Is the BMW 4-Series more reliable than the Toyota Supra?

Based on our data, the Toyota Supra is more reliable with an average score of 69/100 compared to 60/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the BMW 4-Series or the Toyota Supra?

The BMW 4-Series has more recalls (182) compared to the Toyota Supra (17). 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 Toyota Supra?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Supra has a lower complaint rate at 14.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 15.8 for the BMW 4-Series. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

BMW 4-Series vs Toyota Supra: Reliability Compared

BMW 4-Series

Good

More Reliable

Toyota Supra

Good

Choosing between the BMW 4-Series and the Toyota Supra? 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 Toyota Supra currently leads with an average score of 69/100 compared to 60/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the BMW 4-Series and Toyota Supra Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the BMW 4-Series is in its second generation (G22/G23/G26), which began in 2020. This places it in the latter part of its generation cycle, typically suggesting that initial issues have been addressed, leading to improved reliability. In contrast, the Toyota Supra, having completed its fifth-generation run (J29/DB) from 2019 to 2023, recently concluded its production. The Supra's fifth generation was relatively new, and earlier models in this cycle might have experienced typical first-year challenges. In general, later models in a generation, like the current 4-Series, often benefit from refinements and enhancements that contribute to better reliability.

Verdict

The Toyota Supra is more reliable than the BMW 4-Series, scoring 69/100 vs 60/100.

The Toyota Supra outperforms the BMW 4-Series in reliability with an average score of 69/100 compared to the 4-Series' 60/100. The Supra has a significantly lower recall history with just 17 recalls over seven years, while the 4-Series has 182 over nine years. Although both vehicles report electrical system and engine issues, the Supra has a slightly better owner complaint rate of 14.2 per 10,000 sold versus the 4-Series' 15.8. Additionally, independent repair cost estimates for the Supra are $526 annually, providing further evidence of its reliability advantage.

Key Differences

1Toyota Supra has 165 fewer total recalls
2Toyota Supra scores 9 points higher in reliability
3Toyota Supra has 1.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

0BMW 4-Series

—

3Toyota Supra

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

BMW 4-Series vs Toyota Supra: Which Is More Reliable?

BMW 4-Series vs Toyota Supra at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	BMW 4-Series	Toyota Supra
Reliability Score	60/100	69/100
Years Tracked	9	7
Total Recalls	182	17
Complaints per 10k Sold	15.8	14.2
Year Wins	0	6

What Are the Common Problems With the BMW 4-Series and Toyota Supra?

The BMW 4-Series shows a higher volume of complaints with significant concerns in the electrical system and air bags, where crash-linked issues are more prevalent. Notably, the air bags category has 12 crash-linked complaints, indicating potential safety risks. In contrast, the Toyota Supra has fewer total complaints, with the electrical system being the most reported issue but without any crash-linked incidents. The BMW 4-Series also presents more diverse problem categories, including engine and power train issues, while the Toyota Supra's concerns are less varied and less severe in terms of safety implications.

BMW 4-Series vs Toyota Supra common problem areas comparison
Component	BMW 4-Series	Toyota Supra
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	2.3Low	3.5Average
ENGINE	1.3Low	2.4Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.9Very Low	1.7Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	1.7Low	0.7Very Low
STEERING	0.2Very Low	1.7Low
AIR BAGS	1.7Low	—None
POWER TRAIN	1Very Low	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	0.5Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	0.5Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.2Very Low	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.2Very Low	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	0.2Very Low	—None
SUSPENSION	0.1Very Low	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	—None
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	0.1Very Low	—None
TIRES	0.1Very Low	—None
LANE DEPARTURE	0.1Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	0.1Very Low	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.1Very Low	—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: BMW 4-Series or Toyota Supra?

Independent repair cost data suggests that the Toyota Supra has an annual repair cost of $526, with an average of 0.3 repair visits per year. Unfortunately, specific data for the BMW 4-Series is unavailable, making a direct comparison challenging. However, industry trends typically show that German luxury vehicles like the BMW 4-Series can incur higher repair costs and frequency over time due to more complex engineering and premium parts. For cost-conscious buyers, the Toyota Supra appears to offer better value in terms of predictable expenses and lower repair frequency. Over a five-year period, the Supra's maintenance costs could total around $2,630, providing a clearer financial outlook.

How Does BMW 4-Series vs Toyota Supra Reliability Compare by Year?

BMW 4-Series vs Toyota Supra year-by-year reliability scores
Year	BMW 4-Series	Toyota Supra	Edge
2025	67/1009R / 2C	78/1000R / 0C	Toyota Supra
2024	66/10013R / 17C	73/1000R / 1C	Toyota Supra
2023	63/10026R / 43C	69/1002R / 5C	Toyota Supra
2022	66/10018R / 36C	68/1002R / 1C	Toyota Supra
2021	57/10040R / 64C	64/1005R / 19C	Toyota Supra
2020	52/10034R / 66C	63/1008R / 15C	Toyota Supra
2026(predicted)	65/100(predicted)	73/100(predicted)	Toyota Supra

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 BMW 4-Series scored 67/100 and the 2025 Toyota Supra scored 78/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the BMW 4-Series vs the Toyota Supra?

If you prioritize a more reliable driving experience with lower potential for recalls, the Toyota Supra could be your ideal choice. With a reliability score of 69/100 compared to the BMW 4-Series' 60/100, the Supra demonstrates fewer issues over time. Notably, the Supra has only 17 total recalls, a stark contrast to the BMW's 182. The Supra also offers a lower owner complaint rate per 10,000 sold (14.2) and an affordable estimated annual repair cost of $526, making it a cost-effective option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a sporty ride. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the prestige and driving dynamics that come with a BMW badge, the 4-Series might appeal to you despite its reliability concerns. However, be prepared for potential issues with the electrical system and power train, as these are among the top reported problems. This model is better suited for those who are willing to take on the maintenance challenges associated with a luxury brand and prioritize performance and brand experience over reliability metrics.

BMW 4-Series vs Toyota Supra: Common Questions

Is the BMW 4-Series more reliable than the Toyota Supra?: Based on our data, the Toyota Supra is more reliable with an average score of 69/100 compared to 60/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the BMW 4-Series or the Toyota Supra?: The BMW 4-Series has more recalls (182) compared to the Toyota Supra (17). 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 Toyota Supra?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Supra has a lower complaint rate at 14.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 15.8 for the BMW 4-Series. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More BMW 4-Series comparisons

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More Toyota Supra comparisons

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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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