Recall 18V323 affects 846 2018 BMW M5 vehicles because ECU software can stop the fuel pump. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 846 2018 M5 vehicles because engine control unit software can stop the fuel pump in certain driving conditions. If the pump stops, the vehicle will stall, increasing crash risk, and BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The fuel pump on the 2018 BMW M5 sends gasoline from the tank to the engine so combustion stays steady while you drive. The engine control unit is the vehicle computer that tells the fuel pump when and how to run. For the engine to keep running, the software and pump have to keep fuel delivery consistent under changing road and throttle conditions.
On affected M5 vehicles, the engine control unit software does not fully account for certain driving conditions. When those conditions occur, the software can stop the fuel pump. Once the pump stops, fuel delivery to the engine is interrupted, and the vehicle loses the fuel supply it needs to keep running normally.
BMW says a warning symbol and message will be displayed before the problem occurs. That display message is the warning sign to watch for; BMW did not identify a separate noise or fuel smell.
Who's affected?
Both listed component categories share the same 2018 M5 scope.
| 2018 BMW M5 | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2018 BMW M5 | fuel system |
| Units affected | 846 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the fuel pump stops, the vehicle will stall, which increases crash risk. A warning symbol and message are displayed, so treat either as a reason to pull over safely and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 BMW M5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free engine control unit software update that keeps the fuel pump from stopping and stalling the vehicle.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V323 when you call.
- Limit driving until the software update is complete, and pull over safely if the engine stalls.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician updates the engine control unit software that controls the fuel pump. The update is performed free of charge under the recall, and parts and labor are covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior paperwork for a related fuel pump or engine control unit software repair.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 16, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 16, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| May 16, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 25, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 6, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V323?
Recall 18V323 covers 846 2018 BMW M5 vehicles with engine control unit software that can stop the fuel pump under certain driving conditions. If the fuel pump stops, the vehicle will stall, increasing crash risk. BMW dealers will update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2018 BMW M5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific M5 is included in recall 18V323. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the engine control unit software update. Reference recall 18V323 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW will update the engine control unit software free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
Is it safe to drive my 2018 BMW M5 before the repair?
This recall is about stall risk while driving, not a park-the-vehicle instruction. If the fuel pump stops, the vehicle will stall, increasing crash risk. Check your VIN, then schedule the free software update with a BMW dealer if your M5 is included.
Who can I call about BMW recall 18V323?
Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or contact a franchised BMW dealer. Have your VIN ready and reference recall 18V323 so the service desk can confirm whether your M5 is included and schedule the free software update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V323000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V323 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V323000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →