BMW X4 Complaints

93 consumer complaints on file.

#11770336October 10, 2026
ENGINE, STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The oil filter housing is now made of plastic. It was in the past made of metal. Being it is now made of plastics it is now exposed to possibility of cracking due to changes in temperature hot and cold. It did in fact crack, failed, allowing engine coolant to mix with engines oil lubricant diluting oil lubricant thus causing engine to fail and loss of steering control creating the possibility of an accident. The manufacturer is aware of the failure of the oil filter housing. There are many complaints related to this condition.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768173September 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X4. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the transmission independently shifted into park(P) and then into reverse(R). The vehicle was restarted and the contact continued driving. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,214.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766080September 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The authorized dealership (BMW of South Miami) explicitly instructed my wife to continue operating a vehicle subject to an active engine starter fire hazard recall because they 'have not seen any vehicles catch on fire yet.' Furthermore, BMW Corporate failed to respond to a written 48-hour legal demand requesting alternative safe transportation or a loaner vehicle while the recall remedy is pending, leaving my family exposed to an acknowledged thermal risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765403September 18, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The starter needs to be replaced. An appointment was made with the dealership. I took my car with the understanding that the part was there and it would be replaced. BMW kept my car for 24 hours. The next day I was informed that they in fact, did not have the part and they have no ETA of when the part would be available. I'm told that the car could actually spontaneously combust into fire and to be careful when I start the car. With no estimated time frame to replace the part, I'm just to wait, hope and pray that my car does not catch on fire. BMW does not seem to be in any hurry to replace the starter. They offered no remedy and no indication on when it will be replaced. I would like this fixed quickly. THIS IS URGENT. FIRE?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764436September 15, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
My 2022 BMW X4 M40i was taken to Flow BMW in [XXX] on XXX to have the cabin air filter replaced. While there, a courtesy inspection showed that the Transmission Bushing needed replacement, the Differential seal needed to be replaced, and the Valve Cover needed to be replaced. My car had 63,000 miles on it at the time of the inspection, and it has never been driven offroad. The total estimate for the repairs is $6,909.12 before taxes. I can see no reason for these issues other than problems with workmanship or defective parts from the manufacturer. There were no warnings associated with these issues other than the dealer's inspection. I was informed by the Service Department that there were no safety issues with the problems at the time of inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761428September 1, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On 8/31/2026 this 2020 BMW X4 was serviced at an authorized dealer (BMW of Tyler) to execute the remedy for official NHTSA Safety Recall Campaign 25V-636 (Engine Starter Relay Fire Risk). INCIDENT DESCRIPTION: Within minutes of picking up the vehicle post-repair and entering an active roadway, the vehicle suffered an immediate, un-warned, total loss of all electrical power. The engine stalled, all digital dashboard instrumentation went black, and power steering/braking assistance were compromised. The vehicle came to a complete stop in moving traffic. The total power failure prevented the activation of hazard lights, rendering the blacked-out vehicle invisible to surrounding traffic and nearly causing a high-speed rear-end collision. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer center. TECHNICAL BASIS FOR DEFECT/WORKMANSHIP FAILURE: Campaign 25V-636 requires replacing or manipulating vulnerable electrical relay and starter assembly points tied directly to the main 12V electrical infrastructure and power distribution system. A total, sudden in-motion electrical blackout strongly indicates an open-circuit failure, improper terminal torque specifications, or damage to the adjacent Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) network occurring during the recall execution. The dealer is attempting to claim a coincidental "faulty battery" caused the in-motion shutdown to avoid workmanship liability. However, a battery failure does not completely choke out a running engine already under alternator load unless an open circuit or severe grounding fault is actively introduced. This incident represents a catastrophic failure directly following the execution of an official federal safety recall remedy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759605August 26, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2025 BMW X4 xDrive30i is subject to NHTSA recall 26V438, reported 07/08/2026, covering an engine starter that can wear prematurely and, in an extreme case, overheat and cause a fire. My BMW account shows the status as Remedy Not Available. NHTSA's VIN lookup confirms the recall is incomplete with no remedy available. I am filing because there is no remedy for me to obtain. BMW has not released parts or a repair procedure. Owner letters were not scheduled to mail until 08/28/2026. I emailed my BMW service center requesting a parts availability estimate and received no response. I have not had a starter failure or thermal event. The safety concern is that I must keep driving and parking a vehicle with an acknowledged fire risk, indefinitely, with no repair available and no timeline for one. I also cannot get confirmation from BMW whether any park outside or do not drive advisory applies to my vehicle. Coverage of this campaign has been inconsistent, with some outlets describing a plug-in hybrid population affected by corrosion that carried park outside guidance. My vehicle is not a plug-in hybrid. I am concerned about the scale and repetition of this defect. This is the third BMW starter campaign in roughly twelve months, following an autumn 2025 action and a February 2026 campaign, with the affected population expanding each time. Recall 26V438 alone covers 318,495 US vehicles. Given that volume I expect parts to be rationed and my repair delayed well beyond a reasonable time. Separately, BMW Financial Services has declined to process a lease payoff quote, citing the open recall. The effect is that BMW is restricting my contractual rights over a defect only BMW can cure and cannot currently cure. The vehicle is available for inspection on request. No warning lamps or symptoms to date.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756165August 11, 2026
ENGINE
On July 12, 2026, I received notice that my 2025 BMW X4 xDrive30i is subject to NHTSA Recall 26V-438 involving the engine starter. I contacted BMW of Austin on July 13 and again on July 27 to schedule the recall repair. On both occasions, I was informed that the remedy was unavailable. No estimated repair date was provided. I then contacted BMW Recall Support Services. BMW confirmed in writing that the remedy remains unavailable and that there is no established timeframe for when it will become available. BMW also instructed me to park my vehicle away from structures until the recall repair is completed and not to use the Remote Engine Start feature through the My BMW App or remote key. BMW further instructed me to discontinue driving if I experience a delayed start, require multiple attempts to start the vehicle, or notice other starting-related concerns. However, BMW simultaneously stated that I may continue driving the vehicle and that it will not provide a loaner vehicle, rental vehicle, alternative transportation, or other accommodation while the safety defect remains unrepaired. I have not yet experienced a fire or starting-related symptoms. My complaint concerns the ongoing safety risk and the lack of an available remedy or estimated repair date. BMW has advised me to park away from structures because of the recall, but it has not explained whether the risk can occur while the vehicle is parked and turned off, what distance qualifies as “away from structures,” or how owners without access to remote outdoor parking can safely comply. I am concerned that BMW is permitting continued operation of affected vehicles while acknowledging a potential fire risk, imposing significant safety precautions, and providing neither a repair timeframe nor a practical interim solution. I request NHTSA review BMW’s current owner guidance, the ongoing unavailability of the remedy, absence of a repair timeline, and whether affected owners should receive clearer instructions
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753842July 30, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle has intermittent raw fuel odor and shaking at idle. BMW dealership test‑drove and scanned but refused further diagnostics under warranty because the issue could not be duplicated. BMW NA case opened. Fuel odor is a fire hazard and shaking at idle is a stall risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752513July 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
2019 BMW X4 with 60,000 miles. On July 23, 2026, BMW dealership found a leaking Transfer case and quoted me $8500 to replace. Along with a defected shark Fin antenna costing $3000. Failed Water pump and 2 major coolant line. All have lawsuit against BMW of America.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750092July 13, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while idling at a stoplight, the vehicle caught on fire. The driver was able to exit the vehicle safely. There were no reported injuries. A Police and Fire Department report was filed. The Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company was contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742911June 9, 2026
STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS
I am filing a safety complaint for my 2020 BMW X4, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle recently began making a noticeable noise while turning. I reported this to an authorized BMW dealer before/during service and requested review for possible front-end, steering, suspension, axle, swivel bearing, tie rod, thrust rod, or vehicle-control safety issues. The dealer stated it did not find a swivel bearing issue, but identified worn thrust rod bushings and collapsed motor mounts. I was quoted approx. $1,950 for thrust rods and approx. $3,450 for motor mounts. I am concerned the worn thrust rod bushings involve the same general front suspension/steering/vehicle-handling system as the turning-noise concern I reported. I asked BMW North America and the dealer to review whether this condition may relate to or overlap with known BMW X4 steering/front axle/suspension recalls, including NHTSA Recall Nos. 19V678000, 19V738000, and 20V355000. BMW/dealer representatives stated there are no open recalls for my VIN and that BMW NA will not provide assistance, but I have not received a complete written explanation confirming that the dealer’s actual findings were reviewed against those recalls, campaigns, or safety concerns. On XXX, the service manager emailed that BMW NA Customer Relations allegedly said there are no open cases, the most recent case was closed, no assistance will be provided for suspension concerns, and the vehicle has no open recalls. The same email required return of the loaner by 5:00 PM if repairs are not approved. I am concerned this pressure is occurring before a complete safety/recall review is provided. No crash, injury, or fire occurred. I am requesting NHTSA review potential safety concerns involving the 2020 BMW X4 front suspension, steering, thrust rod bushings, swivel bearings, tie rods, motor mounts, turning-related noise, and whether additional VINs should be reviewed for recall/campaign applicability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741905June 3, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a [XXX] child who is in a car seat, fully locked in. He is able to open the door handle from the inside. The door handle is in arms reach. Totally unsafe, the child can open the door with the car in motion. It has happened numerous times. My sister has the same car with a [XXX] old, being able to do the same thing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733114April 22, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Windshield crack around heating elements and rearview mirror mount. There 3 cracks that extend to top of windshield to a horizontal crack. These look like one hook, J and a staightline that forms right angle to the one about a foot long behind readview mirror mount. There are no rocks chips evident. This occurred in a time span of 80 minutes. I actually heard the popping or cracking like when a plastic bottle air is restricted during elevation climb or desent but did not know what it was. Elevant was about 12,000 feet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729655April 7, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a safety concern regarding BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found on models from 2019 to 2021. The oil pump in these vehicles is failing prematurely. I was told this by service technicians at BMW and confirmed it through my own research. The oil pump failure is due to a plastic adjusting ring breaking. The result is severe oil pressure loss and engine failure. This is uncommon for a vehicle that has 65k miles. The engine failure comes without warning; there are no check engine light warnings. The vehicle's engine just fails I discovered the oil pump failure when I found it unusual that I had to add oil twice over a 6-month period. I took it to the dealer, where they informed me of the issue. This is extremely dangerous, especially when an engine locks up at high speeds on a highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723192March 10, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
-Electrical damage due to leak. Water entered through the roof shark fin antenna, leading to corrosion /severe water damage to the Telematics Communication Box Module. -Failure of BMW Emergency SOS Call System, GPS, and Microphone/ Voice for hands-free access. -Warning notification on dashboard "Emergency SOS Malfunction" -Vehicle taken to BMW certified service, told that water was coming from the roof antenna, shortening the TCB
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718434February 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717328February 11, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). While the vehicle was in park(P), there were abnormal sounds coming from the engine. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the brake pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions, but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and was currently being diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715323February 3, 2026
SEAT BELTS
Went to sit in driver rear seat and put on my seat belt and found it frayed apart. Thought this was od and tried the rear passenger side only to find the exact same thing. Took it to the dealer in Visalia, CA. They said that they have never seen anything like that before. After discovering that both belts were broken in the same spot, they concluded it must be caused by wear in the retracting mechanism, but because the car was out of manufacturer's warranty they could only sell me new ones. I believe this is a very serious safety issue because as they were starting to fray apart the belts may have not had enough strength to restrain someone during an accident. Glad this was discovered before that happened!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713399January 26, 2026
SEAT BELTS
BOTH rear seat belts have broken off in the same spot. Went to use the driver's side rear seat belt and found it had been broken (frayed off). Moved to the passenger side and found the exact same thing. This could have been a bad situation if in an accident had occurred where they had not completely frayed but would have failed. Took it to my local dealer and they had no answers as to how this could have happened but suggesting that it most likely happened inside the recoil mechanism. They offered no other remedy other than to have me pay for replacement since the car was out of manufactory warranty,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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