BMW i4 Complaints (2023)

44 consumer complaints on file.

#11616893September 27, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Slowed to a stop with B mode engaged. Suddenly car lurched forward prompting me to slam on the brakes. No one was injured or vehicles damaged but it was unsettling. No warning or other issues prior to failure. No manufacture has looked at it and since it’s likely unable to reproduce often a test drive would likely not see it either.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11589917May 21, 2024
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
As I was driving my car into the main avenue out of a parking lot, the car stalled and lost all power, the charge went from 57% to 0% and the power train failure warning came on the dashboard and a high voltage warning as well. The incoming traffic had to stop since I could not move the car, so I had to turn power off and power back and only then the car started to move slowly, the battery charge went up only to 37% and both warnings were displayed on the dashboard (high voltage warning and power train failure) with a message that said that it was OK to drive the car to a dealership to get the car checked.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11586013April 30, 2024
TIRES
I believe the tire size is 245 R40 19. The tires interior seams on both rear tires are coming apart. Car has just passed 21K miles, and is driven very carefully. No pothole damage either.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11571923February 14, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
This is the second time the brakes failed on this vehicle. The first incident, occurring as I pulled into my garage, in May 2023, was investigated by BMW North America and the vehicle was deemed to have no defect and to be safe to drive. The second incident occurred on [XXX]. The car was traveling approximately 15-25 mph on a collector road between [XXX] in downtown Los Angeles. The car immediately in front of me applied its brakes and when I applied my brake pedal the vehicle did not respond and my car did not slow down. I did not see any sort of warning lamp on the dashboard. I hit the car immediately in front of me and that car hit the car in front of it. My airbags deployed. The car called emergency services. No one was injured. My vehicle is now being examined by BMW North America. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11567649January 24, 2024
SUSPENSION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down a residential street with cars parked on both sides. My car stopped very suddenly because the passenger side front tire was pierced and flattened by something on the road. Almost simultaneously the car began to oscillate or jolt from side to side and hit a car parked on my driver’s side very hard and then oscillated back to a parallel position. This is a known problem on the i4 edrive community website. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11566379January 18, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is an electric vehicle. The affected part is called a heat changeover value - this value controls the coolant that is used by the car to keep the drive battery cool. The valves have a problem with leaks and when they leak, the car should not be driven out of safety concern. The main battery could overheat causing a fire/explosion. My vehicle experienced this issue and was undrivable for approx. 30 days. There are several Facebook and Reddit groups reporting this problem from all over the world. While my vehicle was at the dealer for the repair, this dealer had another vehicle like mine with the same issue along with another BMW electric vehicle, different model, same issue. From what I understand the parts are being replaced but not with a redesigned part. This also seems to be impacting more than just 2023 vehicle model years.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11557688November 30, 2023
POWER TRAIN, STEERING
My 2023 electric BMW i4 was driving normally on the evening of 11/29/2023. I was near the end of a 30 minute commute when a drivetrain error popped on the screen followed by an error that said "increased steering effort." Within seconds of those messages, without any physical signs of an issue, the car completely lost all power and steering and abruptly stopped in the middle of the street. As the car abruptly broke down, it went into park. It was so abrupt that there wasn't even time to pull over or coast to a safer area. I was stopped in the middle of the street. I couldn't restart the car nor could I shift the car into neutral. The car required a tow to the dealership. This is a SERIOUS safety issue. Had I been on a busier street or highway and suddenly lost all power and steering, I could have gravely injured myself and others. The vehicle has since been inspected by the local service center. They said there is a manufacturing defect with the copper brushes in the electric engine. They said the fix is to disassemble the motor to perform a labor-intensive cleaning. However, what is to prevent this issue from happening again? Especially since no parts are being replaced according to BMW. A car breaking down is one thing. A car abruptly stopping and losing all power and steering is an unacceptable failure. I am scared to drive this car ever again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11545371September 19, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, STEERING
The contact owns a 2023 BMW I4. The contact stated while reversing, the drive train malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact proceeded with his commute however, the steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shifted into park independently. There were several messages displayed on the infotainment screen, and the contact was unable to shift the vehicle back into drive. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540956August 26, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sudden acceleration when entering an open parking space, causing the car to hit two vehicles and causing extensive damage to my and the other vehicles. Safety of others would have been at risk as the accelerations was unintended and unexpected and if people were present they would have been in danger. The vehicle is currently at dealership for examination of unintended acceleration and accident. No warning of sudden acceleration nor any issue with car prior to accident. Air bags were not activated. Police contacted but since noninjury no report filed.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535935August 1, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle is an EV (platform G26) and charger flap door was locked and would not open. Problem is similar to problem reported on NHTSA for BMW vehicles for "fuel filler door will not open", SIB 51 27 20. Safety issue is vehicle can not be charged and creates risk for driver and passengers being stranded. Older BMW vehicles had an emergency release but new models eliminated this feature. Vehicle was taken to dealership for repair and item know as cover pot defect was confirmed and replaced. Requested confirmation that replacement part addressed root cause but dealership would not offer any assurances.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11534481July 25, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
I am writing to file a formal complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a serious safety issue with my recently purchased 2023 BMW i4. The incident involves a brake malfunction that occurred just two weeks after the purchase, posing a severe risk to my safety and potentially the safety of other road users. On 07/11/, while driving my newly acquired BMW i4, I experienced an alarming brake failure, which almost resulted in a collision with another vehicle. Fearing for my life and the lives of others, I immediately took the car to the authorized BMW service center in Fremont for immediate inspection and repair. Regrettably, it has now been over a week since I dropped off my car at the service center, and it remains unrepaired. The service center personnel informed me that they need to order a brake boost from Germany, but I am deeply troubled to learn that there is still no estimated time of arrival for this critical part. Consequently, I am left without a functional vehicle and potentially exposed to further brake-related hazards. This incident raises serious concerns about the safety and reliability of BMW's brake system in the 2023 i4 model. I find it unacceptable that a reputable automotive manufacturer like BMW does not have the necessary spare parts readily available for essential safety components like brakes. Furthermore, I am disappointed by the lack of transparency and communication from BMW throughout this ordeal. The uncertainty surrounding the repair process has caused significant distress and inconvenience, adding to the already harrowing experience. Given the gravity of the brake malfunction and the prolonged delays in repairs, I believe it is imperative for the NHTSA to investigate this matter thoroughly. The potential risks posed by a brake system failure are a matter of utmost concern and warrant immediate attention and action.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11530312July 4, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car is brand new and does not connect to a level 3 charger. BMW service has no idea how to fix.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11529748June 30, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
This is a fully electric vehicle and upon arriving at a charger, the charging port door on the car would not open. It is a manual door - normally just push on the outside of the door and it pops opens. In this instance, pushing on the door did nothing, the door was stuck and would not open, putting my safety at risk as I could not charge the vehicle and had only limited range left to drive. No lights or warning messages appeared in the car. I contacted BMW roadside assistance who had me try multiple things, none of which worked. I was then advised there was no way to open the charging door without bringing it to the dealer. This left me, a single female on a road trip with my child 4 hours from home, stuck in a parking lot as darkness was approaching unable to charge my perfectly functioning vehicle. A quick google search revealed this is a known issue to BMW and many have been replaced under warranty, although no recall has been issued. We are expected to just drive with faulty charge door mechanisms until they fail, and just hope and pray you're in a safe place when it happens or have enough charge to get to a BMW dealer. The vehicle has not yet been repaired, waiting on a service appointment.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11528540June 23, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
On 6/8/23 I tried to start my car and received the following error: "Drivetrain malfunction: Driving not possible. Call Roadside Assistance" and the car turned off. I tried 3 more times to start the car and received the same message. I could not drive my car, and had it immediately towed to the dealer. This is a brand new 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 with only 1469 miles on it. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by the dealer, testing confirmed faults for the high voltage battery and a 30F current violation and sporadic software issue. As of 6/23/23, my car is still sitting at the dealer waiting for a fix (estimated for August). There is a recall for some 2023 i4 eDrive40s (campaign # 22V944000) regarding the high voltage battery electronic control unit (ECU) that may cause an interruption of electrical power, and risk of crash increases. I believe my vehicle should be included in this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11525905June 7, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
On 5/10/23 I was driving approximately 50 mph on a highway when my car slowed to 15 mph. I stepped on the accelerator and nothing happened. On the dash screen there was a warning which stated "drivetrain malfunction. Driving not possible. Call Roadside assistance". So I was stuck with a sudden deceleration on a busy highway and had to creep over 2 lanes to the shoulder and put the car in park. It would not restart. Myself and my child were in the vehicle. It is a miracle that we were not rear-ended. After calling roadside assistance, the car did turn back on and was driven to the dealer. The car spent 2.5 weeks at the dealer and they say a software update resolved the issue. This car was 4 weeks old when the incident occurred. It had approximately 300 miles on the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11524818June 1, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
I opened our garage door remotely, as I always do, and pulled into the driveway. As I entered the garage, I attempted to brake but the car continued to roll despite my pressure on the brake pedal. The car ran into the shelving and other items against the garage wall. I have entered our garage in this way many thousands of times, and I am confident I did nothing differently this time.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11524209May 28, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Drivetrain malfunction, made car inoperable. Went into park mode. No neutral ability to move. Had to be special tow. Car is 2 days old. Only 200 miles on odometer. Check internet, many many same issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11521423May 10, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A small spill of liquid (unsweetened iced tea) on the gear shift area inches from the cup holder shorted out the entire transmission of the vehicle, rendering it immovable. This happened while pulling into our garage, but if it had happened while the car was moving on the road it could have caused a catastrophic accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518443April 22, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Wireless CarPlay is not operating correctly and proving to be a hazard in driving. Often times, the GPS will randomly shift the “location of the car”, making it unsafe to drive because it is off by several miles, and a distraction because the screen moves with the location ping. I’ve reported this to apple and BMW several times over the last few months since January. Attached are just three of several instances in which this has happened (and I had a friend who was able to screenshot these).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11511898March 14, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When using navigation with CarPlay the position can become incorrect. This happens inconsistently but when it happens can happen suddenly. It is distracting as the navigation keeps re-routing and this often makes the map rotate in the big central display. It can also disorient the driver if they are driving in an area which is not familiar to them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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