Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 BMW 4-Series Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 BMW 4-Series scores 55/100 ("Mixed"). With 17 recalls and 90 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
2019 is year 6 of the First generation (F32/F33/F36).
Recalls
17
Complaints
90
Complaint Rate
48.3
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$968
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
N/A
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues
17 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 6 of the First generation (F32/F33/F36).
- Redesigned for the 2014 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 1st generation 4-Series (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
First generation (F32/F33/F36)
Should You Buy the 2019 BMW 4-Series?
The 2019 BMW 4-Series scores 55/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2019 is year 6 of the First generation (F32/F33/F36).
With 90 owner complaints and 17 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in unknown or other (17) — can be costly to repair.
An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on unknown or other (17) is essential before committing.
Compared to the 2020 BMW 4-Series, which scored 3 points lower. See also the 2018 BMW 4-Series for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Well-established generation
Cons
- Below-average reliability score
- Above-average recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for Coupe
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (17 complaints)
- 5 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
- Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued
Compare 2019 BMW 4-Series With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 17 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)
- POWER TRAIN (12)
- AIR BAGS (11)
- ENGINE (9)
- SERVICE BRAKES (5)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (5)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
- STEERING (3)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
- WHEELS (2)
- VISIBILITY (2)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- EQUIPMENT (1)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
Recall Overview
17
recalls on record
The 2019 BMW 4-Series has 17 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
48.3
per 10k soldSegment avg: 10.1
Safety Incidents
Crashes
10
Fires
5
Injuries
13
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 BMW 4-Series Recall Details
17 recalls have been issued for the 2019 BMW 4-Series. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
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.
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.
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 4-Series NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
BMW 4-Series Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 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 4-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 4-Series
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect oil filter housing for cracks and leaks
- Check for coolant leaks and low coolant levels
- Verify recall completion for electrical system fire risk
- Test airbag system for error messages or malfunctions
- Examine tires for unusual wear or blowouts
- Ensure proper operation of forward collision avoidance system
- Check for steering wheel locking or warning lights
Check Any 2019 BMW 4-Series's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 4-Series in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific BMW 4-Series with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 BMW 4-Series Common Problems by Component
90 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
17 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 BMW 4-Series frequently report issues related to exploding sunroofs, with multiple accounts of violent explosions sounding like gunshots and resulting in shattered glass inside the vehicle. Some owners also describe software update failures via the Over The Air (OTA) method, leading to additional costs for updates at dealerships. Additionally, there are complaints about a parked vehicle catching fire, which is linked to an active recall warning of potential fire risks. These issues present potential safety hazards, including risks of injury from glass and fire, and occur at various mileage ranges as no specific pattern emerges from the complaints.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the electrical system in the 2019 BMW 4-Series, with complaints frequently mentioning fire risks and sudden unintended acceleration. Two reports involve fires linked to an engine starter defect, particularly affecting vehicles around 57,000 miles. Several owners describe sudden unintended acceleration incidents, resulting in crashes and injuries, often occurring while parked or idling. Other electrical issues include failures in the emergency call system and instrument panel malfunctions, with some owners indicating problems around 30,000 miles. These complaints highlight significant safety implications, including crashes, injuries, and potential fire hazards.
POWER TRAIN
12 complaintsOwners of the 2019 BMW 4-Series frequently report drivetrain malfunctions, characterized by a loss of acceleration and "Drivetrain Malfunction" warnings, often at highway speeds, which can lead to a sudden loss of power and control. These issues typically occur around 40,000 to 60,000 miles. Additionally, several complaints describe oil and coolant leaks, with potential fire hazards and risks of engine overheating. Some reports also mention mechanical failures such as a cracked transmission case due to starter motor issues and premature axle wear. Safety implications include potential accidents due to loss of power or control, making these issues particularly relevant for prospective buyers considering a used model.
AIR BAGS (11 complaints)
AIR BAGS
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report two primary issues with the 2019 BMW 4-Series airbag system: passenger seat sensor malfunctions and airbag deployment failures. Complaints frequently mention error messages like "Passenger restraint system: Malfunction" and "Air Bag Off," indicating potential non-deployment in crashes. These issues often arise in vehicles with mileage ranging from 15,000 to over 86,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with four complaints involving crashes and two injuries reported, including cases where airbags either deployed improperly or did not deploy at all. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential high costs of repairs not covered under warranty.
ENGINE (9 complaints)
ENGINE
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 BMW 4-Series frequently report issues related to the engine, particularly involving the oil filter housing and coolant system. Complaints commonly describe oil filter housings made of plastic that crack and leak, often around 60,000 miles, potentially leading to engine overheating and posing a fire hazard. Additionally, multiple owners mention coolant leaks due to faulty hoses and fittings, which can result in engine overheating and reduced vehicle performance, typically occurring at around 35,000 to 42,000 miles. One report highlights a fire incident under the hood, resulting in vehicle destruction, although the specific cause was not determined. These issues could have significant safety implications, including the risk of stalling and fires, making them critical considerations for potential buyers.
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 BMW 4-Series frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving failure to engage properly. Complaints describe situations where the brake pedal is fully depressed, yet the vehicle does not stop as expected, sometimes accompanied by abnormal sounds or system warnings like "Electronic Stability Control System Malfunctioning." Additionally, the automatic braking system reportedly activates unexpectedly or fails to engage when needed, leading to several crashes, including one with an injury. These issues are noted at various mileages, with one report specifying approximately 31,000 miles. The safety implications are significant, as multiple incidents involve loss of control and collisions, often under normal driving conditions.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 BMW 4-Series, specifically the 430I model, report recurring issues related to coolant leaks and low coolant levels. Symptoms frequently include the "Coolant Low" warning message and instances of vehicle overheating. These problems often arise around 40,000 to 99,000 miles. One owner describes a diagnosis of a fractured coolant hose and issues with the oil filter housing and components connecting the engine block to the coolant reservoir, though repairs did not resolve the problem entirely. No safety incidents such as crashes or fires are reported in these complaints.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 BMW 4-Series report issues related to vehicle speed control, particularly sudden unintended acceleration and unexpected deceleration. Common symptoms include the car accelerating on its own without pressing the accelerator and the vehicle braking or losing speed suddenly without driver input. These incidents occur without warning lights or messages, except in one case where an unrelated seatbelt indicator light appeared. Complaints often describe these issues happening at highway speeds, posing significant safety risks due to the potential for loss of control. The throttle body actuator is identified as a faulty component in one instance, and issues have been noted both early in ownership and after some time, though specific mileage is not consistently reported.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the steering in the 2019 BMW 4-Series, including the steering wheel locking unexpectedly and loss of power steering. These incidents occur while driving, with one owner describing the vehicle veering into oncoming traffic. Another common symptom is the appearance of multiple warning lights related to the steering and driving assistance systems, such as DSC light and increased steering effort warnings. Safety implications are significant, as these issues can lead to loss of vehicle control, posing a risk of accidents. The reports do not specify mileage, but they emphasize the need for immediate attention to these steering issues.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 BMW 4-Series report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, specifically instances where the vehicle's braking system activates unexpectedly without any apparent obstacles present. Complaints frequently mention the car coming to an abrupt stop on surface streets and highways in clear weather conditions, with no traffic ahead or behind. These incidents occur at various speeds, including as high as 50 mph, and while no mileage range is specified, the vehicle is noted to be under warranty in one report. Safety implications are significant, as abrupt stops could potentially lead to rear-end collisions if other vehicles are present. This information is crucial for prospective buyers to consider, especially those prioritizing safety features.
When Do 2019 BMW 4-Series Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
BMW 4-Series Reliability Compared to Other Years
2019 BMW 4-Series Common Questions
10 questions from 2019 BMW 4-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 4-Series reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 BMW 4-Series?
How many recalls does the 2019 BMW 4-Series have?
Is the 2019 BMW 4-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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