BMW X4 Complaints

93 consumer complaints on file.

#11709969January 9, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
transfer case AWD/xDrive system drivetrain components The dealer diagnosed a transfer case failure on the BMW X4 xDrive. Vehicle displayed drivetrain malfunction warning. Repair estimate exceeds $20,000. The vehicle has under 50,000 miles. The issue appears consistent with known xDrive transfer case complaints. The warning light came on on January 7, 2026, at approximately 6 pm.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708524January 3, 2026
SUSPENSION
I am filing a complaint regarding what I believe is a manufacturer defect in my BMW vehicle. During a recent visit to an authorized BMW dealership for a routine oil change, I was informed that the front tension joints (tension struts) must be replaced because the rubber bushings/gaskets are cracked and leaking fluid. My vehicle has fewer than 33,000 miles, and I drive infrequently. This was missed during the last oil change which was 6-8k miles ago. This type of failure at such low mileage is unreasonable and inconsistent with normal wear and tear. The dealership quoted approximately $1,800 plus tax, not sure if it includes a required wheel alignment, to repair the issue. BMW has declined responsibility and stated the damage could caused by road conditions. However, after researching this issue, I have found that premature failure of BMW front tension strut bushings is a widely reported and recurring problem affecting many BMW vehicles at low mileage. This indicates a design or manufacturing defect, not misuse. This defect presents a serious safety risk, as failed or leaking tension joints can lead to: Loss of steering control Poor braking stability Increased risk of crash Despite the known nature of this problem, BMW has not issued a recall or provided coverage, placing the financial burden and safety risk on consumers. I am requesting that this issue be formally investigated and that BMW be held accountable for repairing or reimbursing this defect, as it poses a potential vehicle safety hazard and appears to be systemic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706580December 22, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We heard a whining sound under the hood on November 1st, 2025. Prior to noticing this noise, there were no warming lamps or messages appearing. Following a short drive we smelled burning in the garage. We did not drive the vehicle the following day and intended to take it to our mechanic on Monday morning, the 3rd. Upon trying to start the car it was dead. We had to have it professionally jumped as standard jumping with our personal jumper cables would not start it. Our mechanic explained both the battery and the water pump would need to be replaced. Upon further examination, he realized that the cable or water pump harness that connects the two had been burned and discovered a recall on thousands of 2017/2018 X4 models. He called us and encouraged us to take it to BMW as he found the recall and assumed they would take care of it. Upon calling our local dealership, they looked up our VIN and said our model was not part of the recall. We proceeded with the repair as we had to have our vehicle. Once those parts were replaced, it was also discovered that the issue caused the entire DME/ECU unit to go bad. Our mechanic then ordered that directly from BMW. Once in he had it reprogrammed and we got the car back. We were without a vehicle for a month. We would ask that you please review this as it's clear, this was the exact issue that has affected thousands of other BMW X4 Models. It is a safety issue as we smelled the burning in our garage and learned later that it could have started a fire either while driving it or in our garage at home. Our VIN should be included in the recall. Upon calling BMW of North America Customer Service, they told us to file a complaint on nhtsa.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702376December 1, 2025
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We had snow this afternoon and my wife drove the car home from work. We live on a private road and have a steep driveway. I had her park the car in the road while I plowed the driveway. There was only 1-2” of snow on the ground. My wife existed the car. It appeared to be off and in park meaning the engine was not running and the car sat still on a grade. In hindsight, I should have had her set the park brake. My wife went down to her house taking her key with her. I was plowing the driveway. The car had been sitting still on the road for at least 15 minutes. When I was plowing, I had the other key in my pocket. When I got next to the car while still operating my plow, I noticed the taillights came on. Next, the car began rolling down the hill on its own. Nobody was in the car. I was chasing the car. I noted the rear tires were rolling. They were not sliding. The car contained to roll forward then veered towards the side of the road that has a steep ditch. The car then slide sideways down the embankment and stopped at the bottom of the hill. Fortunately, the car did not rollover. Had it been dry and now snow, I think it would have rolled over sideways due to the steep pitch but instead it slid in the snow. I think I was lucky and there is no significant damage but I have not fully retrieved the car out of the ditch yet. I suspect the car was in the start stop mode and possibly my wife did not put into park before exiting the car but this could be easily done since it has the push buttons shifter and the engine was off. Not sure if this is what happened, it’s just speculation. This could have been much more serious if this happened with other people or cars around.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688269September 19, 2025
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS
I went to the car wash and when I turned my car back on it stated the the Driver's Restraints system malfunction.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682608August 23, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
The water pump was found to have extreme corrosion after several other components on the car were damaged from the coolant leak into the electrical system. The car was suddenly losing power while driving and the DME was smoking, potentially causing an engine fire. So far the water pump, Digital Motor Electronics (DME) and throttle body were replaced over a 15 day period in service. The day the car was picked up, the chassis stabilization light came on and the dealership was receiving codes saying multiple additional electrical systems are now triggering the codes. The car was back at the dealer for service and now they are saying even more systems have been damaged by the leak. There is currently a recall on the water pump for this model and year, although this exact VIN is not included in the recall. Initial overheat warnings came on July 22, 2025 just prior to the car going in the shop although the dealer didn't see that the car was overheating. The fault codes were coming up as electrical. Only the dealer has inspected the car thus far. I content this car should have been included in the recall for the water pump as the description of the recall fits the exact damage to the water pump in my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677731August 1, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2023 BMW X4. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 52,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 90,000. The State of Mississippi advised the contact to reach out to the State of Tennessee for assistance.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674611July 18, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted on several occasions; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673979July 16, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X4. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671661July 7, 2025
ENGINE
The Oil filter housing on my BMW X4 failed randomly while parked over night causing my vehicle to be depleted off coolant. If you want to inspect the part you will have to reach out to bmw of Columbus for documentation and I can provide the record for repair once complete.This caused my vehicle to be immobilized. If my vehicle had been on the road like previously I would’ve been stranded. There were no warning lights or leaks prior to the vehicle malfunctioning. I ubered to get coolant and once filling the reservoir the coolant immediately leaked out resulting in me needing a tow to the dealership. This problem has been reproduced with many dealers as there’s numerous of report of this online and I believe the dealer has inspected this part but is refusing to replace or recall this part under any type of program or create any type of solution to make this not happen again. There wasn’t any small leaks or warning lights shown before this issue spawned all at once then after showing the low coolant light.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667515June 17, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Unknown: Dealership replaced my brakes however they weren’t working properly I reported it 3 times BMW said it was common about 2 weeks later I was involved in a car accident where the brakes failed to respond and I rear ended another car.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665705June 9, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X4. The contact stated while driving and making a right or a left turn, the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. Additionally, the contact stated that the message "Service Brakes" was displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664164June 1, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Water pump completely failed and no longer working. I had to pull off of road on a busy interstate. Firestone confirmed water pump no longer working. Vehicle is at BMW service center. No warning until vehicle overheated and warning came on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660886May 14, 2025
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact called on behalf of her daughter, who owns a 2024 BMW X4. The contact stated that while attempting to leave a parking lot driving 5 MPH, there was a loud glass shattering sound coming from the sunroof of the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over and inspected the vehicle and became aware that the sunroof glass had shattered. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the sunroof glass needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,755.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658269May 1, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while slowing down for a traffic light, the message for possible transmission failure and to seek service immediately was displayed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656823April 25, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle there was a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654956April 16, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655106April 16, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE
Description of the Problem: I am reporting a severe vehicle fire that occurred with my 2015 BMW X4 (VIN: [XXX}) on [XXX], while I was driving on [XXX] in Orlando, Florida. This was a life-threatening incident. I narrowly escaped death as flames suddenly engulfed the front of the vehicle while I was on the road. For nearly two hours, it felt like a horror show. I am still in shock. After checking my VIN on NHTSA’s recall database, I discovered that my vehicle is part of Recall Number 24V608, which is still "Incomplete" and had no remedy available. The recall clearly describes a fire risk caused by liquid from the PCV system dripping onto the engine coolant pump’s electrical connector, which may lead to a short circuit and possibly a fire. I strongly believe that this is exactly what happened in my case. I am not a technical expert, but based on the description provided by BMW and NHTSA, it appears this recall defect directly caused my vehicle fire. I had no warning, no remedy notice, and no chance to prevent this. This incident has been widely covered by local news and emergency response teams: WFTV News Coverage WESH 2 News Coverage Orlando-News Article Orlando Fire Department's Official Post on Twitter/X This could have been fatal. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the mental trauma, financial burden, and risk to others on the road were immense. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate this case thoroughly and ensure that BMW is held accountable. These kinds of delays in remedies and safety actions are putting lives at risk. If needed, I can provide photos, videos, or any documentation you require. Contact Information: Name: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646510March 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646352March 4, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the engine temperature warning light was illuminated. The engine overheated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was stuck in the middle of the street. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the warranty company; however, the contact was informed that the failure was an electrical failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,777.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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