Recall 18V918 affects 11 2019 BMW X5 vehicles for missing or incorrect air bag warning labels. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 11 2019 X5 SUVs under recall 18V918 because the driver or passenger sun visor has the wrong air bag warning label or no label at all. Without the correct restraint guidance in view, occupants face an increased risk of injury in a crash; BMW dealers will correct the label free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The recalled part is the air bag warning label on the driver or passenger sun visor in the 2019 BMW X5. That label tells occupants about front air bag risk and child-seat positioning in the required U.S. warning format. It is part of the vehicle's safety information, even though the visor itself still folds and blocks sun normally.
On affected X5 vehicles, the visor was built with the wrong market label or no label at all. BMW traced the problem to the supplier handling of visor labeling, packaging, scanning, and delivery. Labels intended for non-U.S. markets entered the U.S. vehicle process, and some non-U.S. versions do not carry the same warning text. That means the vehicle does not show the required air bag warning information in the place owners expect to see it.
Owners can see that the sun visor air bag warning label is missing or that it does not contain U.S. English text. That visible label problem is the warning sign.
Who's affected?
| 2019 BMW X5 | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 11 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2019 BMW X5 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A missing or non-English sun visor air bag warning label can leave occupants without the restraint-use instructions BMW is required to provide. That gap increases injury risk in a crash because the label explains proper restraint and air bag use. Check both sun visors, then schedule the free inspection. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 BMW X5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free sun-visor inspection and visor replacement that corrects the missing or incorrect air bag warning label.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed it. If not, reference recall number 18V918 when you call.
- Ask BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 if the dealer needs more recall details.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the driver and passenger sun visors for the required air bag warning labels. If a visor has the wrong label or the label is missing, the technician replaces the affected visor. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 19, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| December 19, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 4, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 8, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V918?
Recall 18V918 covers 11 2019 BMW X5 vehicles with a missing or incorrect air bag warning label on the driver or passenger sun visor. The issue involves FMVSS 208 occupant crash protection labeling. BMW dealers inspect both sun visors and replace them free of charge when needed.
What should I do if my 2019 BMW X5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW X5 is included in recall 18V918. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the sun visor inspection. Reference recall 18V918 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects and compliance issues at no cost to owners. For recall 18V918, BMW dealers inspect the driver and passenger sun visors and replace the affected visor free of charge when the label is missing or incorrect.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is incorrect or missing restraint-use guidance on the sun visor air bag warning label. Without the proper label, occupants lack required restraint guidance, increasing injury risk in a crash. BMW fixes the issue by inspecting the sun visors and replacing affected visors for free.
When did BMW start this recall repair?
BMW began the recall repair on January 4, 2019. Owners were notified, and franchised BMW dealers inspect the driver and passenger sun visors, replacing them when needed. BMW customer service is available at 1-800-525-7417 for recall 18V918 questions.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V918000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V918 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V918000 |
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 →