Reliability
BMW

4 Series (F32)

2014-2020 · Compact Coupe · 3 engines
330 NHTSA Complaints
15 Recalls
11 Fire Reports
31 Crash Reports
Data covers 9 NHTSA model names
4 SERIES4 SERIES GRAN428I428I XDRIVE428XI435I435I XDRIVE435XIM4
View all 2 generations of the BMW 4 Series → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

6.1 / 10

Reliability score

More owner complaints than similar compact coupes

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 186 powertrain complaints. A typical compact coupe fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 133.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 1.5 points better in the typical case.

Complaints have risen since 2023.

Breakdown
Complaints overall186 complaints against about 133 for similar vehicles
6.1
Last three years95 complaints against about 45 for similar vehicles
5.0
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced11 complaints against about 41 for similar vehicles
9.2
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20145.3
  • 20156.2
  • 20165.9
  • 20176.6
  • 20186.6
  • 20197.2
  • 2020n/a

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

By engine

2.0L 4-cyl turbo 5.9/10
No clear difference from the 3.0L 6-cyl (turbo and non-turbo together). (121 complaints, about 120,000 built)
3.0L 6-cyl (turbo and non-turbo together) 6.7/10
No clear difference from the 2.0L 4-cyl turbo. (61 complaints, about 80,000 built)

A complaint counts toward an engine only when its VIN names the engine. Each score is that engine on its own against similar vehicles, worked out the same way as the score above.

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl / 241 hp
215 complaints 35.8 per year Gasoline
6 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
110
electrical
81
cooling
60
other
22
fuel system
19

Same engine used in

+123 more
AUDI A5 (2018-2025)BMW 5 Series (2024-2026)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)BMW X3 (2011-2017)KIA Sorento (2016-2020)SUBARU Impreza (2017-2023)AUDI Q7 (2017-2025)FORD Focus (2000-2007)HYUNDAI Tiburon (2003-2008)AUDI A5 (2008-2016)KIA Forte (2014-2018)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)VOLKSWAGEN Passat (2012-2022)FORD Escape (2001-2007)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2006-2009)BMW 3 Series (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)DODGE Dart (2013-2016)BMW X3 (2025-2026)NISSAN Sentra (2007-2012)BMW 2 Series (2022-2025)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)HYUNDAI Elantra (2017-2020)BMW X1 (2013-2015)FORD Transit Connect (2010-2013)DODGE Caliber (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)BMW 5 Series (2011-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)PORSCHE Macan (2015-2024)NISSAN Sentra (2013-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)AUDI A3 (2006-2013)AUDI A6 (2012-2018)BMW 5 Series (2004-2010)BMW X2 (2018-2023)CHRYSLER Crossfire (2004-2008)FORD Edge (2015-2024)BMW X4 (2015-2018)CHEVROLET Tracker (2000-2004)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Escape (2008-2012)AUDI A4 (2009-2016)VOLKSWAGEN New Beetle (2000-2010)CHRYSLER 200 (2011-2014)BMW 2 Series (2014-2021)BMW X4 (2019-2025)INFINITI Q60 (2017-2022)DODGE Ram (2002-2008)BMW 3 Series (2019-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2019-2025)JEEP Patriot (2007-2017)AUDI A4 (2006-2008)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2000-2005)HYUNDAI Tucson (2005-2009)JEEP Compass (2007-2017)SUBARU Crosstrek (2018-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ Metris (2016-2023)FORD Escape (2013-2019)BMW 4 Series (2021-2025)MINI Cooper (2014-2024)AUDI TT (2000-2006)BMW 5 Series (2017-2023)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2018-2024)HYUNDAI Tucson (2016-2021)FORD Focus (2012-2018)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)AUDI Q3 (2019-2025)KIA Sportage (2005-2010)AUDI Q5 (2009-2017)MINI Clubman (2016-2025)BMW X1 (2023-2025)HONDA Civic (2001-2005)AUDI A3 (2015-2020)AUDI Q3 (2015-2018)BMW Z4 (2019-2025)AUDI A4 (2017-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2006-2010)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)AUDI TT (2016-2023)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)CHEVROLET Malibu (2008-2012)BMW Z4 (2009-2016)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)BMW X2 (2024-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2022-2025)MINI Countryman (2017-2024)FORD Escort (2000-2003)VOLKSWAGEN Routan (2009-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ SLC-Class (2012-2020)MINI Cooper (2007-2013)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2000-2006)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2010-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Eos (2007-2016)DODGE Durango (2004-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Beetle (2012-2019)FORD EcoSport (2018-2022)FORD Transit Connect (2014-2023)HYUNDAI Elantra (2007-2010)FORD Fusion (2013-2020)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2015-2021)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2009-2017)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2011-2018)FORD Maverick (2022-2025)CHRYSLER PT Cruiser (2001-2010)FORD Focus (2008-2011)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)AUDI TT (2008-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Arteon (2019-2023)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2000-2006)VOLKSWAGEN CC (2009-2017)HYUNDAI Elantra (2001-2006)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)BMW X1 (2016-2022)AUDI A4 (2002-2005)LINCOLN MKC (2015-2019)AUDI Q5 (2018-2025)FORD Escape (2020-2025)

3.0-V6-Gas

3.0L 6-cyl / 300 hp
100 complaints 14.3 per year Gasoline
5 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
33
fuel system
23
transmission
19
electrical
14
body
8

Same engine used in

+88 more
LINCOLN Aviator (2020-2025)BMW 5 Series (2024-2026)BMW X3 (2011-2017)MAZDA Mazda6 (2003-2008)AUDI A6 (2019-2025)AUDI Q7 (2017-2025)BMW X6 (2015-2019)FORD Focus (2000-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class (2017-2019)AUDI A5 (2008-2016)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)FORD Escape (2001-2007)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)LINCOLN Town Car (2000-2011)BMW X5 (2014-2018)BMW X7 (2019-2025)AUDI A8 (2019-2025)MITSUBISHI Montero Sport (2000-2004)FORD Five Hundred (2005-2007)AUDI A6 (2005-2011)BMW 3 Series (2012-2018)BMW X3 (2025-2026)BMW 2 Series (2022-2025)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)AUDI A7 (2019-2025)AUDI A6 (2000-2004)FORD Windstar (2000-2003)BMW X6 (2020-2025)BMW 5 Series (2011-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)PORSCHE Macan (2015-2024)FORD Taurus (2008-2009)AUDI A6 (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class (2006-2011)BMW X5 (2019-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class (2013-2020)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)BMW X4 (2015-2018)DODGE Grand Caravan (2001-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2017-2023)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Escape (2008-2012)AUDI A4 (2009-2016)FORD Flex (2009-2019)BMW 2 Series (2014-2021)BMW X4 (2019-2025)AUDI A7 (2012-2018)SUBARU Legacy (2000-2004)BMW 3 Series (2019-2025)JEEP Patriot (2007-2017)AUDI A4 (2006-2008)MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class (2013-2016)FORD Escape (2013-2019)BMW 4 Series (2021-2025)LINCOLN LS (2000-2006)BMW 5 Series (2017-2023)FORD Focus (2012-2018)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)MITSUBISHI Eclipse (2000-2005)BMW 3 Series (2006-2011)AUDI Q5 (2009-2017)LINCOLN Aviator (2003-2005)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)BMW Z4 (2019-2025)AUDI A4 (2017-2025)FORD Freestyle (2005-2007)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)BMW 7 Series (2023-2025)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)AUDI A8 (2011-2018)PORSCHE 911 (2020-2025)FORD Ranger (2000-2011)AUDI Q8 (2019-2025)BMW 7 Series (2016-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2010-2016)BMW 8 Series (2019-2025)FORD Super Duty (2000-2007)MITSUBISHI Lancer (2002-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)BMW 6 Series (2012-2018)PORSCHE 911 (2012-2019)PORSCHE Cayenne (2019-2025)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)AUDI A4 (2002-2005)AUDI Q5 (2018-2025)AUDI Q7 (2007-2015)

BMW 4 Series Unidentified Engine

12 complaints 3.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
4
other
4
cooling
2
safety systems
2
electrical
1
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

B48B20

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 248 hp
3 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1
engine
1
cooling
1
brakes
1

Same engine used in

BMW X2 (2024-2025)

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the BMW 4 Series, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Engine: 148 owner complaints
Electrical System: 96 owner complaints
Cooling System: 64 owner complaints
Fuel System: 42 owner complaints
Transmission: 32 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series

On a used 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (148), the electrical system (96) and the cooling system (64). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 148 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series about the engine, all engines combined.
  2. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 96 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series about the electrical system.
  3. With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 64 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series about the cooling system, all engines combined.
  4. Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series about the fuel system, all engines combined.
  5. Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 32 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series

Recalls (15)

25V871000Dec 17, 2025serious
Air Bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive), and 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.

24V608000Aug 13, 2024serious
Engine & Cooling

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

24V527000Jul 11, 2024critical
Air Bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

24V288000Apr 24, 2024serious
Air Bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.

20V666000Oct 29, 2020serious
Fuel System

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 M2 Coupe and 2020 M4 Coupe vehicles. Fuel injectors may have been installed without a damping component which is used to reduce vibration. If a damping component is not present, vibration will increase at the connection between the fuel line and the fuel rail, which over time, can result in damage at the connection.

Show 10 older recalls
19V352000May 9, 2019serious
Air Bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2 Competition Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, and 2019 330i xDrive Sportswagon vehicles. The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and assembled.

18V713000Oct 11, 2018serious
Powertrain

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.

17V507000Aug 16, 2017serious
Seat Belts

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, and M4 convertible vehicles. The Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) within the front seat belt assemblies may have been produced with incompatible vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism housings.

17V115000Feb 23, 2017serious
Air Bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive and M4 vehicles and Rolls-Royce Dawn vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat-mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.

16V914000Dec 20, 2016serious
Air Bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.

16V653000Sep 9, 2016serious
Structure

BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being replaced. Reuse of the existing bolts may cause the bolts to loosen.

15V782000Nov 23, 2015serious
Powertrain

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and 2015-2016 M4 Convertible vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that may not have been filled with grease. As a result, the slip-joint may fail over time.

15V189000Mar 31, 2015serious
Fuel System

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi Gran Turismo, and 2015 428i Gran Coupe, 428xi Gran Coupe, and 435i Gran Coupe vehicles. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

15V148000Mar 13, 2015serious
Air Bags

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 428i Convertible, 428i xDrive Convertible, 435i Convertible, and 435i xDrive Convertible vehicles manufactured October 22, 2014, to February 27, 2015. Due to a programming error, the driver's front air bag deployment timing may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

14V627000Oct 7, 2014serious
Service Brakes

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

Alternatives in Compact Coupe

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series complaints?

Owners have filed 330 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series. The systems they name most often are the engine, the electrical system and the cooling system.

Is the 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 330 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series have?

NHTSA has 330 owner complaints on file for the 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series?

NHTSA lists 15 recalls covering some 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used BMW 4 Series?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the electrical system and the cooling system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

Does the 4 Series have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2014-2020 BMW 4 Series. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 330 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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