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2018 BMW 7 Series problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 BMW 7 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
- 8owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 9%fail the UK MOT
8 complaints, against an average of 15 for the other 12 BMW 7 Series model years.
Every BMW 7 Series model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2018 BMW 7 Series?
The components named most often in the 8 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2018 BMW 7 Series been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2018 BMW 7 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 7 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 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 DVSAIn rare cases the starter motor can inadvertently be activated permanently presenting a risk of a thermal event
Risk: In rare cases the starter motor can inadvertently be activated permanently presenting a risk of a thermal event.
Fix: Rework the starter motor assembly.
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 cooler could leak over time
Risk: Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
UK DVSAExhaust gas recirculation cooler could potentially leak over time
Risk: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an improved version.
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.
EU Safety GateWater may enter the starter motor and cause damage.As a result, the engine may no longer start, or the starter motor may short-circuit or remain continuously activated. This could cause local overheating of the starter motor or thermal overload of surrounding components and lead to a vehicle fire, including when the ignition is switched 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: 31/08/2026
EU Safety GateThe engine starter’s electrical contacts may overheat and cause the vehicle to start improperly.Continued starting attempts can intensify the overheating and ignite surrounding components, potentially leading to a vehicle fire while driving or shortly after parking.
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 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 software-based overload protection function cannot sufficiently prevent the starter being overloaded in the event of repeated long…The software-based overload protection function cannot sufficiently prevent the starter being overloaded in the event of repeated long start-up attempts. The starter may overheat or sparks may be produced as a result of an increased current flow. This increases the risk of a fire.
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 ignition unit of the head airbag may separate from the inflator and enter the vehicle's interior when the airbag is deployed.As a result, the inflation of the head airbag may be reduced or non-existent, increasing the risk of injury in the event 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 GateDefective hydraulic unit of the braking system may cause a limited braking support and increased braking distance.Moreover, in such cases the ABS system would not be available. This will lead to increased 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 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 GateDue to inadequate screwing the high-pressure pump could become detached and fuel may leak out.This could lead to engine failure and to increased risk of the vehicle catching fire.
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
How often does the 2018 BMW 7 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 7 Series owners report?
8 of the 8 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 740LE. The contact stated that the starter failed and caused the A/C to not operate properly. There were several unknown messages displayed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V441000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Oil pressure pump failure. MANY MODELS AFFECTED. MAINLY B58 ENGINES
BMW issued a warranty extension covering air suspension struts for certain vehicles (8 years / 80,000 miles). I own a 2018 BMW 740i. I reported front suspension concerns to an authorized BMW dealership (United BMW, Alpharetta, GA) at 64,354 miles (8/16/23) and again at 77,582 miles(3/19/24. Service records document front suspension issues, including thrust-rod and suspension defects. During these service visits — which occurred within the warranty-extension period — the strut warranty extension was never disclosed or applied. The suspension defect progressed, and I later had to pay…
The contact owns a 2018 BMW 750I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was hot(H) with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that thermostat, thermostat sensor, and the water pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure worsened, and additional repairs were performed but the failure persisted. The contact was then informed by a mechanic that the engine oil…
The contact owns a 2018 BMW 740i. The contact stated when he was starting his vehicle a warning for "chassis" was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaning. The contact stated that the driver side of the vehicle was raised from the road by about 4 inches and the passenger side of the vehicle was almost touching the road surface. The contact stated that turning the vehicle to the left or the right was difficult due to the lean of the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired…
Apparently BMW models like mine have been having the coolant expansion tanks leaking between 60 and 70 thousand miles. This causes the coolant levels to drop and causes engine failures.
Dashboard display randomly flickers and blinks while driving Seatbelt notification chime rings even when the passenger seat is empty.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW 740LE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF RIVERSIDE (3060 ADAMS ST, RIVERSIDE, CA 92504, (951) 373-5000) WHERE IT WAS TEST DRIVEN AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKES FELT SPONGY. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER WAITING FOR AN ENGINEER TO PERFORM ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT…
2018 BMW 7 Series: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 BMW 7 Series reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 BMW 7 Series; the most common categories were electrical system (2, 25%), engine (2, 25%), suspension (2, 25%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 BMW 7 Series?
Across 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (25% of complaints), engine (25% of complaints), suspension (25% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (12.5% of complaints), seat belts (12.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 BMW 7 Series have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2018 BMW 7 Series. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own 7 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; combines NHTSA's entries for 7 SERIES and 7 SERIES PHEV.