Last updated: 2026-03-04
BMW 4-Series Reliability by Year
The BMW 4-Series averages 60/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
BMW 4-Series Reliability Overview
Data indicates that the BMW 4-Series, covering model years 2018 to 2026, generally holds a mixed reliability reputation, with an average score of 58/100. Common issues reported include electrical system malfunctions, airbag deployment failures, and powertrain problems, with notable complaint rates in earlier years reducing significantly by 2025. The 4-Series shows improvement in recent years, with fewer complaints and recalls, making it potentially suitable for those prioritizing newer models with updated safety features.
Current generation: 2nd gen (2020–2023).
Best & Worst BMW 4-Series Years
Best BMW 4-Series Years to Buy
The best BMW 4-Series year is 2025 with a reliability score of 67/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (66/100) and 2022 (66/100).
BMW 4-Series Years to Avoid
The worst BMW 4-Series year is 2020 with a score of 52/100, primarily due to electrical system (17) issues. Also avoid 2018 (54/100).
2020
34 recalls · 66 complaints
2018
21 recalls · 261 complaints
BMW 4-Series Reliability Score Trend
BMW 4-Series reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 66/100 compared to 55/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 52/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 67/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 BMW 4-Series
4 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 BMW 4-Series has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 BMW 4-Series.
2025 BMW 4-Series
9 recalls · 2 complaints
The 2025 BMW 4-Series has good reliability. There are 9 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file for the 2025 BMW 4-Series. Severity signals include 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (1), Visibility Wiper (1).
2024 BMW 4-Series
13 recalls · 17 complaints
The 2024 BMW 4-Series has good reliability. There are 13 recalls and 17 owner complaints on file for the 2024 BMW 4-Series. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (4), Unknown Or Other (3), Back Over Prevention (2).
2023 BMW 4-Series
26 recalls · 43 complaints
The 2023 BMW 4-Series has good reliability. There are 26 recalls and 43 owner complaints on file for the 2023 BMW 4-Series. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (10), Service Brakes (7), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (5).
2022 BMW 4-Series
18 recalls · 36 complaints
The 2022 BMW 4-Series has good reliability. There are 18 recalls and 36 owner complaints on file for the 2022 BMW 4-Series. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (6), Unknown Or Other (5), Electrical System (5).
2021 BMW 4-Series
40 recalls · 64 complaints
The 2021 BMW 4-Series has mixed reliability. There are 40 recalls and 64 owner complaints on file for the 2021 BMW 4-Series. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (16), Unknown Or Other (7), Power Train (4).
2020 BMW 4-Series
34 recalls · 66 complaints
The 2020 BMW 4-Series has mixed reliability. There are 34 recalls and 66 owner complaints on file for the 2020 BMW 4-Series. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (17), Engine (10), Unknown Or Other (6).
2019 BMW 4-Series
17 recalls · 90 complaints
The 2019 BMW 4-Series has mixed reliability. There are 17 recalls and 90 owner complaints on file for the 2019 BMW 4-Series. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (17), Power Train (12), Electrical System (12).
2018 BMW 4-Series
21 recalls · 261 complaints
The 2018 BMW 4-Series has mixed reliability. There are 21 recalls and 261 owner complaints on file for the 2018 BMW 4-Series. Severity signals include 21 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (64), Electrical System (35), Engine (31).
BMW 4-Series Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3/5
BMW 4-Series Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable BMW Models
Compare all BMW models by reliability
Compare BMW 4-Series With Similar Coupes
The BMW 4-Series competes with other midsize coupes such as Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and BMW 5-Series.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
8 years tracked · 2186 complaints
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability
8 years tracked · 469 complaints
BMW 5-Series reliability
8 years tracked · 330 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the BMW 4-Series reliable?
- The BMW 4-Series has good reliability with an average score of 60/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the BMW 4-Series?
- The best year for the BMW 4-Series is 2025 with a reliability score of 67/100, rated good. It has 9 recalls and 2 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 BMW 4-Series analysis →
- What are the BMW 4-Series years to avoid?
- The BMW 4-Series years to avoid include 2020 (52/100), 2018 (54/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a BMW 4-Series?
- Annual maintenance cost estimates are not available for the BMW 4-Series. Based on its reliability score and complaint patterns, check individual year pages for repair cost details when available.
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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