BMW M4 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used BMW M4 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) 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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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the BMW M4 has 16 owner complaints and 10 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. 2018 drew the most complaints; 2021 drew the fewest.
- Make
- BMW
- Model
- M4
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 16
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2018 (6 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2021 (1 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Good
By model year
BMW M4: 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 M4 has 16 NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 16 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 10 federal recall campaigns
- No 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: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
10 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE/IPDM
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS
SEAT BELTS
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. 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 16 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
16 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.
COMPANY IS SELLING REFLECTOR INSERTS THAT ARE NOT LEGAL. THE REMOVAL OF SAFETY DEVICE(S) IS SUSPECT AT THIS TIME. THE PART REMOVES THE REFLECTIVE SAFETY FEATURE AND REPLACES WITH A DULL BLACK INSERT PREVENTING REFLECTION OF SAID VEHICLE RENDERING A POSSIBLE SAFETY HAZARD. I DO NOT USE THE PRODUCT. THESE PRODUCTS ARE SYSTEMATICALLY AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE BY MULTIPLE VENDORS. PLEASE ADVISE. THIS IS A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS BUT ONE EXAMPLE BY USING KEYWORD "ACEXXON" https://www.amazon.com/Acexxon-Honeycomb-Reflector-Insert-MK7-5/dp/B09WW1QNVH?th=1 Acexxon's rear reflector inserts replace your vehicle's factory reflectors to create a more sleek & aggressive look. Reflector inserts are available with either a honeycomb pattern or horizontal slats.
The problem has been reproduced and the car went back to dealership with the same problem for the 3rd time.
The contact owns a 2018 BMW M4. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera became inoperable, preventing the contact from safely reversing the vehicle. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V684000 (Back Over Prevention) as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.
The fuel tank was leaking a substantial amount of fuel. Yes it is. Our safety was put at risk due to the fuel leak. Any small spark, overheating or if somebody threw a cigarette butt out of their window could have ignited our car. BMW informed me to immediately cease driving the car and bring to the dealership right away. Problem was confirmed by dealership as stated on the attached invoice. No, no warning or indicator lights were present.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel Tank on my BMW under 50k miles started leaking after a fill up. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I didn't notice any leaks at the gas station but once I got home, pulled in my garage I noticed the smell of fuel, figured I just spilled a bit. I left my car to go get ready, once I came back the garage was filled with gas fumes. I looked under the car and saw a decently large puddle under the driver side. I live in Texas where it was quite warm that day. I could've easily caught fire and cause harm to myself and so many others. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I had it towed immediately the next day to a BMW dealership, and they stated the seams of the fuel tank are leaking. How is that possible, that's a manufacturing issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Only the BMW dealership, they won't have anyone else look at it. Slapped me with a $3,489 repair estimate, and that's it. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were literally no lamps, alerts, lights or indicator to tell me something was wrong. The car could've exploded on me. I still have the federal emissions warranty active and they are saying it doesn't cover a fuel tank.
Fuel tank was leaking. I brought it in to BMW of San Antonio who found the left side top area of fuel tank leaking fuel from the sealed portion. Heat caused the top of fuel tank to expand and crack. BMW of SA required me to buy a replacement fuel tank. When I said, if I buy the replacement fuel tank, won't this issue keep reoccurring every time it gets hot. The tech advised that BMW was aware of the problem and designed the replacement fuel tanks differently, so that the fuel tanks won't expand and crack in the same manner. I advised BMW of North America requesting they pay for the replacement, that this should have been a recall issue due to the dangers of this problem (other BMW vehicles with this defectively designed fuel tank could leak, cause fire, injury, or death), and BMW should not be waiting and hoping that no one reports the problem or only replacing the fuel tank once someone has a fuel leak and the possibility of severe injury and death. BMW explained that only NHTSA can issue recalls and BMW won't do anything proactively despite knowledge of the fuel tank design defect resutling in fuel leaks. There were no warnings - only the strong smell of gas while driving.
Read 10 more owner reports
I think the fuel tank has cracked on the upper portion of the tank. I noticed a smell of gas on my way home from filling gas and when I got home I realized there was a puddle of gas sitting underneath my car. I jacked up the car and inspected the underneath and saw nothing, I noticed the gas was leaking from a higher spot, somewhere I couldnt see. Ive read on forums that its happened before to a few other people and someone personal that I know. Yes the car can be inspected upon request. Safety is put at risk because the gar is leaving right next to the exhaust, which can easily catch fire to the car, myself, and other drivers on the road. I was getting a misfire on my car and realized the engine wasnt getting enough fuel, on my way home from filling gas I got a check engine light and a notification in my car saying “drivetrain malfunction”
CRANK HUB ISSUE
The contact owns a 2020 BMW M4. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was a failure with the wheelbase and the front end was raising off the ground while turning. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact performed a personal diagnosis with adaptive mobility deactivated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer claimed to have replaced the engine, and repaired the rear and front suspensions; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,200.
THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON MY CAR SINCE NOVEMBER 2018, BUT BMW HASN'T MADE THE PART AVAILABLE FOR MY CAR. BMW ALSO DOESN'T OFFER A PAYOFF AMOUNT OF MY CAR BECAUSE IT'S NOT SAFE FOR ME TO SELL THE CAR TO SOMEONE ELSE BUT IT'S OKAY FOR ME TO CONTINUE DRIVING THIS CAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW M4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V713000 (POWER TRAIN). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BMW OF MONROVIA (1425 MOUNTAIN AVE, MONROVIA, CA 91016, (855) 627-5361) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Vehicle brake very very loudly. BMw claims this is normal, this is not true. Vehicle has extremely low miles and performs bad when braking.
The rear cross traffic alert does not work, it does not give any acoustic warning like the commercial said.( [XXX] ) . I have tried to talk to the dealer, but had no solution for this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am complaining about my new $ 79,000 BMW 440i that I just took possession of. I found out that the speedometer doesn't really tell you how fast you are driving. In SD the max speed on our interstate is 80mph. However, in my new car when the speedometer says you are going 80mph you are really only going 76mph. I consider that a serious safety issue since you never really know how fast you are going in any given situation. I also own an Audi S4 and when it says you are going 80mph, you really are going 80mph. Also, all my American cars give you the real speed at which you are driving. I can't believe our automobile safety laws permit this. [XXX] Vermillion SD INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The rear cross traffic alert does not work, it does not give any acoustic warning like the commercial said.( [XXX] ) . I have tried to talk to the dealer, but had no solution for this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am complaining about my new $ 79,000 BMW 440i that I just took possession of. I found out that the speedometer doesn't really tell you how fast you are driving. In SD the max speed on our interstate is 80mph. However, in my new car when the speedometer says you are going 80mph you are really only going 76mph. I consider that a serious safety issue since you never really know how fast you are going in any given situation. I also own an Audi S4 and when it says you are going 80mph, you really are going 80mph. Also, all my American cars give you the real speed at which you are driving. I can't believe our automobile safety laws permit this. [XXX] Vermillion SD INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Showing 16 of 16 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact BMW M4
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 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 M4, 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 M4 has 16 complaints on record across 10 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 M4 has 10 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. 0 of the BMW M4's 16 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 M4 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two BMW M4 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 M4 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 M4 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 M4.
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Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
BMW M4 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the BMW M4 reliable?
Good. The BMW M4 has 16 NHTSA owner complaints and 10 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which BMW M4 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2018 (6 complaints), 2017 (2 complaints), 2020 (1 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 M4 problems?
Top reported issues: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints); BACK OVER PREVENTION (3 complaints); ENGINE (2 complaints).
Does the BMW M4 have recalls?
Yes — 10 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the BMW M4. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.