BMW M4 Complaints

47 consumer complaints on file.

#11762645September 7, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING
I am writing to report a critical structural safety defect involving the front steering knuckle (wheel carrier) on my 2016 BMW M4 GTS. Upon inspection, the original factory steering knuckle has developed severe structural cracks on both the top and bottom sections of the component. Safety Risk & Hazard:The steering knuckle is a primary load-bearing suspension component responsible for securing the front wheel assembly, brakes, and steering linkage. Because this vehicle has developed cracks on both the top and bottom of the knuckle, it is at imminent risk of total catastrophic failure. A complete fracture of this component will result in immediate wheel detachment, total loss of steering control, and a severe high-speed crash. This presents an extreme and immediate safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. Manufacturer Awareness:BMW is fully aware of this inherent structural flaw. The original component (Part #31-21-2-289-301 / #31-21-2-289-302) has been quietly superseded by a completely redesigned, reinforced "v2" revised part to mitigate this exact cracking issue. Despite knowing that the original components are prone to dangerous fatigue and cracking under stress, BMW has not issued a safety recall to replace these defective first-generation knuckles on a vehicle explicitly marketed and sold for track-oriented performance. Action Requested:I request that the NHTSA immediately initiate a safety defect investigation into the first-generation BMW M4 GTS steering knuckles before a catastrophic failure results in a fatal accident. Furthermore, I request that BMW cover the immediate replacement of these defective components with the revised, structurally sound v2 parts at zero cost to the owner.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757432August 17, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739821May 24, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
The ABS module, which controls the brake drying feature, is malfunctioning. This BMW feature is designed to lightly pulse the brakes when the windshield wipers are active to wipe water off the rotors for better braking performance. The intervention is supposed to be imperceptible. Instead, the system intermittently applies hard, sudden brake pressure while the windshield wipers are operating. This causes abrupt, strong deceleration that feels like the brakes are slamming on by themselves. The problem occurs in wet conditions when wipers are on. It has happened multiple times and has nearly caused rear-end collisions or loss of control on multiple occasions. This unexpected hard braking at speed in wet conditions creates a significant risk of rear-end collision, loss of vehicle control, or accident, especially on highways or in traffic. The only workaround is to drive without wipers in the rain, which is also dangerous due to reduced visibility. I have not yet brought the car into the dealership to have it inspected but I do intend on getting that done within the week. There are no warning lights or messages to suggest there even is a problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703660December 8, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 BMW M4. The contact stated that under previous ownership, the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 15V782000 (Power Train) at a local dealer. The contact stated that two years later, the contact was unsure if the vehicle was included or repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 18V713000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer, where it was diagnosed with an imbalanced drive shaft. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired due to the costs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11613582September 9, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The instrument cluster display no longer functions. Unable to see odometer. Unable to see any vehicle warnings such as fuel warnings, airbag warnings, adas warnings. If I am unable to utilize the instrument cluster display it puts myself and others in harms way as if there is an issue with the vehicle or a warning, I would be unaware as there is no way for that information to reach me. The issue has been confirmed with a code of : B7f694 The display back lighting has failed. BMW states this out of their warranty/workmanship coverage. Leading up to the display failure, the display would cut in and out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611640August 29, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11610911August 26, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595365June 19, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filled car with gas and drove home , came out 10 minutes later to a puddle of fuel under car , from the fuel tank on the rear driver side
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594234June 13, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle brake very very loudly. BMw claims this is normal, this is not true. Vehicle has extremely low miles and performs bad when braking.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593123June 7, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I had the issue relating to this bullitin [XXX] This issue resulted in both rear window regulators going out due to the water. BMW USA denied to perform any goodwill repair or even acknowledge this issue. This issue consequently results in the convertible top malfunctioning as it cannot roll the rear windows down Many BMW convertible customers have had this issue as it is readily present within online forums. 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
#11586408May 1, 2024
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM 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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541854August 31, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11532209July 14, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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”
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11523605May 24, 2023
SUSPENSION
Both front steering bearing carriers (knuckles) cracked... this is a well documented defect on the M4 GTS model that BMW has not addressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11487053September 29, 2022
VISIBILITY
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11469056June 13, 2022
SUSPENSION
The car only has 500 miles. It is a show car not taken out of the garage. Went to change oil and inspection sticker. Found to have a bad front knuckle. It is cracked. Many forums on this. This car is limited and has very low miles by owners. This should not be occurring
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468458June 9, 2022
SUSPENSION, ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458901March 29, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The problem has been reproduced and the car went back to dealership with the same problem for the 3rd time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449103January 27, 2022
ENGINE
The BMW OEM intercooler/charge air cooler is a known faulty equipment issue within this generation of cars/engine (S55 Engine, F80, F82, F87 chassis) and I have thousands of people within the community that were affected and willing to attest to this. This issue is a safety risk as having the intercooler leak coolant into the combustion chambers this will be a catastrophically damage the engine. As I've mentioned this problem has been confirmed by dealers and independent service centers, and I have thousands of people in the willing to attest to this being a very common issue in this generation of cars. There is usually supposed to be a service warning/check engine light that comes up on the car when there is a coolant leak, I received nothing. The symptoms I've experienced are as the following: My radiator fans kept coming on after drives, I had to physically check that coolant was in fact leaking and the reservoir being bone dry within days, I scanned my vehicle for codes and of course the coolant leak code came back.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11405983April 1, 2021
STEERING, SUSPENSION
THE BILLET ALUMINUM STEERING KNUCKLES/STEERING CARRIERS ARE CRACKED AT ONE OF TWO BOLT POINTS CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN. THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND BMW SUBSEQUENTLY CHANGED THE DESIGN OF THE REPLACEMENT PART. THIS BILLET ALUMINUM PART IS SPECIFIC TO THE 2016 BMW M4 GTS, A LIMITED EDITION BMW M4. APPROXIMATELY 800 M4 GTS'S WERE EVER BUILT AND THESE PARTS ARE FAILING AT ALL MILEAGE VALUES. THIS ISSUE IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON BIMMERPOST.COM FROM SEVERAL OWNERS. BMW WILL NOT COVER THE COST TO REPLACE IF THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY, REGARDLESS OF THE MILEAGE; MINE HAS 6,500 MILES. IF THE SECOND BOLT FAILS, THE COMPONENT WILL NO LONGER BE ATTACHED TO THE STRUT AND CAUSE CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURY AND POTENTIALLY DEATH. I NOTIFIED BMW AND THEY DENIED THE CLAIM AFTER 4 WEEKS OF REVIEW WITHOUT ANY REASON.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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