Last updated: 2026-10-10
2023 BMW i4 Reliability Report
The 2023 BMW I4 rates good for reliability, but owners report a drivetrain malfunction warning that shuts the car down, sometimes within weeks.
Recalls
7
Complaints
40
Complaint Rate
8per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
EV Range
227–301 mi
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Rates good and sits mid-pack among I4 years, but draws the most owner complaints of the three, led by sudden drivetrain shutdowns.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10)
- POWER TRAIN (8)
- STEERING (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (G26).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 5th generation i4 (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2022: Fifth generation (G26) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (G26).
2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2023 BMW i4?
Reliability is good, and close to average among 2023 sedans. It sits in the middle of the three scored I4 years. It also has the most owner complaints of the three, 40 against 9 for 2022 and 22 for 2024. The 2024 model rates better.
The problem that matters is a "drivetrain malfunction" warning that shuts the car down. Some cars slow suddenly at highway speed. Others will not start in the garage. Many then refuse to shift into gear or neutral and need a tow. Early failures were reported at 200 to 1,469 miles, and repairs often wait weeks for parts. A few owners also describe steering assist and drive power cutting out together, and three report brake pedals that did not slow the car, two ending in crashes. Federal records list 7 recalls, most in the electrical system.
Ask the seller for proof that every recall was completed, plus any repair history for drivetrain shutdowns or high-voltage battery warnings. A 2024 car with that paperwork in order is worth comparing.
Compared to the 2024 BMW i4, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2022 BMW i4 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 40 complaints reported
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: "drivetrain malfunction" warning shuts the car down in most of these reports (10 complaints)
- −POWER TRAIN: Propulsion cuts out suddenly (8 complaints)
- −1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2023 BMW i4 With
2023 Tesla Model 3
Reliability: 57/100
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE
Reliability: 56/100
2023 Audi e-tron GT
Reliability: 65/100
2023 Audi A5
Reliability: 81/100
2023 Tesla Model S
Reliability: 32/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 7 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8)
Recall Overview
7
recalls on record
The 2023 BMW i4 has 7 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
8
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 14.4
Safety Incidents
7
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 BMW i4 Recall Details
7 recalls have been issued for the 2023 BMW i4. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2025 i4, 2022-2024 IX, 2023-2024 I7, and 2024 I5 vehicles. The electric drive motor software may shut down the high-voltage system, causing a loss of drive power.
Consequence
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The electric drive motor software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 5, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2025 IX, 2023-2024 I7, and 2022-2023 i4 vehicles. The high-voltage battery cell modules may not have been assembled properly, resulting in stress on the module frame and possible module failure.
Consequence
Battery module failure may lead to a shutdown of the high-voltage system which can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, module failure increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace specific high-voltage battery cell modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed September 11, 2025. Another notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated December 31, 2025Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive50, iX M60, i4 eDrive40, i4 M50, and 2023 i760 xDrive hybrid electric vehicles. The high voltage battery combined charging unit (CCU) may not have been manufactured correctly, resulting in improperly connected and/or assembled components inside the CCU.
Consequence
An improperly connected or assembled CCU can interrupt electrical power while driving and result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the high voltage battery combined charging unit (CCU), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Buying a used 2023 BMW i4? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 BMW i4, and 7 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2023 BMW i4 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
BMW i4Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2023 BMW i4 Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tire Pressure Monitor Lamp Diagnosis | $198 – $291 |
| General Diagnosis | $153 – $224 |
| Noise Diagnosis | $198 – $291 |
| Vibration Diagnosis | $198 – $291 |
| No Start Diagnosis | $198 – $291 |
| Pre-Purchase Car Inspection | $275 – $403 |
| Engine Oil Light Diagnosis | $198 – $291 |
| Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing | $198 – $291 |
| AC Diagnosis | $153 – $224 |
| Air Conditioning System Leak Inspection | $153 – $224 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Electric
227–301 mi range
Fuel cost: $650–$950/yr
Fuel only
29.832–42.31 kWh/100mi · 8–10 hrs @ 240V
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2023 EPA label cycle.
Electric trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | Range | kWh/100mi | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i4 eDrive35 Gran Coupe (18 inch Wheels) | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 256 mi | 29.8 | $650 |
| i4 eDrive35 Gran Coupe (19 inch Wheels) | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 235 mi | 32.2 | $700 |
| i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe (18 inch wheels) | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 301 mi | 33.9 | $750 |
| i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe (19 inch Wheels) | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 282 mi | 33.9 | $750 |
| i4 M50 Gran Coupe (19 inch wheels) | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 271 mi | 35.2 | $800 |
| i4 M50 Gran Coupe (20 inch wheels) | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 227 mi | 42.3 | $950 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 BMW i4.
Ask for service records showing drivetrain malfunction or high-voltage battery warnings, tows, or drive unit and battery replacements.
Have a BMW dealer run the VIN for open recalls and confirm all software updates are installed.
Inspect the rear tires' inner tread edges for uneven wear and ask for alignment records.
Pair wireless CarPlay on a test drive and confirm the map position matches where you are.
Open and close the charge port door several times, then complete a DC fast-charging session.
Check the sunroof glass for chips or cracks and ask whether it has ever been replaced.
Ask for any coolant changeover valve or battery cooling leak repairs in the service history.
Test brake response and creep at parking-lot speeds, including stops in B mode.
2023 BMW i4 Common Problems by Component
40 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10 complaintsSafety-relatedA "drivetrain malfunction" warning shuts the car down in most of these reports. Some cars slow suddenly at highway speed. Others refuse to start in the garage. Many will not restart or roll, even in neutral, and need a tow. Several failures come within the first weeks of ownership, one at 200 miles. Dealers cite software updates, drive unit, rear axle and battery swaps, or a cell monitoring module. Cars often wait weeks for parts. One car caught fire while parked hours after a long drive. A locked charge flap and a failed level 3 charger connection also appear.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaintsWireless CarPlay shows the wrong location. The car feeds bad GPS data to the phone, so the map jumps miles off course and navigation keeps rerouting. One report warns that 911 and SOS calls can send the wrong location. Two owners report the sunroof glass shattering with a loud bang at speed, with no object striking it. A leaking coolant changeover valve in the battery cooling system left one car undrivable for about 30 days. Another report describes the car lurching forward after stopping in B mode.
POWER TRAIN
8 complaintsPropulsion cuts out suddenly. A "drivetrain malfunction" message appears, and the car can stop dead in traffic. Afterward it often will not shift into gear or neutral, so it needs a tow. High-voltage battery warnings often come with it, and one report describes the charge reading dropping to 0%. Failures repeat even after software fixes. Reported mileages run from 1,469 to 42,000. Repairs drag on for weeks while dealers wait on parts or engineers. Smaller patterns include the car creeping at stops and a drink spilled near the shifter that disabled the car.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsSafety-relatedDrive power and steering assist cut out together. A drivetrain warning appears, then a steering or "increased steering effort" alert. Within seconds the car loses power, shifts itself into park, and stops wherever it is. It will not shift back into drive or neutral, so it needs a tow. One case came at 16,000 miles. A separate crash that injured 3 people involved sudden acceleration, with brakes and steering failing at the same time. No warning lights came on before that crash.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsSafety-relatedPressing the brake pedal does not slow the car. Reports describe this both while pulling into a garage and in city traffic at 15 to 25 mph. No warning lamp appears beforehand. Two of the three reports end in crashes. One was a chain collision with airbag deployment, and another car rolled into a garage wall. One owner reports a second failure after BMW found no defect the first time. Another failure came two weeks after purchase, and that car then sat at the dealer for over a week.
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsSafety-relatedRear tires wear quickly along the inner edge while the center and outer tread look healthy. In one report the wear reaches the steel cords and a tire blows out while driving. The pattern returns after a dealer alignment and new tires, with failures at 21,493 and 35,200 miles. A separate crash report describes the car swaying hard from side to side after a front tire puncture and hitting a parked car.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsSafety-relatedThe car speeds up on its own at low speed while turning into a parking space. Both reports end in crashes, one into two parked vehicles and the other into a post and a wall. Neither owner saw a warning light or any earlier symptom. No injuries are reported. One event happened at 2,098 miles, and in both cases the cause had not yet been determined when the complaint was filed.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintWhile merging onto an interstate at speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power and came to a complete stop in an active traffic lane. Approximately six weeks earlier, abnormal drivetrain behavior (hesitation and torque interruption) was reported to the dealer. The dealer attributed the issue to tires and recommended tire replacement. No drivetrain diagnostics were performed. Immediately following the incident, a drivetrain malfunction warning occurred. BMW remotely restricted vehicle operation to allow limited driving back to my residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer. BMW subsequently confirmed catastrophic electric motor failure requiring full motor replacement. The incident created an immediate risk of collision with surrounding traffic and represents a serious safety defect involving unexpected deceleration and loss of propulsion.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedDriving at night on [XXX] car in front of me swerved leaving a big deer in front of me on a car on my left, the BMW did not warn me, adjust speed, cinch restraints, or brake, There was no collision warning or advanced readiness at all! I hit the deer at 75 approx, went airborne and totaled my car. BMW wanted to see the vehicle and take data from it since even the cameras didn’t record, no safety features on this advanced vehicle functioned at 12,086 miles, this was an I4 M50 loaded, totaled the car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintI believe the tire size is 245 R40 19. The tires interior seams on both rear tires are coming apart. Car has just passed 21K miles, and is driven very carefully. No pothole damage either.
When Do 2023 BMW i4 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst BMW i4 Years
Best BMW i4 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024
2023
(Current Model)
2022
BMW i4 Years to Avoid
No BMW i4 years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 72 and 78 across 3 scored model years.
BMW i4 Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 78/100 | Good |
BMW i4 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 BMW I4 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 BMW I4?
Does the 2023 BMW I4 have drivetrain malfunction problems?
Does the 2023 BMW I4 have brake problems?
Is the 2023 BMW I4 better than the 2024 or 2022 model?
Don’t buy a 2023 BMW i4 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2023 BMW i4
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 BMW i4 does best on how many systems draw complaints (86/100) and worst on recall impact (63/100). 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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the BMW i4.
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