Last updated: 2026-10-10

BMW 4 Series vs Lexus IS: Reliability Compared

BMW 4 Series reliability comparison

BMW 4 Series

60
GoodReliability score: 60 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableLexus IS reliability comparison

Lexus IS

83
ExcellentReliability score: 83 out of 100, rated Excellent

Choosing between the BMW 4 Series and the Lexus IS? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize coupes.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Lexus IS currently leads with an average score of 83/100 compared to 60/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

Verdict

The Lexus IS is more reliable than the BMW 4 Series, scoring 83/100 vs 60/100.

Key Differences

  1. 1Lexus IS has 176 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Lexus IS scores 23 points higher in reliability
  3. 3Lexus IS has 15.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

0BMW 4 Series
—
3Lexus IS
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

BMW 4 Series vs Lexus IS: Which Is More Reliable?

BMW 4 Series vs Lexus IS at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricBMW 4 SeriesLexus IS
Reliability Score60/10083/100
Years Tracked99
Total Recalls1826
Complaints per 10k Sold15.80.7
Year Wins09

What Are the Common Problems With the BMW 4 Series and Lexus IS?

BMW 4 Series vs Lexus IS common problem areas comparison
ComponentBMW 4 SeriesLexus IS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2.3Low—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1.7Low—None
AIR BAGS1.7Low—None
ENGINE1.3Low—None
POWER TRAIN0.9Very Low—None
SERVICE BRAKES0.8Very Low—None
SEAT BELTS0.5Very Low—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.4Very Low—None
STRUCTURE0.3Very Low—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.2Very Low—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION0.2Very Low—None
STEERING0.2Very Low—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING0.2Very Low—None
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)0.1Very Low—None
SUSPENSION0.1Very Low—None
SEATS0.1Very Low—None
TIRES0.1Very Low—None
LANE DEPARTURE0.1Very Low—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.1Very Low—None
VISIBILITY0.1Very Low—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

How Does BMW 4 Series vs Lexus IS Reliability Compare by Year?

BMW 4 Series vs Lexus IS year-by-year reliability scores
YearBMW 4 SeriesLexus ISEdge
202664/1004R / 0C87/1000R / 0CLexus IS
202567/1009R / 2C83/1000R / 1CLexus IS
202466/10013R / 17C83/1000R / 3CLexus IS
202363/10026R / 43C83/1000R / 9CLexus IS
202266/10018R / 36C83/1000R / 13CLexus IS
202157/10040R / 64C83/1000R / 1CLexus IS
202052/10034R / 66C83/1000R / 3CLexus IS
201955/10017R / 90C79/1004R / 8CLexus IS
201854/10021R / 261C81/1002R / 6CLexus IS

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 BMW 4 Series scored 66/100 and the 2024 Lexus IS scored 83/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.

BMW 4 Series vs Lexus IS: Common Questions

Is the BMW 4 Series more reliable than the Lexus IS?
Based on our data, the Lexus IS is more reliable with an average score of 83/100 compared to 60/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the BMW 4 Series or the Lexus IS?
The BMW 4 Series has more recalls (182) compared to the Lexus IS (6). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the BMW 4 Series or the Lexus IS?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus IS has a lower complaint rate at 0.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 15.8 for the BMW 4 Series. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Related Reliability Comparisons

Decided between BMW 4 Series and Lexus IS? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the BMW 4 Series and Lexus IS

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

See incorrect data? Report an issue