Owners have filed 36 complaints
about the 2017 BMW 430I with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 61
Against the median year of the BMW 430I. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 29
5.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 38
22% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
633.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
738.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
211.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
15.6%
150,000+ miles
211.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2019peak 4Apr 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2017 BMW 430I
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 52,000 milesNorth Hills, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 BMW 430I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE DUE TO A SUDDEN STOP. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND "FAULT IN AIR BAG" APPEARED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND NECK AREA, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED TOTALED BY THE TOWING COMPANY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
NHTSA complaint #11288503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Conway, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Plastic oil filter housing part cracked and leaked all my anti freeze out on I 95. This incident caused me to have my car towed 3 times to various dealer and shops for repair. Total cost of this repair was approximately 2K with parts and labor + 300. for towing. No warning from BMW - this could have caused myself and others great harm out there on 95 and if I had to drive farther to find a safe place to pull over it would have destroyed my engine.
NHTSA complaint #11729155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conway, SC
ENGINE
Plastic oil filter housing part cracked and leaked all my anti freeze out on I 95. This incident caused me to have my car towed 3 times to various dealer and shops for repair. Total cost of this repair was approximately 2K with parts and labor + 300. for towing. No warning from BMW - this could have caused myself and others great harm out there on 95 and if I had to drive farther to find a safe place to pull over it would have destroyed my engine.
NHTSA complaint #11729155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesPomona, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 430I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was empty, even though it had been refilled two weeks prior. The low coolant warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #11682998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Greenwich, RI
AIR BAGS
The car is sporadically saying passenger restraint system, going on and off.
NHTSA complaint #11669322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesLewisville, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 430I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with intrusion into the heat management module coolant. The contact was informed that the HMM (Heat Management Module) needed to be replaced. An unknown hose was replaced. The contact stated that since 2022, the vehicle had experienced three coolant failures. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V465000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11664713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesSaint Louis, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 430I. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. However, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated there was an abnormal fuel burning odor entering the interior of the vehicle. The contact checked under the hood and noticed an oil leak outside the engine. The "Low Oil" warning light illuminated, even though the oil level on the instrument panel showed the level was normal. The contact added oil. However, no cause for the failure was found. The contact had placed a small cigarette butt by the engine and when the contact picked up the vehicle, the cigarette butt was still in the same place he had placed it. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V465000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11662165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLawrenceville, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 430i. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Coolant Leak, Refill Coolant" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the thermostat, oil filter housing, upper radiator hose, front engine block plug, water pump, turbo coolant line, and gasket were faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the oil filter housing and gasket were previously replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11656254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLawrenceville, GA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 430i. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Coolant Leak, Refill Coolant" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the thermostat, oil filter housing, upper radiator hose, front engine block plug, water pump, turbo coolant line, and gasket were faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the oil filter housing and gasket were previously replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11656254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
ENGINE
Catastrophic failure of plastic oil filter housing causing complete emptying of engine coolant. Failed part is available for analysis. Car was immediately immobilized, requiring a tow. This problem was confirmed and ultimately repaired by local BMW dealer. No other inspection has occurred but issue seems very prevalent based on online searches. No warning before failure occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11631959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewisville, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is a recall on the connector for the year of my vehicle and the BMW Sewell Plano dealership is trying to charge me for the service and repairs. They will not honor the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11619033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewisville, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There is a recall on the connector for the year of my vehicle and the BMW Sewell Plano dealership is trying to charge me for the service and repairs. They will not honor the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11619033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewisville, TX
ENGINE
There is a recall on the connector for the year of my vehicle and the BMW Sewell Plano dealership is trying to charge me for the service and repairs. They will not honor the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11619033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Randolph, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Electric Water Pump and connector broken. Vehicle overheating and causes a fire risk to driver and others. Problem has been confirmed by dealer as well as multiple independent service centers. Have not contacted insurance company but will do so, if advised. Only warning was low coolant light on the dashboard.
NHTSA complaint #11610053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesJamaica, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 430I. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, coolant leaks were present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the water pump and the oil filter housing gasket were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 73,000.
NHTSA complaint #11609776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesJamaica, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 430I. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, coolant leaks were present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the water pump and the oil filter housing gasket were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 73,000.
NHTSA complaint #11609776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Costa Mesa, CA
ENGINE
Consisent failure of coolant line system. First noticed warning light "low coolant" and immediate overheating in November of 2021. Had the issue repaired at mechanic in 11/2021. Then same exact issue recurred in April of 2023, starting with warning light of "low coolant." Received letter from BMW USA indicating the problem can be repaired at any authorized dealership, but that this was NOT a recall. Took my car to authorized BMW dealership and got the same problem repaired. Just had the same exact thing happen again, same warning light, and took back to same authorized dealership to check the repair and was told multiple issues with the coolant line and had to pay $1900 for the repair. I am being told by several mechanics that this a design defect/flaw in these models of 4-series BMWs from 2015-2019 years. I am being warned that this issue will likely recur in the next 6-8 months.
NHTSA complaint #11564637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,700 milesOrlando, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 430I. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, after activating the A/C unit, the contact heard an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vents, and the A/C unit failed to blow cold. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that insufficient and poorly completed body and electrical work was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the dealer declined to offer further assistance due to the poor condition of the aftermarket parts used to repair the vehicle, which the contact stated he was unaware of at the time of purchasing the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,700.
NHTSA complaint #11535127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GA
ENGINE
Oil filter housing and coolant leak from same housing. While driving, safety warning light came on and car began to overheat. Per several mechanics, this is a known issue with BMW Series 4 from redesign in car after 2017. Redesign implemented plastic housing which cracks and leaks. Same issue also listed as problem when researching on internet (hundreds of listings). Housing and seal cost $574 in parts but labor cost $2199.40 due to location of repair. My car had 55,000 miles on it and is housed in a garage.
NHTSA complaint #11534281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesUpper Darby, PA
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns a 2017 BMW 430I. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the message indicating a seat occupancy failure was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the seat belt chime reminder was audible even though there was a passenger seated in the front passenger’s seat with the seat belt properly buckled up. The contact, who is a certified mechanic, diagnosed that the front passenger’s seat occupancy mat had failed. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle and to take the vehicle to their location for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11503952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Menifee, CA
POWER TRAIN
I have a BMW 430i Gran Coupe, there was a system coolant leak and now they are saying the entire system needs to be replaced because the plastic cracked and eroded from wear and tear. I began checking and found that over 1 million BMW vehicles were recalled for coolant system problems. My car seems it wasn't covered under the recall. I found a service bulletin which stated that certain BMW repairs were necessary to replace coolant line. 2 Service Bulletins - SI B01 29 16 and SIB 17 01 21. I believe my car was covered under the recall that affected EGR module, the issue I am having now could also have been affected by this recall. I see many people online complaining of the coolant leak issue. I had to wait until I got paid to fix it. They are telling me it will cost about $5,000 to repair. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11501682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Menifee, CA
ENGINE
I have a BMW 430i Gran Coupe, there was a system coolant leak and now they are saying the entire system needs to be replaced because the plastic cracked and eroded from wear and tear. I began checking and found that over 1 million BMW vehicles were recalled for coolant system problems. My car seems it wasn't covered under the recall. I found a service bulletin which stated that certain BMW repairs were necessary to replace coolant line. 2 Service Bulletins - SI B01 29 16 and SIB 17 01 21. I believe my car was covered under the recall that affected EGR module, the issue I am having now could also have been affected by this recall. I see many people online complaining of the coolant leak issue. I had to wait until I got paid to fix it. They are telling me it will cost about $5,000 to repair. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11501682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Menifee, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have a BMW 430i Gran Coupe, there was a system coolant leak and now they are saying the entire system needs to be replaced because the plastic cracked and eroded from wear and tear. I began checking and found that over 1 million BMW vehicles were recalled for coolant system problems. My car seems it wasn't covered under the recall. I found a service bulletin which stated that certain BMW repairs were necessary to replace coolant line. 2 Service Bulletins - SI B01 29 16 and SIB 17 01 21. I believe my car was covered under the recall that affected EGR module, the issue I am having now could also have been affected by this recall. I see many people online complaining of the coolant leak issue. I had to wait until I got paid to fix it. They are telling me it will cost about $5,000 to repair. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11501682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leander, TX
ENGINE
Hi There, I recently received a recall notice for cylinder head ventilation line to be replaced in my BMW 430I 2017. Although, This part was replaced by BMW Riverside and I paid $1400 for this part BMW Riverside in March 2021. I contact BMW customer service for refund but they refused. Please assist. See attached copy of recall notice and service documents.
NHTSA complaint #11489687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
SEAT BELTS
I was the driver and I stopped at a traffic light. I leaned over toward the passenger seat and the driver’s seat belt came loose from the fixed attachment point at the driver door side of the seat. The seat belt tensioner was recently replaced at the local BMW dealer. There was no warning or other indication that the seat belt anchor point was not secure. I am taking the vehicle back to the dealer for repair on Monday, June 20. Whether this is a manufacturing, assembly or repair issue is unknown. However, there was no advance warning and the seat belt suddenly was rendered useless, which is an unacceptable safety risk in the case of an accident, regardless of whether it is a manufacturing issue or the result of a negligent repair.
NHTSA complaint #11470004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apollo Beach, FL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Tire warning system came on and found that front drivers side had no air in it, since it's a run flat tire I was able to drive slowly for just a few miles to home. After filling the tire with air I found that the sidewall was leaking excessively. No visible hole but a bulge in the outer layer causing air loss. No scuffs or any other other damage to tire or specifically sidewall. Mileage is 22,700.
NHTSA complaint #11421363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.