NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The connection between the driveshaft and flange may fail, causing loss of engine power to the wheels.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driveshaft at no cost to you.
This page covers 3 recalls, 21 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 BMW M4.
19–20 mpg combined
11.8–12.4 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Complaints for the 2016 BMW M4 cluster most visibly around the suspension and drivetrain. On the suspension side, multiple owners of the limited-edition M4 GTS trim report cracked front steering knuckles, the billet aluminum carriers that connect the wheel hub to the suspension. These cracks appear at the bolt attachment points, and several owners note the failure occurred at very low mileage, in some cases on vehicles that had barely been driven. Powertrain complaints reference concerns about prior repair history and whether earlier service campaigns had been properly completed on used examples. A smaller number of engine complaints are on file, and one isolated report describes fuel pooling beneath the vehicle after a fill-up. The cracked steering knuckle pattern is the most consistently described structural issue across this complaint set, specific to the GTS variant.
21
Total Complaints
2
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 BMW M4 has 3 recalls, all rated at the same severity level, with the most serious consequences involving driveshaft failures that can cut power to the rear wheels and leave the car unable to move.
Two of the recalls involve the driveshaft. In one, a slip-joint inside the driveshaft may not have been packed with grease during assembly, and without lubrication, the joint can seize and fail, sending the car to a sudden stop in traffic. In the other, the connection between the driveshaft and the mounting flange can fail and cause a complete loss of forward drive. The third recall stems from a prior service action: when the rear differential was serviced under an earlier campaign, technicians may have reused the original rear subframe bolts rather than replacing them. Reused bolts can work loose over time, and a loose subframe changes how the rear suspension is anchored to the body, degrading handling and making the car harder to control, particularly at speed or in corners.
At a glance
What can fail
The connection between the driveshaft and flange may fail, causing loss of engine power to the wheels.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driveshaft at no cost to you.
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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 →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During prior service, rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of replaced. Reused bolts can loosen over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driveshaft's slip-joint may lack adequate grease, causing it to fail over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the driveshaft and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.