 |
| Mar 2025 | 2 | 12 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 13 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 14 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Exterior lighting527.8%
- Electrical316.7%
- Brakes211.1%
- Engine15.6%
- Fuel system15.6%
- Other / unspecified15.6%
- Powertrain (other)15.6%
- Airbags15.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSafety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
While driving a drivetrain warning ⚠️ was detected and code was displayed on the I drive, along with a CEL. The vehicle is in limp mode so I was unable to accelerate past 35-40 mph. Took the car into the dealership and was informed that my waste gate actuator failed @59,388 miles. The part is an electric controller and can fail without warning. In my opinion 59,000 miles is extremely early for a part that controls boost pressure at the turbocharger. Found numerous complaints about this component and I feel it should be recalled by the manufacturer. This component was an issue on older models and BMW extended the warranty to 15 years/150,00 miles.
- NHTSA ID
- 11739785
- Incident
- May 19, 2026
Water began accumulating in the front footwell area of the vehicle, resulting in a soaked carpet and persistent musty odor. The condition developed during normal operation of the air conditioning system, without any external water intrusion (no flooding or open windows). The issue appears to be caused by a failure of the A/C condensate drain system, which is not properly draining water outside the vehicle. Instead, condensation is leaking into the cabin. This creates a risk of mold growth and potential damage to electrical components located beneath the floor, including wiring harnesses and control modules. The problem has been reproducible, especially when the air conditioning is in use. There were no warning lights or alerts prior to noticing the issue. Research indicates that BMW has identified this exact defect in Service Information Bulletin SIB 64 04 16, which states that the condensate drain hose may be improperly installed, kinked, blocked, or damaged during installation, leading to water ingress into the footwell area. This suggests the issue is due to a known design or manufacturing defect rather than normal wear and tear. This condition poses a safety concern due to possible electrical malfunction and reduced vehicle reliability. The affected components are available for inspection upon request.
- NHTSA ID
- 11726633
- Incident
- Jul 10, 2025
EMERGENCY SOS MALFUNCTION LIGHT ON
- NHTSA ID
- 11651920
- Incident
- Jan 15, 2025
Rear brake light bulb housing assemblies melted plastic around metal bulbs contacts. Both tail light assemblies has failed three times each. This issue has occurred on multiple BMW X2s.
- NHTSA ID
- 11648786
- Incident
- Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X2. The contact stated that while driving, a "Driver’s side rear turn signal malfunction" message was displayed. Upon investigation, the contact was able to find information online and replaced the rear turn signal bulb herself. The contact stated that several days later, the failure returned, and the contact decided to take the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic informed the contact that the defect was a known issue caused by the casing around the taillight which caused the bulb to melt. The mechanic replaced the lightbulb; however, the failure returned several days later. The contact replaced the bulb independently however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and claimed to not know about the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,140.
- NHTSA ID
- 11639179
- Incident
- Dec 22, 2024
- Mileage
- 10,140 mi
Experiencing an issue with rear turn signal not functioning properly. Replaced bulb but problem not resolved. Checked internet to find others are experiencing issue with part melting causing bulb socket to loose connectivity causing the problem. Serious safety concern by my standards. Wife’s vehicle and she is constantly getting the finger and angry drivers behind honking and screaming at her.
- NHTSA ID
- 11615866
- Incident
- Sep 18, 2024
BMW X2 "REAR TAIL LIGHT MALFUNCTION" OCCURS CONSISTENTLY. Seems like a manufacturer defect. I took it to the dealer once and had the bulb changed when I was there for scheduled service and it worked for 1 day and then back to the fault. Seems to be a common manufacturer defect: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] ? [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11609364
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2022
My car started fire by itself. It was parked in front of my house. I drove 90 miles from my work in the same evening. I came home at 7:00pm, and since then my car was untouched. At 1:30am of the night, I heard something "pop" outside and it started making noise like something is on fire. And then I opened the window to find out my car is on fire. It was parked right in front of my house, the fire would move to my house anytime, but my neighbor called the police and fire station for me, and told me to get out of the house ASAP because it might explode. I was so panicked to grab my cats as I try to leave my house, and the police came right away, they started to water the rim of my house. The fire truck arrived in 15min or so, and it took about 30min to put the fire off. Thankfully, as it was right after that we noticed the fire, and the gas tank was almost empty, neither my house, myself, my family, my cats, and my neighbor were unharmed. Hawaii Police Department was there : Report #24-021263. My insurance company (GEICO) came and take a look, and they are taking care of it now. It is confirmed as "total loss". It has been showing the alert to check engine oil for about a week or so, but on the "vehicle status" screen, it was saying nothing was in immediate trouble. I even had made an oil-change appointment at the dealer on Mar 18th. I will upload some photos, but I have some videos of when the fire started also.
- NHTSA ID
- 11576127
- Incident
- Mar 4, 2024
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ENGINE
The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
ENGINE
The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Telematics Control Units (TCU) Internal Emergency (Backup) Battery for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 6 years without mileage limitation, as determined from the vehicles original first in-service / delivery date. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusions that apply to the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Telematics Control Units (TCU) Internal Emergency (Backup) Battery for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 6 years without mileage limitation, as determined from the vehicles original first in-service / delivery date.
ENGINE
EVAP SYSTEM PURGE (VENT) VALVE EXT LTD WTY (ELW) 15/150
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
After performing a BMW Remote Software Upgrade (RSU), the functionality of the Comfort Access andPassive Go/Exit features may be reduced. Also, one or more of the following error memory entries below may be stored in the Basic Central Platform(BCP) module. 80424A Remote control receiver at the front (FBD5 VM): Programming defective 80424B Remote control receiver at the rear (FBD5 HM): Programming defective 80424C Remote control receiver at the front left (FBD5s VL): Programming defective 80424D Remote control receiver at the front right (FBD5s VR): Programming defective 80424E Remote control receiver at the rear right (FBD5s HR): Programming defective 80424F Remote control receiver at the rear left (FBD5s HL): Programming defective
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.