The BMW i4 spans 2022–2026 with 22 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2022, 2026, 2025 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2023, 2024, 2025. It delivers up to 120 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The BMW i4 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2022 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a BMW i4 VIN — every digit explained
Every BMW i4 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a BMW and the country it was built in (real BMW codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this i4.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- Germany3MF · 3MW · 5UM · WAP · WB1 · WB3
- USA4US · 5UX · 5YM
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your i4, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the BMW i4 have?
The BMW i4 has 22 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2022–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2024 BMW i4 recalls 3
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Motor:controller:software
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2025 i4, 2022-2024 IX, 2023-2024 I7, and 2024 I5 vehicles. The electric drive motor software may shut down the high-voltage system, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix. The electric drive motor software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 5, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Structure:frame And Members
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 i4 eDrive40, xDrive40, and M50 vehicles. The left-side longitudinal beam may crack, compromising the structural integrity of the chassis.
Risk. Reduced structural integrity may result in damage to the high voltage battery during a crash, increasing the risk of fire.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the left-side longitudinal beam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 i4 xDrive40, i4 M50 and i5 eDrive40 vehicles. The high-voltage battery module may contain insufficient weld seams, which can result in the battery overheating.
Risk. An overheated battery module increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the high-voltage battery module, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2023 BMW i4 recalls 7
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2025 IX, 2023-2024 I7, and 2022-2023 i4 vehicles. The high-voltage battery cell modules may not have been assembled properly, resulting in stress on the module frame and possible module failure.
Risk. Battery module failure may lead to a shutdown of the high-voltage system which can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, module failure increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace specific high-voltage battery cell modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed September 11, 2025. Another notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated December 31, 2025Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Motor:controller:software
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2025 i4, 2022-2024 IX, 2023-2024 I7, and 2024 I5 vehicles. The electric drive motor software may shut down the high-voltage system, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix. The electric drive motor software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 5, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System:propulsion System:hybrid Management
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive50, iX M60, i4 eDrive40, i4 M50, and 2023 i760 xDrive hybrid electric vehicles. The high voltage battery combined charging unit (CCU) may not have been manufactured correctly, resulting in improperly connected and/or assembled components inside the CCU.
Risk. An improperly connected or assembled CCU can interrupt electrical power while driving and result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery combined charging unit (CCU), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 iX xDrive50 and 2023 i4 eDrive35, i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 Hybrid Electric vehicles. The high voltage battery cell monitoring circuit may have improperly secured electrical connections which can result in an engine stall.
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery cell monitoring circuit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System:body Control Module:software
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, 330e, 330e xDrive, 430i Convertible, 430i xDrive, M440i, 2022-2023 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive, i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles. During a service visit, a replacement electronic control unit (ECU) may have been installed with incorrect programming, which can cause the automatic door locking (ADL) function to not lock the doors as intended.
Risk. Doors that do not lock as intended while the vehicle is in motion may open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention:warnings:external/pedestrian Alert
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 i4 eDrive40 and iX xDrive50 electric vehicles. During vehicle start-up, the artificial sound generator control unit may experience a fault and fail to generate the external pedestrian warning sound. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk. Without external warning sounds, pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will update the external artificial sound generator software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 9, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery Thermal:management:software
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive40, iX xDrive50, iX M60, i4 eDrive35, i4 eDrive40, i4 M50, and 2023 i7 xDrive60 vehicles. The high voltage battery electronic control unit (ECU) software may cause an interruption of electrical power.
Risk. An interruption of electrical power may result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will update the high voltage battery ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 10, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2022 BMW i4 recalls 8
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2025 IX, 2023-2024 I7, and 2022-2023 i4 vehicles. The high-voltage battery cell modules may not have been assembled properly, resulting in stress on the module frame and possible module failure.
Risk. Battery module failure may lead to a shutdown of the high-voltage system which can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, module failure increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace specific high-voltage battery cell modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed September 11, 2025. Another notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated December 31, 2025Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Motor:controller:software
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2025 i4, 2022-2024 IX, 2023-2024 I7, and 2024 I5 vehicles. The electric drive motor software may shut down the high-voltage system, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix. The electric drive motor software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 5, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System:propulsion System:hybrid Management
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive50, iX M60, i4 eDrive40, i4 M50, and 2023 i760 xDrive hybrid electric vehicles. The high voltage battery combined charging unit (CCU) may not have been manufactured correctly, resulting in improperly connected and/or assembled components inside the CCU.
Risk. An improperly connected or assembled CCU can interrupt electrical power while driving and result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery combined charging unit (CCU), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System:body Control Module:software
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, 330e, 330e xDrive, 430i Convertible, 430i xDrive, M440i, 2022-2023 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive, i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles. During a service visit, a replacement electronic control unit (ECU) may have been installed with incorrect programming, which can cause the automatic door locking (ADL) function to not lock the doors as intended.
Risk. Doors that do not lock as intended while the vehicle is in motion may open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention:warnings:external/pedestrian Alert
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 i4 eDrive40 and iX xDrive50 electric vehicles. During vehicle start-up, the artificial sound generator control unit may experience a fault and fail to generate the external pedestrian warning sound. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk. Without external warning sounds, pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will update the external artificial sound generator software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 9, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery Thermal:management:software
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive40, iX xDrive50, iX M60, i4 eDrive35, i4 eDrive40, i4 M50, and 2023 i7 xDrive60 vehicles. The high voltage battery electronic control unit (ECU) software may cause an interruption of electrical power.
Risk. An interruption of electrical power may result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will update the high voltage battery ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 10, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive50, iX M60, 2022 i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles. The high voltage battery may have internal damage, resulting in an electrical short-circuit.
Risk. A short-circuit in a high voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. Owners are advised not to drive or charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 23, 2022. A second letter will be mailed when remedy parts become available. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Owners will also be contacted by phone.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive40, iX xDrive50, iX M60, 2022 i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles equipped with hybrid electric powertrains. While in Valet Parking Mode, the Central Information Display (CID) may not display critical safety information, such as warning messages and/or warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk. A display that does not show critical information, such as warning messages and/or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will update the display's head unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Best and worst years for the BMW i4
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 5 tracked years, the worst years are 2022, 2026, 2025 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2023, 2024, 2025.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 i4 | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2023 i4 | — | Best | |
| 2024 i4 | — | Best | |
| 2025 i4 | — | Avoid | |
| 2026 i4 | — | Avoid |
What are the most common BMW i4 problems?
The most-reported BMW i4 problems are Tires (2 reports), Engine (1 reports) and Air Bags (1 reports) — out of 9 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
BMW i4 specifications & dimensions
The 2022–2023 BMW i4 measures 188″ long on a 113″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 4,685 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the BMW i4 window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–2023 | 188″ | 73″ | 57″ | 113″ | 4,685 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
BMW i4 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the i4 holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 90 cu ft of passenger volume and 10 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
BMW i4 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the BMW i4 get?
The BMW i4 returns up to 120 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $650/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2026 BMW i4 gets 118 MPGe and costs about $650/yr to fuel — that's about $7,750 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 i4 | 121 | 115 | $650 | — | — | Electric | |
| 2025 i4 | 117 | 114 | $650 | — | 10/10 | Electric | |
| 2024 i4 | 122 | 119 | $650 | — | 10/10 | Electric | |
| 2023 i4 | 115 | 111 | $650 | — | 10/10 | Electric | |
| 2022 i4 | 109 | 108 | $700 | — | 10/10 | Electric |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the i4 stacks up against the most fuel-efficient electric cars, or calculate this i4's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the BMW i4 have? Power & range
The BMW i4 is offered with 1 powertrain — Electric. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Electric motor | Single-speed | RWD | Electricity |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a BMW i4 cost to own?
A used BMW i4 sells for a median of about $43,998 for a 2024 — most listed between $24,995 and $51,500, from 19 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 i4 | $24,995–$51,500 | 4 | |
| 2023 i4 | $29,499–$45,313 | 15 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a i4 is worth today, or browse used-market prices for electric cars.
A BMW i4 tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this i4 loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $3,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the i4 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a BMW i4 to insure?
A BMW i4 costs about $1,795 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 25% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (125, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the i4's HLDI loss index. See BMW insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the BMW i4 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the i4 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a BMW i4 last?
A well-maintained BMW i4 typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your BMW i4’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this i4’s VIN free →All BMW i4 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the BMW i4 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 i4 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2025 i4 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2024 i4 | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2023 i4 | 7 recalls | — | |
| 2022 i4 | 8 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the i4?
By owner-complaint volume, 2022, 2026, 2025 drew the most reports. 2023, 2024, 2025 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the i4 have?
22 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2022–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all BMW recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the i4 get?
Up to 120 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a i4 last?
A well-maintained i4 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the i4 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the i4 is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the BMW i4 warranty?
New BMW models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a BMW dealer.
Where is the BMW i4 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your i4's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; BMW may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the i4 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.