Avoid: 2015, 2014 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2021
10 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 12 model years, the BMW 4 Series has 436 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 13 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. 2015 drew the most complaints (178), 2020 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (6).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for BMW 4 Series vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2015 (178 complaints). Lowest: 2020 (6).
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific model, engine, and generation.
Budgeting $1,000-$3,000+ annually for maintenance and repairs is frequently mentioned, with major services (e.g., timing chain) potentially costing $4,000-$5,000.
A well-known issue on certain engines, particularly noted on the N55.
Specifically mentioned for the 2.0L petrol engines, a sign of potential wear.
Described as "chocolate" (prone to failure), can cause judder at low speeds.
Criticized as dreadful and a significant downgrade from the optional Harmon Kardon system.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 4 Series. Individual model years are broken down above.
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy