VehicleVerdict

2016 BMW M4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 32 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 16.0 times the median M4 year — the 2016 model ranks #1 of 11 M4 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (28% of the total).

32

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other M4 years?

M4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted32 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 17 complaints2016: 32 complaints2017: 2 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 2 complaints2024: 1 complaints2026: 0 complaints
M4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 BMW M4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine928%
Transmission825%
Suspension516%
Fuel System413%
Seats26%
Other13%
Electrical System13%
Brakes13%
Steering13%

Does the 2016 BMW M4 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V713000TransmissionOctober 11, 2018 · 2,661 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.

Consequence

A loss of vehicle propulsion can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify vehicle owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

16V653000Body & StructureSeptember 9, 2016 · 196 units

Defect

BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being replaced. Reuse of the existing bolts may cause the bolts to loosen.

Consequence

Loose rear sub-frame bolts may adversely affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 3, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

15V782000TransmissionNovember 23, 2015 · 42 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and 2015-2016 M4 Convertible vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that may not have been filled with grease. As a result, the slip-joint may fail over time.

Consequence

If the slip-joint fails, there would be a loss of power to the rear axle and therefore the vehicle would stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driveshaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 14, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“SPONTANEOUS CAR FIRE - JULY 16, 2018; 10:30PM - 2016 BMW M4 CONVERTIBLE THE CAR HAD ABOUT 22K MILES AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE AND WAS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER'S CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED WARRANTY. IT HAD LAST BEEN SERVICED SIX MONTHS AGO AT 18,806 MILES FOR A REGULARLY SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE. THERE HAD NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 16, 2018 · fire

“DIAGNOSED WITH COOLING SYSTEM ISSUE, 2ND COOLING SYSTEM DRY/LOW OR LEAKING, TRANSMISSION ISSUE, CODE 537, POWER TRAIN ISSUE, CAR IS QUICK SHIFTING AND SKIPPING FROM 5TH TO 7TH GEAR WITH A BUZZING SOUND, AND WITHOUT A DROP IN POWER. THE CAR ONLY HAS 48,000 MILES. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR 5 MONTHS AGO FROM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 4, 2020

“The car only has 500 miles. It is a show car not taken out of the garage. Went to change oil and inspection sticker. Found to have a bad front knuckle. It is cracked. Many forums on this. This car is limited and has very low miles by owners. This should not be occurring”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 13, 2022

“SPONTANEOUS CAR FIRE - JULY 16, 2018; 10:30PM - 2016 BMW M4 CONVERTIBLE THE CAR HAD ABOUT 22K MILES AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE AND WAS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER'S CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED WARRANTY. IT HAD LAST BEEN SERVICED SIX MONTHS AGO AT 18,806 MILES FOR A REGULARLY SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE. THERE HAD NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 16, 2018 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW M4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE PASSENGER SEAT BEGAN TO EMIT SMOKE AFTER THE PASSENGER TURNED ON THE SEAT HEATER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED AT ERHARD BMW OF FARMINGTON HILLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · May 31, 2017 · fire

2016 BMW M4 — common questions

Is the 2016 BMW M4 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 32 complaints put the 2016 model at #1 of 11 M4 years. It is one of the M4 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 M4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), transmission (8 complaints), suspension (5 complaints).

Does the 2016 BMW M4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 BMW M4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW M4 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the M4 years to avoid are 2016. The cleanest record among M4 years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.