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2018 BMW 6 Series problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 BMW 6 Series has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 11owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 0fire reports
- 13%fail the UK MOT
11 complaints, against an average of 14 for the other 5 BMW 6 Series model years.
Every BMW 6 Series model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2018 BMW 6 Series?
The components named most often in the 11 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2018 BMW 6 Series been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2018 BMW 6 Series as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2018 BMW 6 Series recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSATakata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)
Risk: Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.
Fix: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.
UK DVSAReplace the Engine Starter Motor
Risk: For affected vehicles there is a concern involving water ingress and corrosion to the starter motor for where a short circuit cannot be ruled out. It is strongly recommended to park the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings until the repair has been carried out.
Fix: Replacement of the starter motor.
UK DVSACheck Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
Risk: Affected vehicles may have had a retrofit or conversion of the airbag using a previously recalled airbag variant which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury possibly fatal to people in the vicinity. The original factory fitment airbag for the vehicle is not affected.
Fix: Vehicles will have the airbag checked and if necessary replaced.
UK DVSAA possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which…A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Risk: A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Fix: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.
UK DVSAUndetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
Risk: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident
Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation module could leak over time
Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module could leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
UK DVSAThe pressing force of the bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification
Risk: The engine counterbalance shaft bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification
Fix: Replace the engine of affected vehicles
UK DVSASoftware fault in crankshaft sensor
Risk: The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.
UK DVSASoftware fault with crankshaft sensor
Risk: The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. The crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the crankshaft transmitter due to an improper firmware level. The firmware does not compensate sufficiently the temperature gradients and the magnetic field strength of the sensor electronic. If the crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the transmitter the Digital Diesel Electronic (DDE) will notice that and change to the emergency operation mode. The emergency mode will be displayed by the check control message engine malfunction . The driver may notice a rough running engine and a reduced driving power (70%). However an engine stalling during driving conditions cannot be excluded.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.
UK DVSAFront seat fixing mechanism may be insecure
Risk: Due to a fault in the supplier's production process the bolt on the outer side of the seat mechanism on both front seats might not have been fixed properly. In cases where the bolt loosens the customer would be alerted by noise coming from the seat and a noticeable increase in seat clearance/movement. If this is ignored by the customer the securing bolt on the outer side of the seat might come off. If the securing bolt comes off the seat can move backwards in a rear end crash situation.
Fix: The bolt on the seat mechanism will be checked for excessive clearance and if necessary replaced.
EU Safety GateWater may come into contact with the starter relay and gradually cause corrosion.This could affect the electrical connection inside the relay and make the engine difficult to start. It may also result in a short circuit and could cause the starter to overheat leading to a fire when the vehicle is in motion or when it is parked with the ignition off.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations.In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021
EU Safety GateThe press-in force of the counterbalance shaft’s bearing shells may not have met the specifications, which could cause the counterbalance…The press-in force of the counterbalance shaft’s bearing shells may not have met the specifications, which could cause the counterbalance shaft to become loose. As a result, the engine could be damaged and locked in motion, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA component of the steering mechanism might not have been fitted correctly.This might lead to considerably increased steering force being required or to a loss of steering control.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe front safety belts may have a faulty locking mechanism.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 30/08/2017
EU Safety GateThe bolt on the outside of the seat mechanism of both front seats may not have been properly secured.If the bolt comes loose, the seat can move backwards in the event of a rear-end collision accident, which would increase the risk of injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2018 BMW 6 Series fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2018, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2018 BMW 6 Series owners report?
11 of the 11 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2018 BMW 640XI. The contact stated that while pulling up to a red traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the engine revved unexpectedly, and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and drove forward approximately 3-feet. The contact turned the vehicle off and restarted the engine and the engine continued to rev very high. The vehicle was restarted a second time and the unintended revving ceased and the vehicle operated normally. The following morning the vehicle was driven to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact stated that…
I hear a crackling or a popping sound coming from the windshield area as I’m driving. It is irregular and going over bumps seems to trigger it but yesterday as I was driving on a smooth highway with no vehicles nearby I heard a deafeningly loud crack sound. Then I noticed a tiny crack in the windshield. The sound was so loud that I considered it a potential accident inducing distraction as it really frightened me for a few seconds. Again it couldn’t have come from an outside projectile as there were no vehicles nearby and the highway surface was perfectly free of pebbles or debris.
My BMW's passenger side airbag malfunction light randomly came on and will not turn off. When I went to the dealer, BMW quoted apprx. $3000 to replace the seat sensor mat which they said probably got wet? No water was ever on the seat and no passenger sits there - just my purse. I feel this is a safety related defect after seeing numerous reports and complaints online and trying to fix the issue. The warning message also blocks other important information on my dashboard.
Consistent passenger restraint / passenger airbag failure warning. Took vehicle to BMW dealership and was told that the passenger seat must have moisture damage, causing the issue. There have been no spills or leaks in the vehicle. Quoted $2600 to fix. See attached. Vehicle’s safety in question.
when opening the Panoramic Sunroof while driving, the curtain would not retract and sagged. It totally blocks the rear view and there is no way to fix it while driving. also if you have a car seat facing the rear, the curtain would falls onto baby's face and potentially cause suffocation
Moonroof shade failure. Droops, blocking rear window visibility while driving. Happened with no warning. Will bring to service center for inspection.
I took the car in for a service and mentioned that there is a slight vibration at highway speeds. The dealer performed wheel balancing and found that the issue was still there. Following this, a software update was performed and the issue was still prevalent. The final cause was identified to be the control arm bushings. The problem I see is that a number of bushings/rubber parts are failing in the vehicle and I am being asked to pay out of pocket for what I believe is a defective part/vehicle. In the first instance, the guibo/ flex disk had cracked which was replaced. These are parts that…
I took my vehicle for a regular oil change and vehicle check at 22000 miles. The service advisor performed a routine check and found that the driveshaft flex disc had multiple cracks. If the cracks expand, it could lead to a complete failure of the disc at which point the driveshaft was come loose and can cause an accident along with extensive underbody damage. I do not understand how a certified preowned vehicle with only 22000 miles can have such a major part defect.
THE CAR ON MY RIGHT CHANGED LANES AND AND HIT THE FRONT OF MY CAR. PHOTO'S OF DAMAGE ATTACHED. THE DAMAGE WAS TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BUMPER AND PANEL ON THE FRONT SIDE. POLICE REPORT ATTACHED. THE CARFAX REPORT PRINTED 5/5/2021 SHOWS DAMAGED AREAS AS FRONT, RIGHT AND REAR. THE DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO THE SIDE FRONT ONLY AND THE CAR WAS DRIVABLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED 12/21/2018.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW 640I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF ANNAPOLIS (31 OLD MILL BOTTOM RD, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401, (410) 349-9312) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,551.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW 640I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF SILVER SPRING (3211 AUTOMOTIVE BOULEVARD, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904, (888) 295-2096, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE FUEL SENSOR WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THERE WAS NO LEAKS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED THAT THE RADIATOR SHROUD WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE…
2018 BMW 6 Series: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 BMW 6 Series reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 BMW 6 Series; the most common categories were air bags (2, 18.2%), forward collision avoidance (2, 18.2%), electrical system (1, 9.1%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 1 complaint mentions a crash.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 BMW 6 Series?
Across 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (18.2% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (18.2% of complaints), electrical system (9.1% of complaints), engine (9.1% of complaints), lane departure (9.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 BMW 6 Series have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2018 BMW 6 Series. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own 6 Series
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2018 only.