BMW 640I Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used BMW 640I options? We analyzed 8 model years (2012–2019) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Found a BMW 640I? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the BMW 640I has 22 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls across model years 2012–2019. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2014 drew the most complaints; 2018 drew the fewest.
- Make
- BMW
- Model
- 640I
- Model years analyzed
- 2012–2019 (8 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 22
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2014 (7 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2018 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Good
By model year
BMW 640I: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
GoodThe BMW 640I has 22 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. 3 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 22 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 7 federal recall campaigns
- 3 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
7 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
AIR BAGS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2012–2019. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 22 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
22 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2019 BMW 640i. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, he noticed that the Back Over Prevention camera was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be inspected. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not equipped with the reverse camera and that there was an additional cost to install the Back Over Prevention system. The contact stated that the Federal Law stated that vehicles manufactured after May 2018 needed the Back Over Prevention camera to be installed as standard equipment. The contact was concerned that the vehicle was not safe to drive or to be resold without the Back Over Prevention camera installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 36,423.
THIS CAR HAS BRIDGESTONE POTANZA S001 TIRES THAT ARE SUMMER TIRES AND ARE NOT SAFE FOR WINTER, I LEARNED THAT DRIVING ON A SNOW DAY IN TOWN. NOT DRIVABLE.
The car is leaking from the third rear brake light (at the rear roof of the car). It appears the seals and possible clips/fasteners have failed and water is entering the car during rain or water immersion from the rear brake light, to the back seat, trunk, and rear floor. There is now visible mold in the car.
THE REAR TIRE WAS LEAKING CAUSING AN UNSAFE ROAD CONDITION. WHEN THE TIRE WAS INSPECTED IT WAS FOUND THAT THE WHEEL HAD A CRACK IN THE SUPPORT DUE TO A DEFECT IN DESIGN. THE DEALER STATES THAT MANY OF THE 5 AND 6 SERIES WITH THIS WHEEL HAVE ISSUES AND OFFERED ME A "WARRANTY PACKAGE" FOR THEM FOR $1700. WHEN DOING RESEARCH ONLINE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN USED WITH RUN-FLATS (WHAT THEY SUGGEST AND REQUIRE) THE WHEEL TAKES TOO MUCH STRESS AND ULTIMATELY CRACKS. MY VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 25,000 MILES ON IT AND IT HAS A CRACKED WHEEL WITH NO REASON. THIS IS A CLEAR SAFETY CONCERN AS A RAPID LOSS OF AIR IN A WHEEL MAY CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL. IT HAS CLEAR CONCERNS FOR STOPPING DISTANCE AND AVOIDANCE AS WELL.
THE TIRES BLEW OUT WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP AT APP 11,000 MILES, SEPARATION RIGHT UNDER THE RIM. TIRES ARE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, GOODYEAR DUNLOP WON'T BE SQUARE WITH WARRANTY, MAKING THE WARRANTY OF NO VALUE. IN FACT THEY LIED ABOUT THE CAUSE AT FIRST. STILL HAVE THE TIRE FOR REVIEW.
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR OPEN ON ITS OWN, WILL NOT STAY SHUT , DEALSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TOO FIX IT? SIDE DOOR DOESN'T CLOSE REPAIRED FOUR TIMES . ENGINE LIGHT COME ON? ROOF LATCH NO AIR BAGS WENT OF?DEALSHIP SAYS CODES SAY?THEY DID?
Read 14 more owner reports
WARNING LIGHT THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS NOT WORKING
ON 9/27/19 I LEFT THE GAS STATION WITH FULL TANK OF GAS AND STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A BUSY ROAD IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE LIGHT CHANGED GREEN MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD. I PUT THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL AND PUSHED OUT OF THE ROAD. A LIGHT CAME ON "AUTO START/STOP DISENGAGED." EVERYTHING ELSE POWERED (WINDOWS, RADIO, REAR SHADES, SCREEN, PHONE AND NAVIGATION, ETC.) AND WORKED SO THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY. THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED 1 HOUR LATER, THE CAR WOULDN'T START, LOCKED UP COMPLETELY AND THE GEAR WOULDN'T SHIFT. THE DEALERSHIP HAD MY CAR FROM 9/27-10/10/19. DIAGNOSED CAUSE: BATTERY OLD/WORN, REAR BRAKES AND OIL LEAKING. THE CAR WAS SERVICED. ON 10/13/19 THREE DAYS LATER MY CAR CUT OFF AGAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AFTER BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, LOCKED UP IMMEDIATELY AND WOULD NOT START JUST AS BEFORE. THIS TIME THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND COULD NOT BE PUSHED OUT OF THE ROAD. I BLOCKED TRAFFIC AND HAD TO WAIT ONE HOUR AGAIN FOR ANOTHER TOW TRUCK TO TOW MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP. JUST LIKE BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE WORKED (A/C, WINDOWS, LIGHTS, RADIO, BLINKERS, POWER SEATS, DISPLAY PANEL, ETC.), SO ONCE AGAIN IT WAS NOT THE BATTERY. AGAIN A SAFETY HAZARD WAS CREATED WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC TRYING TO AVOID HITTING ME. IT WAS DARK, I WAS ALONE AND STOOD OUTSIDE THE CAR TO WAVE VEHICLES TO GO AROUND PUTTING MY PERSONAL SAFETY IN JEOPARDY. ON 10/22/19 I HAD TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP AND ASK FOR AN UPDATE ON MY CAR BECAUSE I RECEIVED NO COMMUNICATION AT ALL. THE DIAGNOSED CAUSE: FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT AND THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT: EKPS FAILED BY EXCESSIVE AMPERAGE DRAW FROM THE FAILED FUEL PUMP. SAME PROBLEM, BUT TO REPAIR THIS TIME THE COST IS OVER $1500.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 640I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT AUTO ECONO RESTART AND HAD TO BE PUSHED OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOM BUSH BMW JACKSONVILLE (9875 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225, (904) 371-4790) WHERE THE BATTERY AND BRAKES WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE OIL FILTER GASKET WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE DAYS LATER. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS AN INTAKE FUEL FAILURE CAUSED BY UNDER VOLTAGE AND THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT FAILED FROM INSUFFICIENT AMP ELECTRICAL POWER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE SAME DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL COVERAGE; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY OVER $3,600 FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,519.
CAN NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK CAR FROM WITHIN OR OUT. REPLACED DOOR ACTUATOR ON A DRIVER SIDE WHICH DID NOT SOLVE A PROBLEM.
AFTER WORK (~ 5:30 PM, PST) WHILE DRIVING, I FLIPPED MY SUN VISOR TO PROTECT MYSELF FROM THE SUN. AS THE VISOR WAS BEING FLIPPED, THE VISOR FELL OUT OF ITS HINGE AND LOST ALL VISIBILITY. LOST ALL VISIBILITY. PANICKED AND SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS. ALMOST REAR ENDED AS I COULD HEAR THE CAR SLAMMING ON THE BREAKS. IF THIS HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY, THIS COULD'VE BEEN A MAJOR ISSUE. THE VISOR WAS PROPPED BACK INTO ITS SPACE BUT POPS OUT VERY EASILY. THERE SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE WAY THE VISOR IS BEING SECURED IN THE HINGE. I AM WORRIED THAT ALL BMW SHARING IN THIS DESIGN MAY POTENTIALLY EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE WHILE DRIVING. I CONSIDER MYSELF TO BE PRETTY NIMBLE AND REACTIVE. I'M GENUINELY WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF OTHER DRIVES WITH THIS ISSUE.
WHILE ACCELERATING FROM AN ON-RAMP TO A HIGHWAY, AN ALERT POPPED UP: DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION: DRIVE MODERATELY..." THE CAR LOST POWER AND I WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED AND NEARLY CAUSED A MULTIPLE CAR ACCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC. I TURNED THE CAR OFF, OPENED THE HOOD AND LOOKED INSIDE. NOTHING SEEMED AMISS. RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE YELLOW ALERT WAS GONE. PROCEEDED TO GET BACK ON THE HIGHWAY AND ACCELERATED AGAIN AND AGAIN THE ALERT POPPED UP AND I LOST POWER AND AGAIN NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION THAT SEEMS TO BE OCCURRING WITH HIGH FREQUENCY. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AS GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION MAY SAVE LIVES.
Unknown
BOTH DOORS FAIL TO UNLOCK WHEN THE POWER IS OUT. LIFTING THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT UNLOCK THE DOOR. THEY ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR IS TO USE THE ELECTORNIC UNLOCK BUTTON. BMW SAYS AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT HAS FAILED AND NEEDS REPLACING FOR THE MANUAL OPERATION TO WORK CORRECTLY AND WANTS $1300 TO REPAIR IT. THE DOORS SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE AN MANUAL EGRESS. IF THE CAR IS IN AN ACCIDENT AND LOSES POWER, YOU CAN NOT GET OUT. ANY DESIGN THAT REQUIRES POWER ASSIST TO EXIT THE CAR, CAN NOT BE CORRECT. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN THE CASE OF A FIRE?
2014 BMW 6401. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT FAILURE AFTER ACCIDENT. *AS *TR
DRIVER DOOR OCCASIONALLY DOES NOT UNLOCK WITH THE DOOR HANDLE. STANDARD OPERATION IS TO PULL HANDLE TWICE TO UNLOCK AND OPEN THE DOOR. THIS DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK, AND I CAN'T GET OUT OF THE CAR, WITHOUT FINDING THE KEYFOB, OR USING THE CENTRAL LOCKING BUTTON ON THE DASH. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IF THE BATTERY WERE TO FAIL, OR IF IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE POWER IS LOST, THE DOOR WON'T OPEN. I HAVE VIDEOS OF THE FAILURE. THIS OCCURS WHEN PARKED, VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF, AND ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE CAR. IT HAS OCCURRED AT HOME, AND AT SEVERAL OTHER LOCATIONS. HAS OCCURRED TO ME BETWEEN 06-2018 AND 9-2018, AND WEATHER HAS NOT BEEN COLD.
MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT BLANK AT 52K MILES NO DATA NOTHING. FOR SUCH HIGH PRICED CAR TO HAVE AN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TO GO BAD AFTER 3 YEARS IS A DISGRACE TO BMW. CALLED BMW AND THEY DENIED THE REPAIR DUE TO THE FACT THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY DUE TO THE MILES 2800 OVER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED WITH BMW . THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET.
BOTH DOORS WILL NOT OPEN WITHOUT USING THE POWER DOOR LOCK BUTTON. THE DRIVER SIDE WAS THE FIRST SIDE TO FAIL AND ABOUT FOUR MONTHS LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE IS NOW DOING THE SAME THING. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING DUE TO IF THE VEHICLE WAS TO GET IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND THE BATTERY BECOME DISCONNECTED I COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR WITHOUT BREAKING A WINDOW. I HAVE A VIDEO OF THE PROBLEM BUT THE SITE WILL ONLY ALLOW PICTURES TO UPLOADED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 (NA) BMW 640I EQUIPPED WITH DUNLOP SP SPORT MAXX ET (NA) TIRES, SIZE: 245/35/R20 (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A LOCAL DEALER FOR ROUTINE REPAIR, THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE BUBBLES AROUND THE SIDEWALL OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a vehicle fire that occurred on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] in Alabama State University. The vehicle involved is a 2012 BMW 640i Coupe (black) with the license plate number [XXX]. The fire started while driving. Within a matter of minutes, the fire rapidly spread, and despite any initial efforts to contain it, the vehicle was completely engulfed and fully burned. Fortunately, my son and passenger were not injured or trapped in vehicle. The fire department was contacted, and they arrived at the scene at [XXX]. They extinguished the fire and conducted an initial investigation. I am awaiting their official report, which will be forwarded as soon as it is available. If any further information is required, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [XXX] . Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Showing 20 of 22 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact BMW 640I
These pages show model-year patterns across 8 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used BMW 640I, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The BMW 640I has 22 complaints on record across 8 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The BMW 640I has 7 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 3 of the BMW 640I's 22 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Good) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all BMW 640I vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two BMW 640I vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The BMW 640I has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Check a BMW 640I by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used BMW 640I.
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BMW 640I reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the BMW 640I reliable?
Good. The BMW 640I has 22 NHTSA owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which BMW 640I years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2014 (7 complaints), 2013 (6 complaints), 2015 (4 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common BMW 640I problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints); ENGINE (6 complaints); WHEELS (3 complaints).
Does the BMW 640I have recalls?
Yes — 7 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the BMW 640I. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.