Problem Lookup › BMW › i4 › 2023
Car problem report
2023 BMW i4 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2023 BMW i4 has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 46owner complaints
- 8crash reports
- 1fire report
- 3injuries reported
The most complained-about BMW i4 year on file: 46 complaints, against an average of 16 for the other 3 model years.
Every BMW i4 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2023 BMW i4?
The components named most often in the 46 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2023 BMW i4 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 46 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2023 BMW i4 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2023 BMW i4 as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2023 BMW i4 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAReplacing the Cell Module of the High-Voltage Battery
Risk: On affected vehicles the battery module frame may have been manufactured using too much force. In conjunction with swelling force of the battery this could lead to failure and a possible thermal event within the vehicles life time.
Fix: On affected vehicles the modules will be replaced.
UK DVSAReplace cell module in high-voltage battery
Risk: On affected vehicles if faulty cell modules have been installed then a malfunction may occur in the high voltage battery
Fix: On the affected vehicles the faulty cell modules in the High Voltage battery will be replaced
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles due to a supplier component production process error a damaged Combined Charging Unit may have been installed.
Risk: On affected vehicles due to a supplier component production process error a damaged Combined Charging Unit may have been installed.
Fix: Replace the Combined Charging Unit.
UK DVSAA cable bridge connection connecting two circuit boards within the cell supervision circuit (CSC) might not have been installed properly.
Risk: A cable bridge connection connecting two circuit boards within the cell supervision circuit (CSC) might not have been installed properly.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the cell supervision circuit (CSC) inside the high-voltage battery will be replaced.
UK DVSADuring the supplier s production process of the battery cells a manufacturing defect occurred.During the supplier s production process of the battery cells a manufacturing defect occurred. During assembly of the cell the cathode plate may have been damaged and a broken piece may have entered the interior of the cell.
Risk: During assembly of the HV Battery cell the cathode plate may have been damaged and a broken piece may have entered the interior of the cell. BMW strongly recommends refraining from charging the high-voltage battery and to not use the vehicles until the repair is performed. BMW also recommends parking the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the defective cell modules of the high-voltage battery will be replaced.
EU Safety GateThe cell modules in the vehicles concerned were not produced in accordance with the specifications, which may cause the module frame to…The cell modules in the vehicles concerned were not produced in accordance with the specifications, which may cause the module frame to fail. This may lead to a shutdown of the high-voltage system and fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe positive battery cable of the starter-generator may not have been manufactured correctly.This could result in a loose electrical connection, leading to excessive contact resistance. The vehicle cannot charge or start. Contact points in the starter-generator could overheat and cause a vehicle fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to incorrectly produced high-voltage cell modules, the cell terminal and the cell-contact system in the battery are not in contact…Due to incorrectly produced high-voltage cell modules, the cell terminal and the cell-contact system in the battery are not in contact anymore. When strong electricity is flowing, that may cause the cell to overheat and create a risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA manufacturing defect can lead to high voltage battery failures, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2023 BMW i4 owners report?
12 of the 46 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
My vehicle intermittently loses drive power while being driven, suddenly and with no warning. Sometimes it drives normally, then fails repeatedly later. Before any warning appeared I had isolated instances of hesitation or power loss, but with nothing on the cluster I assumed I was misperceiving it. On August 25, 2026, the vehicle lost power four times while I was driving on the freeway and displayed a drivetrain malfunction warning for the first time. I took the car to an authorized dealer on August 28, 2026, at 60,676 miles. The dealer ran the manufacturer's diagnostic test plan, found…
The steering wheel would suddenly become stiff (frozen or locked) during normal driving especially during turning. When it happened, I lost total control of the car causing dangerous situations on the road. A warning message appeared stating: "Changed steering effort, drive moderately and contact service center." At a BMW dealership, the problem was reproduced and confirmed. They replaced 12 Volt battery, and the car was released. The new 12 volt battery didn't help the steeling issue. After a few weeks, the steeling system completely failed. The car has to be towed to BMW dealership for…
The dashboard turn signal indicators are blocked by the steering wheel unless I adjust the steering wheel to a very high position that makes driving unsafe. When the turn signals are on, there is no clicking noise like many cars have. I suggest that BMW update the vehicle software to allow the driver to adjust the location of the turn signal indicators within the digital dash display, or also include turn signal indicators in the heads-up display.
While driving my 2023 BMW i4, the vehicle suddenly displayed multiple drivetrain and chassis malfunction warnings shortly after charging the vehicle at a ChargePoint station. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power/propulsion while driving, creating a serious safety concern. After stopping, the vehicle began rolling backward unexpectedly and several systems appeared to malfunction. The center display/screens became partially or fully unresponsive/blank and multiple warning messages appeared simultaneously. Due to the loss of propulsion and safety concerns, CHP assistance was required to…
On [XXX], while driving on a public highway, the vehicle shut off and came to a complete stop as I was going around a roundabout. I was in the inside lane, had just finished charging in Yuma, Az., and was just about to get back on the freeway heading back into California. Thankfully, there was no one behind me at that moment and I was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. After arriving at my destination in Winterhaven, CA, I later saw that I had two missed calls from BMW Roadside Assistance. They called to check on my welfare as, unbeknownst to me, the vehicle sent out an alert as…
On [XXX] in Columbia SC, my vehicle reported a drivetrain failure at approximately 1800 and advised me to pullover immediately and contact roadside assistance. I promptly parked in the safest space I could approximately within 50 yards of receiving the alert. The vehicle would no longer move once parked to include neutral. BMW roadside assistance took 48 hours to pick up and transport the vehicle to my dealer in Florence SC. I was informed of a recall on the vehicle by the dealership and advised they would not be able to diagnose and repair until they obtained a part from another dealer that…
While merging onto an interstate at speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power and came to a complete stop in an active traffic lane. Approximately six weeks earlier, abnormal drivetrain behavior (hesitation and torque interruption) was reported to the dealer. The dealer attributed the issue to tires and recommended tire replacement. No drivetrain diagnostics were performed. Immediately following the incident, a drivetrain malfunction warning occurred. BMW remotely restricted vehicle operation to allow limited driving back to my residence. The vehicle was later towed to the…
The vehicle randomly caught fire after sitting idle for approximately 8 hours. Going to a conference in Aria Las Vegas and drove over 260 Miles. There was no issues, no indicator warning lights or strange noises during the drive. Arrived at Aira approximately 4:00PM. Parked vehicle on the third floor of the Aira Self-Parking and did not touch the car after parking the car. I received a call at approximately 12:00AM that night from Aria Security. From Aria Security, stated that vehicle has caught fire. Fire was put out by Clark County Fire department, fire report received. A whiteness who…
MVA: [XXX] Sudden acceleration of vehicle. Brakes failed to work. Steering suddenly inoperative. Front passenger and I were injured. Vehicle damaged 3 other vehicles. One or more drivers whose vehicles were hit complained of injuries. For inspection, contact property damage adjuster with Safeco Insurance: Collision adjuster: LYNAE MCCALL, P: 509-944-8355 Email: LYNAE.MCCALL@LIBERTYMUTUAL.COM. Complainant unaware if vehicle malfunction issues have been inspected to date by the dealer or an independent service nor inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others…
While driving, the vehicle experiences intermittent braking failures, electrical glitches, and/or sudden loss of power. These issues match known problems reported on similar 2023 BMW i4 models. My VIN does not show an active recall, but I am experiencing dangerous symptoms. I am concerned for my safety and others. I respectfully request an investigation.”
Electrical system stalling stopping the car it won’t move breaking system
Sudden acceleration when entering an open parking space, causing the car to hit two vehicles and causing extensive damage to my and the other vehicles. Safety of others would have been at risk as the accelerations was unintended and unexpected and if people were present they would have been in danger. The vehicle is currently at dealership for examination of unintended acceleration and accident. No warning of sudden acceleration nor any issue with car prior to accident. Air bags were not activated. Police contacted but since noninjury no report filed.
2023 BMW i4: questions owners ask
Is the 2023 BMW i4 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 BMW i4; the most common categories were electrical system (18, 39.1%), power train (12, 26.1%), fuel/propulsion system (7, 15.2%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 8 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 3 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 BMW i4?
Across 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (39.1% of complaints), power train (26.1% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (15.2% of complaints), service brakes (15.2% of complaints), engine (10.9% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2023 BMW i4 have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2023 BMW i4. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2023 BMW i4 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
8 of the 46 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 BMW i4 (17.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "While driving, the vehicle experiences intermittent braking failures, electrical glitches, and/or sudden loss of power. These issues match known problems reported on similar 2023 BMW i4 models." (NHTSA complaint 11656987, April 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2023 BMW i4 accelerate unexpectedly or surge?
3 of the 46 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 BMW i4 (6.5%) describe unexpected or sudden acceleration, or surging. One owner wrote: "Sudden acceleration when entering an open parking space, causing the car to hit two vehicles and causing extensive damage to my and the other vehicles." (NHTSA complaint 11540956, August 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2023 BMW i4?
3 of the 46 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 BMW i4 (6.5%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. One owner wrote: "MVA: [XXX] Sudden acceleration of vehicle. Brakes failed to work. Steering suddenly inoperative. Front passenger and I were injured. Vehicle damaged 3 other vehicles. One or more drivers whose vehicles were hit complained of injuries." (NHTSA complaint 11678689, August 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own i4
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2023 only.