The most-reported M4 run is WBS4S9C56GK (2016 builds) with 3 complaints, 2.1× the typical run. Engine problems make up 28% of reports; 2016 is the worst model year at 2 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for M4 model years 2015–2026.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The BMW M4 has 32 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 30% of every M4 complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBS4S9C56GK•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| WBS3R9C52GK•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| WBS3U9C50GP•••••• | 2016 | — | 1 | |
| WBS4S9C5XGK•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| WBS4S9C55GK•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| WBS3R9C55FK•••••• | 2015 | — | — | |
| WBS3R9C53FK•••••• | 2015 | — | — | |
| WBS3R9C5XGK•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| WBS4Y9C58JA•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WBS3R9C58GK•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| WBS43AZ06NC•••••• | 2022 | — | — | |
| WBS3R9C50FF•••••• | 2015 | — | — |
Each of the other 20 M4 runs has 1 complaint or fewer. ForCar has checked 100 M4 VINs so far, most often 2016, 2015, 2025 builds; 7 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the BMW M4 the gap between build years is 1.7×: a 2016 car draws 2 complaints per run, a 2015 one 1.2.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 6 | 5 | — | |
| 2016 | 22 | 11 | — | |
| 2015 | 12 | 10 | — |
Heaviest year here is 2016 at 2 complaints per run; lightest is 2015 at 1.2.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 28% of everything BMW M4 owners report: Engine, 16 of 46 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | — | 1 | |
| Power Train | — | — | |
| Suspension | — | — | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | — | 1 | |
| Electrical System | — | 2 | |
| Unknown Or Other | — | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | — | — | |
| Steering | — | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 12 recall campaigns on the BMW M4; the 6 below cover build years 2015 to 2026. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 19V352000 | Air Bags:knee Bolster | 2019–2020 |
| 18V713000 | Power Train:driveline:driveshaft | 2016–2017 |
| 16V653000 | Structure:frame And Members | 2015–2016 |
| 15V782000 | Power Train:driveline:driveshaft | 2015–2016 |
| 25V643000 | Electrical System:wiring:power Distribution Module/ipdm | 2026 |
| 21V554000 | Seat Belts | 2021 |
How serious were they
| Outcome | BMW M4 | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 46 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 0 (0%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 3 (6.5%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 2 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 100% below the all-vehicle rate.
You know what it is. Find out what it's worth.
- Exact value for this VIN, adjusted for mileage
- The original window sticker and factory options
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The BMW M4 share of that is 46 complaints over 32 runs, 0% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a BMW M4 VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 46 NHTSA complaints from 32 M4 runs and 12 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which M4 production run has the most complaints?
WBS4S9C56GK, a 2016 build, with 3 complaints. The typical M4 run has 1.4.
Which M4 years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2016 is heaviest at 2 complaints per run and 2015 lightest at 1.2.
How many M4 complaints involve a crash?
0% of 46 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 3 involved a fire.
Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.