Recall 18V439 affects 43 2018 BMW X5 and X6 vehicles for a lower-left control arm defect. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 43 2018 X5 and X6 vehicles because the pivot bolt on the front lower-left control arm was not properly hardened, which can let the control arm break. If that happens, handling and vehicle control can be affected and crash risk rises; BMW dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front lower-left control arm on the 2018 BMW X5 and X6 is a suspension link that holds the front wheel in the right position as the vehicle moves. It pivots at the body through a bolt and bushing, so the wheel can travel up and down while staying aligned with the steering and suspension.
On affected vehicles, the pivot bolt for that control arm did not receive the full hardening process during supplier production. A bolt that is not hardened to specification lacks the intended strength. Under normal suspension loads, that weak bolt can let the control arm break instead of keeping the wheel located.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the metal hardening of the bolt, so an owner is not expected to hear, feel, or see a clear symptom before the control arm fails.
Who's affected?
Covers two BMW SUV models with the same lower control arm in the front suspension.
| 2018 BMW X5 | lower control arm |
|---|---|
| 2018 BMW X6 | lower control arm |
| Units affected | 43 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
A broken lower control arm affects vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm whether your 2018 X5 or X6 is included and schedule the inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 BMW X5 or X6 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free lower-left control-arm inspection and replacement if needed.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V439 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection and repair are complete. Avoid hard steering inputs and leave extra room.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about scheduling or dealer instructions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the lower-left control arm and replaces it if the part is affected or damaged by the improperly hardened pivot bolt. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Out-of-pocket repairs tied to this condition are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because BMW says warranty coverage applies before the recall notice. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 28, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 28, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| June 28, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 11, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 20, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V439?
Recall 18V439 covers 43 2018 BMW X5 and X6 vehicles with a front lower-left control arm pivot bolt that was not properly hardened. The control arm can break, affecting handling and vehicle control and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2018 BMW X5 or X6 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V439. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the lower-left control arm inspection. BMW dealers will replace the control arm if needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW will inspect the lower-left control arm and replace it if needed free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V439?
The safety risk is loss of handling and vehicle control if the front lower-left control arm breaks. BMW's filing says that condition increases crash risk. Confirm the VIN and schedule the dealer inspection so the affected control arm is replaced if needed.
What if I bought my BMW X5 or X6 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. If you never received BMW's notice, check your VIN and reference recall 18V439 when you call a BMW dealer or BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V439000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V439 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V439000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →