2019 BMW 4 Series: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, transmission, and airbags. The 10 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

2019

Owner complaints: 90
Recalls: 12; 1 urgent
Crashes reported: 10; 13 injuries
Reliability: Mixed; 55/100 on Auto Reliability Index

One recall on this model year told owners to park outside until the repair was done.

Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing it was completed for this VIN.

Which 4 Series is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2019 BMW 4 Series. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

Version	Drive	EPA rating
2.0L 4-cyl	AWD, RWD	27 mpg
3.0L 6-cyl	RWD	20 mpg

The 2019 BMW 4 Series was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A 4 Series that averages well under the EPA 20 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Check the odometer against these mileages

Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.

Coolant leaks and overheating
35,000–40,000 miles

0 mi25k50k

Why these checks: what owners reported

NHTSA complaints for the 2019 BMW 4 Series, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.

Electrical123 crashes
Parked cars catch fire, and the most serious reports also describe sudden acceleration while parked and idling, ending in crashes with injuries. Several filings are about waiting on a recall repair whose part is not yet available. Other failures include an SOS emergency call fault that also knocks out navigation, the clock, and fuel displays, and an instrument panel that goes black at highway speed, taking the speedometer with it. Dealers sometimes find nothing wrong. A report of the engine staying on after the fob was removed involves carbon monoxide filling a closed garage.
Transmission12No crashes
A "Drivetrain Malfunction" warning cuts throttle response, sometimes repeatedly and at highway speed, leaving the driver without a working gas pedal. Owners also describe a coolant leak from the heat management module and an oil leak from the oil filter housing around 40,000 miles, and a crankshaft vibration damper failing with a loud pop. Starter bolts backing out can crack the transmission case. Other reports include the car lunging forward after a stop, rolling while parked, shudder under acceleration, and rodent-chewed wiring. Dealers often cannot reproduce the lunging and shifting complaints.
Airbags114 crashes
A "Passenger restraint system malfunction" or "Air Bag Off" warning is the dominant complaint, sometimes traced to the seat occupancy sensor. Dealers say the air bags may not deploy while the warning is on. Repairs have included a new seat and mat, a knee air bag wiring harness, or the air bag control unit, and owners say dealers often refuse to cover the work under warranty. Crash reports describe air bags failing to deploy, frontal bags staying off when side bags fired, and facial cuts from a deploying bag.
Engine9No crashes
Coolant leaks lead to overheating, low-coolant warnings, and in some cases limited speed or a stall in traffic. Reported sources include leaking water pump seals, plastic hoses and fittings, a coolant vent line, and a cracked oil filter housing that later triggers low oil warnings. One plastic-part failure came at 35,000 miles. A failed pressure control valve causes a loud high-pitched noise and white exhaust smoke, with stalling and jerking afterward. One car caught fire under the hood at 15 mph with only 4,500 miles, cause undetermined. Excessive oil consumption also appears.
Brakes53 crashes
The brakes fail to stop the car, and three of these reports end in crashes. Emergency brake assist sometimes takes no action before a low-speed collision. Elsewhere it slams on without cause, sometimes after a loud screeching alarm, then fails to react when the car approaches obstacles. One brake failure came with an Electronic Stability Control malfunction message and an abnormal noise. Another describes the engine racing to full RPM while the brakes were fully applied. Dealers have not pinned down a cause in these cases.
Exterior lights5No crashes
Condensation and pooled water build up inside the headlights after rain or in cold weather, dimming the light and throwing the beam off angle. Owners say dealers call it a known issue but decline warranty coverage, and one replacement quote reached 4.5K. A second problem is the daytime running light module overheating and melting the light tube. The tube is sold only as part of the full assembly, quoted at $4000-6000 per side, and the failure can fail a state inspection.
Steering3No crashes
Power steering assist cuts out at startup, triggering DSC and steering lights, an increased steering effort warning, and a cascade of disabled driver aids. Other reports describe the steering wheel locking and the car veering toward oncoming traffic, even after a dealer visit. There is also a report of the car dying on a busy road, which the owner tied to a service action they were never notified about. The locking and stalling reports both carry a real loss-of-control risk in traffic.
Acceleration and cruise control3No crashes
At highway speed the car slows sharply on its own, dropping from 60-65 to 35-40 mph in one case, and the accelerator stops responding. Drivers describe coasting through traffic with nowhere to pull over and no warning light. A separate report describes the screen blacking out at startup and the car then accelerating without pedal input, more than once. Dealer tests have not found the cause, so these remain intermittent, unresolved loss-of-control events.

In owners' own words

Excerpts from complaints 4 Series owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.

Transmission

Vehicle shudders under acceleration no warning lights or errors . Changed transfer case oil and same problem continues. No recall from manufacturer for issu

Filed with NHTSA, February 2026

AirbagsCrash reported

My fiancé was driving my vehicle and hit a tree. The air bag deployed and she has shrapnel cuts on her face. The surgeon stated that she should not have had that injury on the face like she did.

Filed with NHTSA, March 2024

Airbags

Vehicle is relatively new and kept in great shape. No damage nothing, one day the sensor for passenger airbag malfunction appears indicating that passenger airbag will not deploy in event of a crash. Dealership says it’s not covered under warranty and have to pay to replace out of pocket costing multiple thousands of dollars. Error seems manufacturer defect.

Filed with NHTSA, June 2025

How the 2019 compares with other 4 Series years

Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.

The 2019 ranks second for owner complaints among 8 4 Series years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.

2019 Average of other years

Electrical1210
Transmission123
Airbags117
Engine98
Brakes53
Exterior lights50

Where the 2019 fits in the 4 Series's history

Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.

The 2019 is the sixth model year of the 4 Series's first generation (2014–2020).

Recalls to confirm (12)

Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

25V636000ElectricalPark outsideSep 2025
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.
Risk: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
23V584000Seat beltsAug 2023
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.".
Risk: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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.
23V211000SeatsMar 2023
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.
Risk: An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
21V096000Backup cameraFeb 2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
20V355000SteeringJun 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.
Risk: A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
19V912000Seat beltsDec 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles. The outboard rear seat belt pretensioners may not lock as intended during a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat belt pretensioners fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear seat belts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer at 1-800-525-7417.
19V732000EngineOct 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 330i, 330i xDrive, and 2019 Z4 vehicles. The needle roller bearings of the counterbalance shafts may have been improperly installed, potentially causing the counterbalance shaft to loosen.
Risk: If the counterbalance shaft loosens, severe engine damage could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
19V684000Backup cameraSep 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors.".
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
19V352000AirbagsMay 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2 Competition Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, and 2019 330i xDrive Sportswagon vehicles. The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and assembled.
Risk: An improperly folded and assembled air bag may not deploy as intended, increasing risk of injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the knee air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
18V652000EquipmentSep 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
Risk: An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
18V533000AirbagsAug 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one each of 2019 BMW 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe and 430i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been incorrectly manufactured, potentially affecting the air bag deployment performance in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the front passenger air bag does not deploy properly in the event of a crash, the occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: All affected vehicles are still in dealer inventory. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge.
18V465000EngineJul 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.