2018 BMW 320I

21 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Jul 27, 2026Failure Jun 3, 2026Framingham, MAChest clip, Buckle, Harness

   After tightening the harness, the straps slip and loosen completely on their own without pressing the release button. This happens due to normal movement while driving, leaving my child completely unrestrained and unprotected. I have already followed the manufacturer guidelines to thoroughly clean the adjuster mechanism and the strap area with warm water to rule out any debris or buildup. While it seems to hold for a brief period, the mechanical failure returns after a couple of days.

   NHTSA complaint 11752983
2. Filed Jan 13, 2026Failure Nov 30, 202572,000 milesSan Antonio, TXPower train, Service brakes, Hydraulic

   The contact owns a 2018 BMW 320I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle unexpectedly started rolling forward. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to immediately respond. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually came to a stop. The contact referenced an unknown recall for the failure, but the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11710744
3. Filed Nov 18, 2025Failure Sep 16, 2025West Palm Beach, FLAir bags, Service brakes, SteeringCrash

   On 09/16/25, I was exiting the Florida turnpike onto Sawgrass Highway via the exit ramp on exit 71. As I decelerated from 60 MPH to 35 MPH to match the speed of the exit ramp, I was in the left most lane in the two-lane exit ramp. My car spun out and I lost control of the vehicle, which caused the vehicle to spin through the two lanes of the ramp several times and ended up drifting onto the edge of the retention pond on the left of the exit ramp. I probably had spun around over three times and my car hung off the edge of the retention pond with the only thing preventing my car from falling into the pond being the rocks to prevent erosion on the side of the pond. The airbags on the drivers side and the curtain airbags both had deployed upon the car coming to a stop. The seatbelts were also locked upon trying to exit the car. The car was fully serviced prior to the incident and in good standing with BMW. The brakes were recently replaced a month ago and regular milestone inspections were conducted on the car. The road conditions on the day in question were great with no water or puddles on the road.

   NHTSA complaint 11700173
4. Filed Nov 4, 2025Failure Nov 2, 202584,000 milesTyler, TXFuel system, Diesel

   The contact owns a 2018 BMW 320I. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message Engine coolant system, coolant pump outside of speed tolerance" and code 20A701 was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the contact drove 8 MPH back to the residence. A fuel-burning odor was on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while her husband was driving, the failure reoccurred. The contact's husband arrived at the residence and became aware that the water pump had failed and was no longer functioning as intended. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). However, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired and was parked at the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11697512
5. Filed Sep 23, 2025Failure Sep 19, 2025Tujunga, CAFuel/propulsion system

   • What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The plastic fuel tank failed and developed a leak. Yes, the tank is available for inspection upon request. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A leaking fuel tank poses a serious fire and explosion hazard, especially when the vehicle is operating or parked near heat sources. Gasoline fumes were noticeable, creating an increased risk of ignition and exposure to toxic vapors. • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The problem was confirmed by an independent mechanic, who verified the leak in the fuel tank. • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by BMW or other officials. Only an independent mechanic has inspected it so far. • Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. A check engine light appeared shortly before the failure. In addition, a strong smell of gasoline was noticed, followed by visible leaking fuel. There is an open recall on the BMW F30 BMW 320i, production date 2013 to 2018, production dates July 02, 2012 to March 23, 2018 for the “plastic fuel tank.” I own a 2018 BMW 320i, manufactured April 2018 which is not included in the recall for the “plastic fuel tank.” However, I noticed a gasoline smell and the fuel tank is leaking. Upon further research, inspection and after notifying a mechanic, the fuel tank for my vehicle is the exact same one as the plastic fuel tank indicated in the BMW recall. My production date is a week later than the recall production date, but the fuel tank is the same exact fuel tank that has been recalled. The vehicle has developed a serious safety defect in the plastic fuel tank, which is leaking gasoline and emitting fumes.

   NHTSA complaint 11689060
6. Filed May 11, 2025Failure May 5, 2025Hastings, NEEngine

   Was simply driving my vehicle to work. It started overheating parked it right away before it got worse as the car alerted had it towed to a shop. The shop informed me that the motor was blown in the pistons went through the motor something with the oil the mechanic and I were looking further into this and it looks like my make and model in year had some recalls about the motor overheating in the past so I would really like this looked into as this might be a recall I’m not sure what else this could be or why this would happen with such low miles

   NHTSA complaint 11660219
7. Filed Dec 9, 2024Failure Dec 9, 2024Windermere, FLAir bags

   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
8. Filed Nov 12, 2024Failure Sep 13, 2024Riverside, CAFuel/propulsion system

   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
9. Filed Aug 7, 2024Failure Nov 1, 2023Houston, TXFuel/propulsion system, Power train

   My 2018 bmw 320 stalls and cuts off when I come to a stop. Very dangerous. It has cut off in the middle of the road. I have checked online to see if this is a common issue. Other bmw owners have reported this same issue. There has been a recall on other bmw models with this same issue from 2014-2018 for fuel system and fuel pump that may cause this issue. Letters were sent out I. January of 2022. My 2018 bmw 320si has not been included in this recall for some odd reason. When car shuts off a warning message appears on screen. One message states “transmission not in park.” Or “drivetrain malfunction”. This began to happen on November 2022. I have taken my vehicle to two dealers. One was an independent repair shop and the other was a bmw service center. Both reported issues with fuel pump that would cause this problem.

   NHTSA complaint 11607009
10. Filed Jan 18, 2024Failure Apr 7, 2023Pittsburgh, PAElectrical system

    The electrical call system malfunctions. I’ve done extensive research and actually confirmed with Garret today at A&L BMW that there is a problem in the manufacturing of the shark fin. The gasket that BMW uses does not hole up and the sealant does not keep water from leaking into the fin. Every time it rains/snows or the vehicle is wet the system malfunctions. Currently it only has the ability to affect me if I were in a wreck and won’t notify emergency services. This has the ability to shut down all electrical functions in my car and has been a common issue in BMW dating back as far as 2015. I called them in April to have it looked at, but I didn’t understand the problem and it had ceased. But since the weather has now began to be more frequently wet, this problem has become more persistent. Now they won’t cover because the final warranty expired in December of 2023. This should be recalled because it is a manufacturing issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11566233
11. Filed Nov 15, 2023Failure Nov 13, 2023Frisco, TXAir bags, Occupant classification, Seats

    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
12. Filed Sep 24, 2023Failure Sep 1, 2023Fresno, CAElectrical system, Engine, Power trainCrash1 injured

    Rattling noise we’ll driving and when going over 30 mph can lose control

    NHTSA complaint 11546214
13. Filed May 13, 2023Failure May 1, 2023Fresno, CAElectrical system, Engine, Unknown or otherCrash1 injured

    Rattling noise when accelerating

    NHTSA complaint 11521872
14. Filed Mar 10, 2023Failure May 1, 202247,000 milesPotomac, MDFuel system, Gasoline

    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 the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11511146
15. Filed Dec 18, 2020Failure Mar 7, 2018300 milesLAS Vegas, NVElectrical system, Engine, Vehicle speed control

    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 HAPPENED TO ME IN MARCH OF 2018, SO IF IT IS THE SAME ISSUE THE RECALL SHOULD BE SHORTENED.

    NHTSA complaint 11384147
16. Filed Dec 2, 2020Failure Dec 2, 201910,000 milesWayne, NJElectrical system

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW 320I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RODENTS WERE FOUND EATING THE WIRES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SPEAKERS WERE EMITTING A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PAUL MILLER BMW (1515 NJ-23, WAYNE, NJ 07470) WHERE NO FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE SPEAKER AND WIRES WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AS WIRES WERE FOUND CHEWED IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHOM INFORMED HIM THAT CHIPMUNKS WERE ENTERING THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO GRILL ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS ALLOWING THE RODENTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11377470
17. Filed Sep 1, 2020Failure Oct 1, 201913,230 milesNyack, NYElectrical system

    INCE DECEMBER OF 2019 I HAVE HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR AND MY IPHONE. I HAVE RESPONSIBLY GONE TO DEALERSHIP FAR TOO MANY TIMES TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED. CALLS HAVE DROPPED WHILE I'M ON THE PHONE WITH CLIENTS WHO ARE EMOTIONALLY FRAGILE. (I AM A THERAPIST ). THE CALLS CONTINUALLY DROPPED AND AFTER LOOKING AT THE ISSUE THE SERVICE DEPT DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS MY PHONE. I WENT TO APPLE AND GOT A BRAND NEW TELEPHONE AND THE ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN. SO CLEARLY IT WASN'T MY PHONE. THEY REPLACED SOME PARTS BUT I HAVEN'T DRIVEN MY CAR DUE TO COVID. I GOT IN THE CAR TO FIND MY MUSIC FROM MY TELEPHONE NO LONGER PLAYS THROUGH THE STEREO AS IT DID PRIOR. BMW HAS ADMITTED TO ME THEY HAVE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE 2018 BMW AND COMPARABILITY OF THE IPHONE. THE DEALERSHIP HAD A RESPONSIBILITY TO DISCLOSE THIS WHEN I LEASED THE CAR THE OMITTED THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT WOULD CAUSE ME TO PAUSE IN LEASING IT AS ITS IMPERATIVE TO MY JOB AND BUSINESS TO BE ABLE TO TALK AND RECUR VERY CALLS FROM CLIENTS. I TRIED TO RESOLVE THIS WITH BMW CORP AND THEY OFFERED NO MONITORY OR ANY RESOLUTION FOR MY UNREASONABLE NUMBER OF TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP, FOR INCONVENIENCING MENTALLY FRAGILE PEOPLE AND MY TIME. THEY ALSO DID NOT DISCLOSE THIS INFORMATION THEY CLEARLY ARE AWARE OF WHEN I LEASED THE VEHICLE.

    NHTSA complaint 11352572
18. Filed Jul 7, 2020Failure Jul 6, 202021,000 milesWinter Park, FLEngine, Service brakesCrash

    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
19. Filed Jan 17, 2020Failure Jan 12, 202014,000 milesLOS Angeles, CAVehicle speed controlCrash

    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
20. Filed Jul 18, 2019Failure May 29, 20199,000 milesOdessa, TXElectrical system, Electronic stability control (esc), Unknown or other

    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