2018 BMW X2 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 BMW X2, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Exterior lighting527.8%
- Electrical316.7%
- Brakes211.1%
- Engine15.6%
- Fuel system15.6%
- Other / unspecified15.6%
- Powertrain (other)15.6%
- Airbags15.6%
- Steering15.6%
- Body & structure15.6%
- Driver assistance15.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
2018 BMW X2. THE CAR HAS THE PARKING ASSIST FUNCTION, WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO PARALLEL PARK THE CAR. AT DELIVERY, I WAS TOLD HOW TO USE THE SYSTEM, THE SYSTEM FINDS A SPACE, STEERS AND BRAKES. THE VIDEO ON THE DEALERSHIP WEBSITE SAYS IT BRAKES FOR YOU. HTTPS://WWW.PASSPORTBMW.COM/BLOGS/846/MARLOW-HEIGHTS-BMW-DEALER/WATCH-HOW-TO-ACTIVATE-THE-PARKING-ASSISTANT-FEATURED-ON-YOUR-BMW/. THE VIDEO MAKES NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN MODELS AND IS UP AS OF 3/23/19. THE VEHICLE MANUAL SAYS NOTHING ABOUT THE DRIVER BRAKING DURING THE PROCESS. SEE ATTACHED PICTURES OF MANUAL. PARKING ASSIST FUNCTION BACKED INTO A CAR THE FIRST TIME I TRIED IT, DAMAGING THE BUMPER. THE SCREEN IN THE CAR DOES SAY TO USE BRAKES, BUT THAT IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE SALES PEOPLE, THE MANUAL, AND THE VIDEO. MOREOVER, IT IS A FLAW IN THE SYSTEM IF IT REQUIRES YOU TO BRAKE BUT WILL OPERATE WITHOUT USING THE BRAKES. IMPOSSIBLE TO READ SCREEN AND BACK UP AT SAME TIME. SYSTEM SERVICED, THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONFUSED ABOUT HOW IT FUNCTIONED ON DIFFERENT MODELS - THE "BMW GENIUS" AT THE DEALERSHIP THOUGHT IT SHOULD BRAKE FOR YOU, THE MECHANICS DID NOT. WHEN THE "BMW GENIUS" TESTED IT BY TRYING TO PARK 3 TIMES, HE THEN AGREED DRIVER SHOULD BRAKE - SOMETHING HE WAS PREVIOUSLY UNFAMILIAR WITH - BUT FOUND THAT THE SYSTEM WAS STEERING INTO OTHER CARS AS IT PARKED - ATTEMPTING TO SIDE SWIPE THE CARS IT WAS PARKING NEXT TO. HE SAID HE THOUGH THE SYSTEM WAS MISALIGNED, AND IN HIS WORDS "WOULD NOT BE COMFORTABLE USING IT." THIS SYSTEM IS GOING TO INJURE SOMEONE OR SOMETHING. THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE CONFUSING AND INCONSISTENT. CLEARLY THE SALESMAN, "GENIUSES," AND SERVICE PEOPLE DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE MODELS. THE MANUAL OMITS ANY REFERENCE TO USING THE BRAKES DURING THE PROCESS WHICH IS COMPLETELY INCONSISTENT WITH OTHER MODELS AND THE BMW VIDEO ON HOW TO OPERATE THE SYSTEM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR CONDITIONER BLOWING NO AIR FELT LIKE WHEN IT NEEDS FREON, GAS METER WENT FROM HALF TANK TO A QUARTER WITHIN A 30 MILE DRIVE VERY UNUSUAL FOR THIS CAR. MY ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM WAS HACKED A PERSON CAME THROUGH THE SPEAKER AND VERBAL THREATENED MY LIFE THIS IS REPORTED TO FBI. THIS WAS NOT THE RADIO, THEY SAID MY NAME.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW X2. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO STEER THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF WILMINGTON (4920 NEW CENTRE DR, WILMINGTON, NC 28403, (910) 392-2700) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SHOP, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE FAILURE WAS INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. *DT *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Faulty or weak torsion spring in gear shift selector assembly causing multiple codes of improper transmission shift position. Indication of warning to use parking brake due to potential rolling.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2018 BMW X2. The contact stated that while driving at 20-25 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. As a result, the contact sustained an injury to the neck, back, chest, and left arm. Medical attention was required, and the ambulance was called to the scene. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed of a callback. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW X2. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO STEER THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF WILMINGTON (4920 NEW CENTRE DR, WILMINGTON, NC 28403, (910) 392-2700) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SHOP, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE FAILURE WAS INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. *DT *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
2018 BMW X2. THE CAR HAS THE PARKING ASSIST FUNCTION, WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO PARALLEL PARK THE CAR. AT DELIVERY, I WAS TOLD HOW TO USE THE SYSTEM, THE SYSTEM FINDS A SPACE, STEERS AND BRAKES. THE VIDEO ON THE DEALERSHIP WEBSITE SAYS IT BRAKES FOR YOU. HTTPS://WWW.PASSPORTBMW.COM/BLOGS/846/MARLOW-HEIGHTS-BMW-DEALER/WATCH-HOW-TO-ACTIVATE-THE-PARKING-ASSISTANT-FEATURED-ON-YOUR-BMW/. THE VIDEO MAKES NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN MODELS AND IS UP AS OF 3/23/19. THE VEHICLE MANUAL SAYS NOTHING ABOUT THE DRIVER BRAKING DURING THE PROCESS. SEE ATTACHED PICTURES OF MANUAL. PARKING ASSIST FUNCTION BACKED INTO A CAR THE FIRST TIME I TRIED IT, DAMAGING THE BUMPER. THE SCREEN IN THE CAR DOES SAY TO USE BRAKES, BUT THAT IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE SALES PEOPLE, THE MANUAL, AND THE VIDEO. MOREOVER, IT IS A FLAW IN THE SYSTEM IF IT REQUIRES YOU TO BRAKE BUT WILL OPERATE WITHOUT USING THE BRAKES. IMPOSSIBLE TO READ SCREEN AND BACK UP AT SAME TIME. SYSTEM SERVICED, THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONFUSED ABOUT HOW IT FUNCTIONED ON DIFFERENT MODELS - THE "BMW GENIUS" AT THE DEALERSHIP THOUGHT IT SHOULD BRAKE FOR YOU, THE MECHANICS DID NOT. WHEN THE "BMW GENIUS" TESTED IT BY TRYING TO PARK 3 TIMES, HE THEN AGREED DRIVER SHOULD BRAKE - SOMETHING HE WAS PREVIOUSLY UNFAMILIAR WITH - BUT FOUND THAT THE SYSTEM WAS STEERING INTO OTHER CARS AS IT PARKED - ATTEMPTING TO SIDE SWIPE THE CARS IT WAS PARKING NEXT TO. HE SAID HE THOUGH THE SYSTEM WAS MISALIGNED, AND IN HIS WORDS "WOULD NOT BE COMFORTABLE USING IT." THIS SYSTEM IS GOING TO INJURE SOMEONE OR SOMETHING. THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE CONFUSING AND INCONSISTENT. CLEARLY THE SALESMAN, "GENIUSES," AND SERVICE PEOPLE DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE MODELS. THE MANUAL OMITS ANY REFERENCE TO USING THE BRAKES DURING THE PROCESS WHICH IS COMPLETELY INCONSISTENT WITH OTHER MODELS AND THE BMW VIDEO ON HOW TO OPERATE THE SYSTEM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .