NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The electric drive motor software may unexpectedly shut down the high-voltage system, causing the vehicle to lose driving power.
This page covers 4 recalls and 23 owner complaints for the 2024 BMW I4.
The most-reported issues on the 2024 BMW i4 cluster around the powertrain and vehicle speed control systems. On the powertrain side, owners describe drivetrain malfunction warnings, sudden complete losses of power while driving, and reduced-speed modes that left vehicles requiring a tow. A separate cluster of speed control complaints includes at least one report of unexpected acceleration that the driver could not override. Owners also describe the vehicle vibrating and drifting out of the lane at moderate speeds, though that pattern appears in fewer reports. The powertrain power-loss incidents are the most consistent thread, with multiple owners describing the vehicle going fully inoperable mid-drive on more than one separate occasion.
23
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2024 BMW i4 has 4 recalls, the most serious being three separate fire and power-loss risks tied to the high-voltage battery system, chassis structure, and drive motor software.
Two structural recalls affect the chassis. On all i4 trims, the left-side longitudinal beam may develop cracks that weaken the overall frame, and if the vehicle is in a crash, that compromised structure can allow the high-voltage battery to be damaged and catch fire. A separate structural issue involves the beam supporting the left-rear wheel arch, which may also arrive cracked from the factory, similarly reducing the vehicle's ability to protect occupants and battery components in a collision. On the battery side, certain xDrive40 and M50 models may have battery modules with incomplete weld seams inside the pack, which can cause the battery to overheat and ignite without any crash occurring. Rounding out the concerns, a software fault in the electric drive motor controller can cause the high-voltage system to shut down unexpectedly while driving, cutting all drive power and leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate or maintain speed in traffic.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric drive motor software may unexpectedly shut down the high-voltage system, causing the vehicle to lose driving power.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
BMW will update the electric drive motor software remotely or at a dealer at no cost to restore normal operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left-side longitudinal beam may crack, which compromises the structural integrity of the chassis.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the left-side longitudinal beam as necessary, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The support beam beneath the left-rear wheel area may crack, which could reduce the vehicle's structural strength in a crash.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect the left-side support beam and replace it if cracked.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high-voltage battery module may have incomplete welds, which could allow the battery to overheat.
What the fix does
Your dealer will replace the high-voltage battery module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
