BMW X4 years to avoid and best years
Newer BMW X4 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2019 has the most complaints per year, at 2 (10 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 0 (from 11 complaints), 2017 at 0 (from 3 complaints), and 2021 at 0 (from 6 complaints). The 2025 BMW X4 is too early to compare, at 2 per year so far, from 4 complaints. On the 2019 BMW X4, 2 of 10 complaints name Electrical system.
Data as of .
2018
2017
2021
2025
BMW X4 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market BMW X4. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Too early | 2 | 4 | 1 | Electrical system | 20.3 |
| 2024 | 1 | 3 | 1 | Fuel and propulsion system | 20.3 |
| 2023 → | 1 | 7 | 2 | Air bags, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance | 20.3 |
| 2022 → | 1 | 4 | 5 | Service brakes | 20.3 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 0 | 6 | 7 | Seat belts | 20 |
| 2020 → | 1 | 15 | 10 | Electrical system | 20 |
| 2019 → Most | 2 | 10 | 7 | Electrical system | 24 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 0 | 11 | 1 | Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system | 22 |
| 2017 → Fewest | 0 | 3 | 2 | Electrical system, Service brakes | 22 |
| 2016 → | 0 | 10 | 2 | Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system | 21.7 |
| 2015 → | 0 | 0 | 5 | — | 22 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Coupe SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (28i); 0W-30 (35i/M40i-era engines; verify label; ~5.3–6.9 qt with filter by engine)
- Tire size
- 245/50R18, 245/45R19 or 245/40R20 front; staggered 275/40R19 or 275/35R20 rear on some packages front / 245/50R18–245/40R20 square or 275-series staggered rear rear
Known issues for this generation
The 2015 X4 SAV with N20 power was included in the Gelis timing-chain / oil-pump drive chain class-action settlement (final approval February 2021; BMW SI B11 02 21). Eligibility depended on production range and claim deadlines that have closed. Recall 24V608000 covers certain 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i vehicles (among ~720,796 multi-model units) for a water-pump electrical connector that may short and increase fire risk; dealers inspect/replace the pump and connector and install a shield. Recall 23V797000 also names certain 2015 X4 xDrive35i vehicles (with X3/X5) for a driver air bag inflator that may explode.
- Body styles
- Coupe SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 or 0W-30 (engine-dependent; ~5.6–7.4 qt with filter)
- Tire size
- 245/50R19, 245/45R20 or 245/40R21; M packages may use 255/45R20–265/40R21 staggered front / 245/50R19–245/40R21 or staggered M packages rear
Known issues for this generation
Recall 21V096000 covers certain 2019-2021 X4 xDrive30i, M40i, and X4M vehicles (with X3, X5, X6, X7, 3 Series, 5 Series, 8 Series, and other models in the same ~13,858-unit campaign) where the rearview image may be obscured or blank when shifting to Reverse. Recall 25V636000 covers certain 2020-2022 X4 models (with 330i, 530i, X3, Z4, Supra, 4 Series, and 230i; ~199,674 units total) for a starter relay that may corrode, overheat, and short, increasing fire risk; dealers replace the starter. BMW has indicated 2025 is the final model year for the X4.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW X4 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 0 (from 11 complaints), 2017 at 0 (from 3 complaints), and 2021 at 0 (from 6 complaints).
Which BMW X4 year has the most owner complaints?
2019 has the most complaints per year, at 2 (10 complaints). On the 2019 BMW X4, 2 of 10 complaints name Electrical system.
How do BMW X4 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer BMW X4 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which BMW X4 years are too early to compare?
The 2025 BMW X4 is too early to compare, at 2 per year so far, from 4 complaints.
What engine oil does a BMW X4 use?
F26 models commonly list 0W-20 or 0W-30 by engine; G02 models likewise—capacity varies about 5.3–7.4 qt with filter depending on engine.
What tire sizes does a BMW X4 use?
OEM sizes commonly start at 245/50R18 or 245/50R19 with optional 20–21 inch packages and staggered M fitments.
What timing-chain settlement covers certain early X4 models?
The 2015 X4 SAV with N20 power was included in the Gelis timing-chain / oil-pump drive chain class-action settlement (BMW SI B11 02 21).