Owners have filed 14 complaints
about the 2019 BMW X4 with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 6 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 — 37
Against the median year of the BMW X4. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2019 BMW X4
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
321.4%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 3,660 mi
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
214.3%
Median failure at 7,600 miles
Brakes
214.3%
Median failure at 3,922 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
214.3%
Median failure at 35,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
214.3%
Median failure at 11,827 miles
Other & Unspecified
17.1%
Stability & Traction Control
17.1%
Median failure at 2,321 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
17.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
111.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
666.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
111.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
111.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2019 BMW X4 SUV AWD
—
—
—
—
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.
Aug 2018peak 3Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2019 BMW X4
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024544587,250 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Recall 202141914 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the seat trim may not be properly attached to the front passenger seat. Over time, this could cause the occupant classification system (OCS) not to work properly. If this happens, the airbag system can turn off the passenger-front airbag even when an adult is sitting in the seat. Safety Risk: In a crash where an airbag is required, an airbag that does not inflate could increase the risk of injury for an adult passenger. Corrective Action: BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to make an appointment with a dealer to replace the front passenger seat cushion (including the occupant classification system).
Recall 201948014,323 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rearview camera does not return to the default settings when it turns on. This could make the rearview image difficult to see if a driver had previously adjusted the camera display brightness at or near the lowest setting, and contrast at or near the highest setting. Canadian regulations require that the rearview display returns to the default view each time the camera is turned on. Safety Risk: Reduced rear visibility could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the rearview camera. Drivers are recommended not to adjust the display brightness at or near the lowest setting, and contrast at or near the highest setting, until this recall is completed.
Recall 20191772 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the instrument trim panel could cause the passenger-front airbag not to deploy properly in a crash. Safety Risk: A passenger-front airbag that does not work properly could cause increased injuries in a crash. Corrective Actions: BMW dealers will replace the instrument trim panel prior to vehicle sale.
Recall 20184971,313 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, a crankshaft sensor error may cause the engine to stall. This would result in a loss of motive power, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor. Note: This condition would result in the illumination of the check engine warning lamp and an “engine malfunction” message appearing in the instrument cluster. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2018-373.
Recall 2018366779 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, a problem with the rear brake system may cause gas bubbles to form in the brake fluid. This could cause a soft brake pedal feel and a reduction in brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will bleed the rear brakes.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 5,000 milesAvondale Estates, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNIGHTED AND CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CAR WAS OFF, LOCKED AND PARKED INSIDE THE GARAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11246033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lexington, NC
POWER TRAIN
2019 BMW X4 with 60,000 miles. On July 23, 2026, BMW dealership found a leaking Transfer case and quoted me $8500 to replace. Along with a defected shark Fin antenna costing $3000. Failed Water pump and 2 major coolant line. All have lawsuit against BMW of America.
NHTSA complaint #11752513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, NC
ENGINE
2019 BMW X4 with 60,000 miles. On July 23, 2026, BMW dealership found a leaking Transfer case and quoted me $8500 to replace. Along with a defected shark Fin antenna costing $3000. Failed Water pump and 2 major coolant line. All have lawsuit against BMW of America.
NHTSA complaint #11752513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesPembroke Pines, FL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X4. The contact stated while driving and making a right or a left turn, the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. Additionally, the contact stated that the message "Service Brakes" was displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #11665705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rehoboth, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
An 'Emergency call system malfunction' message starting appearing. Upon inspection by the dealer they mentioned "Faults stored for emergency battery hardware faulty, GPS antenna open circuit, TCB microphone short circuit. Checked rook aerial cover and found not to be sealing correctly and causing water damage to components. Recommend to replace roof aerial, roof aerial cover, TCB and emergency battery. TCB will also need to be programmed and old adhesive will need to be removed from roof of car."
NHTSA complaint #11629842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belvidere, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
as I was driving, the gas fuel line started spewing gas all over. The crack was higher up, behind the backseat, had to replace the fuel line. And behind the backseat was soaked with fuel oil. there was a material substance wrapped around like a cloth around the cracked area. As if the crack came from the factory and they covered it up.
NHTSA complaint #11607466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rex, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased this vehicle and during inspection, my technician noted the sunroof seal is in need of change and would lead to leaks. I am writing NHTSA for help with this issue, thinking BMW will ignore me. NHTSA offered a document on this issue SIB-54-11-19 sunroof water leak diagnosis.
NHTSA complaint #11600103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,600 milesMiddlebury, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING, COLLISION DETECTION ACTIVATES FOR NO REASON. VERY RANDOM, SOMETIMES JUST WARNING LIGHTS AND SOUNDS, AND SOMETIMES SLAMMING ON BRAKES AT SPEED OVER 40 MPH. NO CARS COMING IN OTHER DIRECTION OR ANY OBSTACLES WHATSOEVER. WEATHER CLEAR. I ALMOST GOT REAR-ENDED ONCE. DID NOT ACTIVATE WHEN FOX RAN IN FRONT OF CAR. I CAN GO WEEKS WITHOUT THIS HAPPENING AND THEN IT COMES OUT OF THE BLUE. IT'S IN THE SHOP FOR THE THIRD TIME FOR THIS COMPLAINT AND SERVICE SAYS THEY HAVE NO "ERROR CODES" AND CAN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM. BMWUSA TOLD SERVICE TO TRY TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM BY DRIVING IT OVERNIGHT. THERE'S A 50/50 CHANCE IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THEY DRIVE IT, AND THERE STILL WON'T BE ERROR CODES! BMW WON'T AUTHORIZE ANY REPAIR UNTIL THEY GO THROUGH THESE STEPS. THIS HAS BEEN ON AND OFF FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS. DATE BELOW WAS MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE. OBVIOUSLY, OBTAINING ANY DOCUMENTATION OF PROOF IS IMPOSSIBLE UNLESS I HAVE A CAMERA CREW ON ME ALL THE TIME. IT'S TERRIFYING AND DANGEROUS!
NHTSA complaint #11408402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,600 milesMiddlebury, CT
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
WHILE DRIVING, COLLISION DETECTION ACTIVATES FOR NO REASON. VERY RANDOM, SOMETIMES JUST WARNING LIGHTS AND SOUNDS, AND SOMETIMES SLAMMING ON BRAKES AT SPEED OVER 40 MPH. NO CARS COMING IN OTHER DIRECTION OR ANY OBSTACLES WHATSOEVER. WEATHER CLEAR. I ALMOST GOT REAR-ENDED ONCE. DID NOT ACTIVATE WHEN FOX RAN IN FRONT OF CAR. I CAN GO WEEKS WITHOUT THIS HAPPENING AND THEN IT COMES OUT OF THE BLUE. IT'S IN THE SHOP FOR THE THIRD TIME FOR THIS COMPLAINT AND SERVICE SAYS THEY HAVE NO "ERROR CODES" AND CAN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM. BMWUSA TOLD SERVICE TO TRY TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM BY DRIVING IT OVERNIGHT. THERE'S A 50/50 CHANCE IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THEY DRIVE IT, AND THERE STILL WON'T BE ERROR CODES! BMW WON'T AUTHORIZE ANY REPAIR UNTIL THEY GO THROUGH THESE STEPS. THIS HAS BEEN ON AND OFF FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS. DATE BELOW WAS MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE. OBVIOUSLY, OBTAINING ANY DOCUMENTATION OF PROOF IS IMPOSSIBLE UNLESS I HAVE A CAMERA CREW ON ME ALL THE TIME. IT'S TERRIFYING AND DANGEROUS!
NHTSA complaint #11408402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE DRIVING, COLLISION DETECTION ACTIVATES FOR NO REASON. VERY RANDOM, SOMETIMES JUST WARNING LIGHTS AND SOUNDS, AND SOMETIMES SLAMMING ON BRAKES AT SPEED OVER 40 MPH. NO CARS COMING IN OTHER DIRECTION OR ANY OBSTACLES WHATSOEVER. WEATHER CLEAR. I ALMOST GOT REAR-ENDED ONCE. DID NOT ACTIVATE WHEN FOX RAN IN FRONT OF CAR. I CAN GO WEEKS WITHOUT THIS HAPPENING AND THEN IT COMES OUT OF THE BLUE. IT'S IN THE SHOP FOR THE THIRD TIME FOR THIS COMPLAINT AND SERVICE SAYS THEY HAVE NO "ERROR CODES" AND CAN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM. BMWUSA TOLD SERVICE TO TRY TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM BY DRIVING IT OVERNIGHT. THERE'S A 50/50 CHANCE IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THEY DRIVE IT, AND THERE STILL WON'T BE ERROR CODES! BMW WON'T AUTHORIZE ANY REPAIR UNTIL THEY GO THROUGH THESE STEPS. THIS HAS BEEN ON AND OFF FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS. DATE BELOW WAS MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE. OBVIOUSLY, OBTAINING ANY DOCUMENTATION OF PROOF IS IMPOSSIBLE UNLESS I HAVE A CAMERA CREW ON ME ALL THE TIME. IT'S TERRIFYING AND DANGEROUS!
NHTSA complaint #11408402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,827 milesMiami, FL
ENGINE
ON MAY 03, 2019, I BOUGHT A 2019 BMW X4 M40I, AT BRAMAN MOTORCARS. THIS IS NOT MY FIRST BMW, WE HAVE 3 MORE BMWS AT HOME. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS BMW X4 VEHICLE HAS NOT PERFORMED WELL AS EXPECTED! ON MAY 27, 2020 I WAS DRIVING WHILE IT WAS RAINING WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED AND NEVER TURNED ON AGAIN, IT WAS COMPLETELY USELESS AND VERY DISSATISFYING. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED AND DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE I SENT THE CAR TO BRAMAN BMW SERVICE CENTER TO CHECK IT OUT AND REQUEST THE WARRANTY AND THEY SAID THAT THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER IT THE SOLUTION IS JUST TO PAY MORE THAN $30,000.00 IN REPAIR PLUS PARKING FEES. ALSO, MY INSURANCE CARRIER SAID MY POLICY DOES NOT COVER MECHANICAL ISSUES. ALSE SENT A LETTER ASKING FOR HELP TO BMW CEO AND THEY RESPONDED THAT THE WARRANTY DO NOT COVER " OUTSIDE INFLUENCES". SO THIS GRABAGES CAR CANT BE IN A RAIN. SO NOW I HAVE MORE THAN 1 AND HALF MONTHS WITHOUT THE CAR, ALSO CALLED BMW FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR HELP AND THE SOLUTION WAS THAT I CAN RETURN THE CAR SIGNING A VOLUNTARY REPO DAMAGING MY CREDIT HISTORY. ATTACHED TO THIS EMAIL YOU WILL FIND COPIES OF THE DENIAL OF THE WARRANTY AND THE ESTIMATE THAT BRAMAN BMW SENT ME, TO REPAIR THE CAR, WHICH BY THE WAY IS ABSURD! WAITING FOR YOU HELP, [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11338432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesAvondale Estates, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNIGHTED AND CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CAR WAS OFF, LOCKED AND PARKED INSIDE THE GARAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11246033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,321 milesBluffton, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BMW X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE FAILED AND THE WARNING VIBRATION WHEN THE CONTACT ALMOST CRASHED. THE SYSTEM WAS SUPPOSED TO VIBRATE WHEN AND IF THE CONTACT WAS ABOUT TO CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PACKAGE VIBRATION SIGNAL WAS VERY LOW AND THE CONTACT COULD NOT FEEL IT ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO KRITZ BMW SAVANNAH (7009 ABERCORN ST, SAVANNAH, GA 31406, (912) 354-7000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW VIBRATION MOTOR AND COMPUTER UPDATE WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD ESCALATE THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,321. *BF THE CAR WAS ROAD TESTED AFTER REPAIR. DEALER REPAIRMEN STATED CONTACTS VEHICLE AND OTHER X 4'S ON THE LOT PERFORMED THE SAME. CONTACT STATED THAT THE "REPAIRS" DID NOT IMPROVE VIBRATION WARNING EVEN WHEN SET ON "STRONG" A VIBRATION THAT CAN ONLY BE FELT ON A SMOOTH ROAD WHEN THE DRIVER PURPOSELY CROSSES THE LANE MARKINGS IS NOT A "WARNING" AND IS UNSAFE. THE ESSENCE OF MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM WHILE "WORKING" IS NOT PROVIDING A STRONG VIBRATION THAT SERVES AS A WARNING. THE DEALER STATES MY VIBRATION MATCHES OTHERX4S AND IS THEREFORE REPAIRED. I FEEL ALL X4S ARE NO NOT PERFORMING AS DESIGNED AND ARE THEREFORE A SAFETY HAZZARD. I PURCHASED THIS CAR WITH THIS SPECIFIC FEATURE TO ASSIST MY DRIVING SHOULD I DRIFT INTO THE ON COMING LANE WITHOUT A SUFFICIENT VIBRATION (WARNING) I FEEL THE CAR IS DANGEROUS AND SOMEDAY THERE WILL BE ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS MISS REPRESENTATION. MY LAST CAR, A 2017 MERCEDES HAD A GREAT LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM THAT REALLY WARNED WITHOUT A POSITIVE WARNING! THE DRIVER BMW HAS SOME HOW RELEASED THIS NEWLY DESIGNED MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #11221545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,321 milesBluffton, SC
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BMW X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE FAILED AND THE WARNING VIBRATION WHEN THE CONTACT ALMOST CRASHED. THE SYSTEM WAS SUPPOSED TO VIBRATE WHEN AND IF THE CONTACT WAS ABOUT TO CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PACKAGE VIBRATION SIGNAL WAS VERY LOW AND THE CONTACT COULD NOT FEEL IT ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO KRITZ BMW SAVANNAH (7009 ABERCORN ST, SAVANNAH, GA 31406, (912) 354-7000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW VIBRATION MOTOR AND COMPUTER UPDATE WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD ESCALATE THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,321. *BF THE CAR WAS ROAD TESTED AFTER REPAIR. DEALER REPAIRMEN STATED CONTACTS VEHICLE AND OTHER X 4'S ON THE LOT PERFORMED THE SAME. CONTACT STATED THAT THE "REPAIRS" DID NOT IMPROVE VIBRATION WARNING EVEN WHEN SET ON "STRONG" A VIBRATION THAT CAN ONLY BE FELT ON A SMOOTH ROAD WHEN THE DRIVER PURPOSELY CROSSES THE LANE MARKINGS IS NOT A "WARNING" AND IS UNSAFE. THE ESSENCE OF MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM WHILE "WORKING" IS NOT PROVIDING A STRONG VIBRATION THAT SERVES AS A WARNING. THE DEALER STATES MY VIBRATION MATCHES OTHERX4S AND IS THEREFORE REPAIRED. I FEEL ALL X4S ARE NO NOT PERFORMING AS DESIGNED AND ARE THEREFORE A SAFETY HAZZARD. I PURCHASED THIS CAR WITH THIS SPECIFIC FEATURE TO ASSIST MY DRIVING SHOULD I DRIFT INTO THE ON COMING LANE WITHOUT A SUFFICIENT VIBRATION (WARNING) I FEEL THE CAR IS DANGEROUS AND SOMEDAY THERE WILL BE ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS MISS REPRESENTATION. MY LAST CAR, A 2017 MERCEDES HAD A GREAT LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM THAT REALLY WARNED WITHOUT A POSITIVE WARNING! THE DRIVER BMW HAS SOME HOW RELEASED THIS NEWLY DESIGNED MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #11221545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 245 milesGardena, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I JUST GOT MY CAR 3 DAYS AGO. MILEAGE IS 275 MILES. MY REAR BRAKES DISC ALREADY HAVE CIRCLES IN IT AS IF IT IS WORN OUT BY A PIECE OF METAL GRINDING AGAINST IT. THIS HAS NEVER EVER HAPPENED ON ANY OF MY PREVIOUS BMWS. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS ONLY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE WORN OUT AND PROCRASTINATING NOT TO FIX IT. WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN TO A BRAND NEW CAR????
NHTSA complaint #11118300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.