Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 BMW 2-Series Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 BMW 2-Series scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 18 recalls and 67 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 is year 6 of the First generation (F22/F23).
Recalls
18
Complaints
67
Complaint Rate
2.1
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$968
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
18 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 6 of the First generation (F22/F23).
- Redesigned for the 2014 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 1st generation 2-Series (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
First generation (F22/F23)
Should You Buy the 2019 BMW 2-Series?
The 2019 BMW 2-Series scores 73/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is year 6 of the First generation (F22/F23).
With 67 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to unknown or other (14). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 BMW 2-Series, which scored 2 points lower. See also the 2018 BMW 2-Series for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Below-average complaint rate for Coupe
- 5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2019 BMW 2-Series frequently report issues related to software... (14 complaints)
- AIR BAGS: Passenger restraint system malfunctions and air bag deployment failures (10 complaints)
- 4 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
- Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued
Compare 2019 BMW 2-Series With
2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Score: 50/100
2019 Porsche Macan
Score: 64/100
2019 Audi Q3
Score: 72/100
2019 Volvo XC60
Score: 72/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 18 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14)
- AIR BAGS (10)
- POWER TRAIN (9)
- ENGINE (8)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3)
- SERVICE BRAKES (3)
- STEERING (2)
- WHEELS (2)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- VISIBILITY (1)
Recall Overview
18
recalls on record
The 2019 BMW 2-Series has 18 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
2.1
per 10k soldSegment avg: 10.1
Safety Incidents
Crashes
5
Fires
4
Injuries
7
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 BMW 2-Series Recall Details
18 recalls have been issued for the 2019 BMW 2-Series. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEAT BELTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Consequence
A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 14, 2025.
SEATS
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
Consequence
An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Showing 10 of 12 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
2019 BMW 2-Series NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.5%
Safety Technologies
BMW 2-Series Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$968
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2019 BMW 2-Series Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Headlamp Switch Replacement | $295 – $338 |
| Engine Oil Level Sensor Replacement | $345 – $561 |
| Air Conditioning Expansion Valve Replacement | $641 – $949 |
| Wheel Bearing Replacement | $783 – $1,140 |
| Tire Rotation | $61 – $90 |
| Timing Chain Replacement | $4,812 – $6,790 |
| Engine Leak Inspection | $153 – $224 |
| Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement | $122 – $143 |
| Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement | $333 – $390 |
| Battery Replacement | $753 – $846 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
When Buying a Used 2019 BMW 2-Series
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect oil filter housing for leaks
- Check coolant levels and look for signs of leaks
- Inspect tires for wear or damage, especially Pirelli Cinturato P7
- Test airbag system for malfunction warnings
- Verify recall repairs have been completed, especially for electrical system
- Check for condensation in headlights
Check Any 2019 BMW 2-Series's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 2-Series in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific BMW 2-Series with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 BMW 2-Series Common Problems by Component
67 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
14 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 BMW 2-Series frequently report issues related to software updates and sunroof failures. Several complaints mention that the over-the-air software updates fail to complete, requiring costly dealer intervention, particularly for vehicles out of warranty. Additionally, multiple owners describe incidents where the sunroof suddenly explodes while driving, causing potential safety hazards from shattered glass. A significant safety concern includes a parked vehicle catching fire, reportedly linked to an active recall for fire risk. These issues occur at various mileage points, with some related to ongoing recalls and known defects.
AIR BAGS
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 BMW 2-Series frequently report issues with the air bag system, particularly involving passenger restraint system malfunctions and air bag deployment failures. Common symptoms include warning lights indicating air bag or passenger restraint system malfunctions, with some owners noting that these issues are not covered under warranty despite occurring at low mileages, often under 20,000 miles. Several complaints involve crashes where air bags either deployed with shrapnel or failed to deploy, resulting in injuries and property damage. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, especially in crash scenarios, and highlight concerns with the reliability of the air bag system in this vehicle model.
POWER TRAIN
9 complaintsOwners of the 2019 BMW 2-Series frequently report issues related to drivetrain malfunctions, often characterized by a loss of acceleration and a "Drivetrain Malfunction" warning message on the dashboard. These problems typically occur around 40,000 to 60,000 miles, with some experiencing the issue multiple times despite attempts at repair. Other complaints include shuddering during acceleration and gear shifter malfunctions, sometimes linked to liquid spills affecting the shifting control module. Safety implications are noted, as some owners describe situations where the vehicle loses power at high speeds, posing a risk of accidents. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for used car buyers considering this model.
ENGINE (8 complaints)
ENGINE
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2019 BMW 2-Series engine, particularly involving coolant leaks and oil filter housing failures. Complaints often describe symptoms such as engine overheating, low coolant and oil levels, and smoke or flames under the hood. These problems are reported to occur around 35,000 to 60,000 miles, with some incidents leading to engine stalling or total engine failure. One report involves a fire, highlighting potential safety risks. Buyers should be aware of the use of plastic components in the cooling system, which multiple owners claim are prone to failure.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the electrical system in the 2019 BMW 2-Series, primarily involving fire risks and recall-related problems. Two complaints involve fires while the vehicle was parked, linked to a known starter defect under recall. Owners also frequently mention delays in recall repairs, with parts unavailable for the necessary fixes, leaving some vehicles unrepaired. Other issues include insufficient battery charge affecting remote start functionality, particularly in cold weather, and failures in the emergency call system potentially due to water leaks. The problems are reported at varying mileages, with some symptoms appearing around 57,000 to 91,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with fires posing a serious risk, and emergency system failures potentially affecting vehicle safety features.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 complaintsOwners of the 2019 BMW 2-Series report issues with condensation accumulating in the headlight assemblies, particularly during rainy or moist weather conditions. Complaints frequently mention that this moisture causes visibility hazards as it affects the beam projection, with some owners noting that the condensation leads to pooling water inside the headlights. These issues are reported to occur both shortly after purchase and after the warranty period, with mileage as low as 3,000 miles. The presence of condensation is noted to potentially lead to safety concerns, as it impairs visibility, and some owners report significant repair costs for headlight replacement.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the engine cooling system in the 2019 BMW 2-Series, particularly involving low coolant levels and coolant leaks. Complaints frequently mention that the "Coolant Low" warning message appears, prompting owners to add coolant, yet the issue persists. Some owners describe visible coolant leakage under the vehicle and overheating while driving. These problems are noted at mileages around 40,000 to 99,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, the persistent overheating may imply potential safety risks if not addressed.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 BMW 2-Series report issues with the service brakes, with two incidents involving crashes. Complaints frequently mention brake failure, with one owner describing the brakes not engaging despite the pedal being depressed, accompanied by an "Electronic Stability Control System Malfunctioning" message. Another owner reports the emergency brake assist system failing to activate during a low-speed collision, despite being a feature they relied upon. In a separate incident, a vehicle unexpectedly accelerated while entering a parking space, despite the brakes being applied, resulting in a crash. These issues are reported at various mileages and suggest potential safety concerns related to brake performance and system reliability.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 BMW 2-Series report issues with the steering system, including instances where the steering wheel locks unexpectedly. One owner describes the vehicle veering into oncoming traffic with the steering wheel locked, occurring twice under clear weather conditions. Another complaint, while primarily detailing an engine issue, highlights the sudden loss of power without prior warning, creating a hazardous situation on a busy road. These incidents suggest potential safety risks, particularly regarding loss of control, though mileage details are not provided. Buyers should be aware of these reported issues when considering this model.
WHEELS (2 complaints)
WHEELS
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 BMW 2-Series report issues with the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season tires experiencing blowouts on the internal wall. Complaints frequently mention these blowouts occurring at low mileages, typically between 13,000 and 15,000 miles, and often within a short timeframe, such as the first year of ownership. Symptoms described include spontaneous blowouts without prior trauma or damage to the tire rim, and a lack of notification from the vehicle's monitoring system. While no crashes or loss of control are reported, the repeated nature of these tire failures suggests a potential safety concern. Buyers considering a used model may want to inspect the condition of the tires or consider alternative tire options.
When Do 2019 BMW 2-Series Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst BMW 2-Series Years
Best BMW 2-Series Years to Buy
The best BMW 2-Series year is 2022 with a reliability score of 74/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (73/100) and 2019 (73/100).
2022
18 recalls · 35 complaints
2023
26 recalls · 43 complaints
2019(this page)
18 recalls · 67 complaints
BMW 2-Series Years to Avoid
No BMW 2-Series years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.
See full BMW 2-Series years-to-avoid analysis →BMW 2-Series Reliability Score Trend
BMW 2-Series reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 72/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 70/100 | Good |
BMW 2-Series Reliability Compared to Other Years
2019 BMW 2-Series Common Questions
10 questions from 2019 BMW 2-Series owners.
Ignition trouble
If i replace the ignition switch does that include the cylinder tumbler in it,it was thought possibly the cylinder tumbler might need replacing since key will only turn just a little A few days
When turning key car wont start or click on solenoid.
1996 BMW Z3. Is there a relay that controls the starter? all fuses are fine. I replaced the starter and car still wont start or click! Car won't start More than a week
Crank no start
I started my car the other morning and it was about 29° outside. When I started it there was a loud pop under the hood. The car kept running so I drove it about 40 miles. Later that afternoon I went to leave and it would crank but no start I went and bought a battery and it started so I went back home. It's been 3 weeks and it still won't start. Now it's a slow rough crank with no start More than a week
2006 BMW X3 3.0i Coolant leak
Coolant leak-even when car is not running. Have replaced the coolant reservoir, the mounting plate for the reservoir and radiator, the heater control valve and the oil cooler have been replaced. It’s still just dousing the coolant out. Not a drop leak more consistent stream. I’m at a loss for what to do. Leaks regardless of engine on or off A few days
Oil leaking
When driving car smokes on and off I was told it could be valve cover gasket it gas been sitting for 2 months and now is hard to start More than a month
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 BMW 2-Series reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 BMW 2-Series?
How many recalls does the 2019 BMW 2-Series have?
Is the 2019 BMW 2-Series expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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