Last updated: 2026-10-10

BMW 4 Series

BMW 4 Series Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 60/100

Skip the 2020 model year. Owners report coolant leaks, a fire in one idling car, and months of waiting on a starter fire-risk repair with no parts or loaners. The 2024 is the better buy, with far fewer complaints per car sold.

Verdict

Avoid
2020 52/100
Buy
2024 66/100
Model average
60/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

BMW 4 Series Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the BMW 4 Series average of 60/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202052/100Mixed3466Electrical System (17)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

52
MixedReliability score: 52 out of 100, rated Mixed

2020 BMW 4 Series

Coolant leaks lead the complaints. Dealers traced them to the heat management module, oil filter housing and hoses. Some owners lost coolant in seconds and needed a tow, and one car caught fire while idling and was totaled. Others say they waited months for parts on a starter fire-risk repair. Side-impact airbags failed to deploy in some serious crashes.

34 recalls66 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (17), Engine (10), Unknown Or Other (6), Air Bags (6), Structure (3), Visibility (2)

View full 2020reliability report →

What Are Common BMW 4 Series Problems?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

84 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

2018: Fire is the most serious risk here.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

63 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2023

2019: Sunroof glass shatters while driving with a bang owners compare to a gunshot, showering the cabin with glass and leaving some occupants cut.

AIR BAGS

63 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: A "Passenger Restraint System Malfunction" warning is the main pattern.

ENGINE

48 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2019

2018: Sudden coolant loss dominates.

POWER TRAIN

33 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2022

2019: A "Drivetrain Malfunction" warning cuts throttle response, sometimes repeatedly and at highway speed, leaving the driver without a working gas pedal.

SERVICE BRAKES

29 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2021, 2019

2023: Brake assist fades, the pedal goes stiff or sinks halfway, and the car does not stop as expected.

Best BMW 4 Series Year to Buy Instead

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2024 BMW 4 Series

The 2024 has been on the road long enough to judge, and its record is far cleaner than the 2020. It has fewer recalls, far fewer owner complaints, and a much lower complaint rate per car sold. Its main complaints are brakes and weak parking alerts, and two of the brake reports name the 760i instead.

Score: 66/100 (Good)13 recalls17 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 BMW 4 Series has 13 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All BMW 4 Series Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which BMW 4-Series years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2020. The site's analysis puts it well below the model's own average. It combines many recalls, coolant leaks, a reported engine fire, and airbag problems. The 2024 is the better year to buy.
What goes wrong with the 2020 BMW 4-Series?
Coolant loss is the main failure, traced to the heat management module, oil filter housing, and hoses. Owners also report long waits for a starter fire-risk repair, side-impact airbags that did not deploy, and a passenger airbag warning with a $2700 repair quote.
Is the 2018 BMW 4-Series a bad year?
It is not on the avoid list, but it is one of the two lowest-rated years. It has the most owner complaints of any year, led by air bags, electrical problems, and the engine. It also has six fire reports. Inspect one closely.
Is the 2025 BMW 4-Series the most reliable year?
Do not treat it that way. The 2025 rates well and has very few complaints, but newer cars have had less time to collect them. The 2024 is the safer pick because it has more time on the road behind it.
What year should I buy instead of a 2020 BMW 4-Series?
Buy a 2024. It has far fewer recalls and complaints than the 2020. The 2022 is also rated good. Check federal recall records to confirm any car you buy has had its open recall work completed.

How we score every BMW 4 Series model year

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.

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