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2019 BMW X4 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2019 BMW X4 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 7safety recalls
- 11owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 1fire report
- 10%fail the UK MOT
11 complaints, against an average of 8 for the other 10 BMW X4 model years.
Every BMW X4 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2019 BMW X4?
The components named most often in the 11 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2019 BMW X4 been recalled?
7 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Air Bags: Frontal BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant classification system may have been improperly assembled, which could result in the misclassification of the seat as unoccupied, and deactivate the front air bag.
Risk: A deactivated front air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat foam, which includes the occupant classification system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i, and 2018-2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3M vehicles. The instrument panel casing may not have been tightened properly to the passenger air bag.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag could damage the instrument panel and cause small pieces of the panel to strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel casing, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Seats BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, xDrive30i and M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i and M40i vehicles. The front seatback frames may have been improperly welded, allowing the seatback to unexpectedly fold forward or rearward.
Risk: In the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury if the seatback folds forward or rearward.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seats, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator Module BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The instrument panel assembly may have been improperly manufactured, possibly affecting the deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag.
Risk: If the front passenger air bag does not deploy properly in the event of a crash, the occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Disc: Caliper BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and certain 2019 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the rear brake circuit, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Is the 2019 BMW X4 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 DVSAReplace the Engine Starter Motor
Risk: For affected vehicles there is a concern involving water ingress and corrosion to the starter motor for where a short circuit cannot be ruled out. It is strongly recommended to park the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings until the repair has been carried out.
Fix: Replacement of the starter motor.
UK DVSAUndetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
Risk: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident
Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.
UK DVSAThe obd software could misinterpret certain input parameters for the engine mangement system
Risk: During a service visit the affected vehicles have been updated with software that could misinterpret certain input parameters for the engine management system.
Fix: The control units will be reprogrammed with an improved version of software.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation module could leak over time
Risk: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module could leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
UK DVSAThe exhaust gas recirculation cooler could leak over time
Risk: Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
UK DVSAThe battery cables on the 48v starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during production
Risk: The battery cables on the 48V starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during the production process.
Fix: Check the screw connection of the 48V positive / negative battery cables on the starter generator and rework if necessary.
UK DVSASteering tie rod can become broken in the 'kink' groove area of the rod
Risk: A steering tie rod with an earlier design configuration can become broken in the kink groove area of the rod.
Fix: Both of the steering tie rods will be replaced on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAFront axle swivel bearings not produced to specification
Risk: The swivel bearing/s on the front axle of the affected vehicles may not have been produced to specification.
Fix: The swivel bearing/s on the affected vehicles will be replaced.
EU Safety GateWater may come into contact with the starter relay and gradually cause corrosion.This could affect the electrical connection inside the relay and make the engine difficult to start. It may also result in a short circuit and could cause the starter to overheat leading to a fire when the vehicle is in motion or when it is parked with the ignition off.
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 driver's and/or passenger's seat could break the frame rail that connects the seat to the guide rails on the vehicle floor.The stability of the seats may be affected, increasing the risk of injury in case of an accident.
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 vibration fatigue failure of the track rod may occur due to to an exceptional bending load.Such a failure would lead to a loss of wheel control on one side of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
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 cable connecting the hall sensor with the seat buckle might be too short.Consequently, the sensor might detach from the buckle, causing a faulty seatbelt lock recognition, impairing the functioning of the restraint system and the deployment of the airbag, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
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 screw connection from the passenger's airbag to the instrument panel may not have been manufactured according to specifications.As a result, if the airbag is activated, the panel cover may break into pieces, which will be propelled against the passenger increasing the risk of injury.
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 swivel bearings on the front axle may not have been manufactured according to specification and could break.This can result in loss of control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
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 front seatbacks may not have been welded according to specifications.As a result, they could fold forward or rearward, increasing the risk of an injury to the occupants.
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 airbag cover on the instrument panel may not have been manufactured according to specifications.As a result, in the event of an accident, the airbag may not deploy as designed, increasing the risk of an injury.
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
How often does the 2019 BMW X4 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2019, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2019 BMW X4 owners report?
11 of the 11 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.
The oil filter housing is now made of plastic. It was in the past made of metal. Being it is now made of plastics it is now exposed to possibility of cracking due to changes in temperature hot and cold. It did in fact crack, failed, allowing engine coolant to mix with engines oil lubricant diluting oil lubricant thus causing engine to fail and loss of steering control creating the possibility of an accident. The manufacturer is aware of the failure of the oil filter housing. There are many complaints related to this condition.
2019 BMW X4 with 60,000 miles. On July 23, 2026, BMW dealership found a leaking Transfer case and quoted me $8500 to replace. Along with a defected shark Fin antenna costing $3000. Failed Water pump and 2 major coolant line. All have lawsuit against BMW of America.
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X4. The contact stated while driving and making a right or a left turn, the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. Additionally, the contact stated that the message "Service Brakes" was displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
An 'Emergency call system malfunction' message starting appearing. Upon inspection by the dealer they mentioned "Faults stored for emergency battery hardware faulty, GPS antenna open circuit, TCB microphone short circuit. Checked rook aerial cover and found not to be sealing correctly and causing water damage to components. Recommend to replace roof aerial, roof aerial cover, TCB and emergency battery. TCB will also need to be programmed and old adhesive will need to be removed from roof of car."
as I was driving, the gas fuel line started spewing gas all over. The crack was higher up, behind the backseat, had to replace the fuel line. And behind the backseat was soaked with fuel oil. there was a material substance wrapped around like a cloth around the cracked area. As if the crack came from the factory and they covered it up.
I purchased this vehicle and during inspection, my technician noted the sunroof seal is in need of change and would lead to leaks. I am writing NHTSA for help with this issue, thinking BMW will ignore me. NHTSA offered a document on this issue SIB-54-11-19 sunroof water leak diagnosis.
WHILE DRIVING, COLLISION DETECTION ACTIVATES FOR NO REASON. VERY RANDOM, SOMETIMES JUST WARNING LIGHTS AND SOUNDS, AND SOMETIMES SLAMMING ON BRAKES AT SPEED OVER 40 MPH. NO CARS COMING IN OTHER DIRECTION OR ANY OBSTACLES WHATSOEVER. WEATHER CLEAR. I ALMOST GOT REAR-ENDED ONCE. DID NOT ACTIVATE WHEN FOX RAN IN FRONT OF CAR. I CAN GO WEEKS WITHOUT THIS HAPPENING AND THEN IT COMES OUT OF THE BLUE. IT'S IN THE SHOP FOR THE THIRD TIME FOR THIS COMPLAINT AND SERVICE SAYS THEY HAVE NO "ERROR CODES" AND CAN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM. BMWUSA TOLD SERVICE TO TRY TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM BY DRIVING IT…
ON MAY 03, 2019, I BOUGHT A 2019 BMW X4 M40I, AT BRAMAN MOTORCARS. THIS IS NOT MY FIRST BMW, WE HAVE 3 MORE BMWS AT HOME. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS BMW X4 VEHICLE HAS NOT PERFORMED WELL AS EXPECTED! ON MAY 27, 2020 I WAS DRIVING WHILE IT WAS RAINING WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED AND NEVER TURNED ON AGAIN, IT WAS COMPLETELY USELESS AND VERY DISSATISFYING. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED AND DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE I SENT THE CAR TO BRAMAN BMW SERVICE CENTER TO CHECK IT OUT AND REQUEST THE WARRANTY AND THEY SAID THAT THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER IT THE SOLUTION IS JUST TO PAY MORE THAN $30,000.00 IN REPAIR PLUS…
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNIGHTED AND CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CAR WAS OFF, LOCKED AND PARKED INSIDE THE GARAGE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BMW X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE FAILED AND THE WARNING VIBRATION WHEN THE CONTACT ALMOST CRASHED. THE SYSTEM WAS SUPPOSED TO VIBRATE WHEN AND IF THE CONTACT WAS ABOUT TO CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PACKAGE VIBRATION SIGNAL WAS VERY LOW AND THE CONTACT COULD NOT FEEL IT ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO KRITZ BMW SAVANNAH (7009 ABERCORN ST, SAVANNAH, GA 31406, (912) 354-7000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW VIBRATION MOTOR AND COMPUTER UPDATE WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE…
I JUST GOT MY CAR 3 DAYS AGO. MILEAGE IS 275 MILES. MY REAR BRAKES DISC ALREADY HAVE CIRCLES IN IT AS IF IT IS WORN OUT BY A PIECE OF METAL GRINDING AGAINST IT. THIS HAS NEVER EVER HAPPENED ON ANY OF MY PREVIOUS BMWS. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS ONLY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE WORN OUT AND PROCRASTINATING NOT TO FIX IT. WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN TO A BRAND NEW CAR????
2019 BMW X4: questions owners ask
Is the 2019 BMW X4 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 BMW X4; the most common categories were electrical system (3, 27.3%), engine (3, 27.3%), power train (2, 18.2%). There are 7 safety recalls. 1 mentions a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 BMW X4?
Across 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (27.3% of complaints), engine (27.3% of complaints), power train (18.2% of complaints), service brakes (18.2% of complaints), electronic stability control (esc) (9.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2019 BMW X4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2019 BMW X4; the most recent (campaign 21V521000, 2021-07-08) concerns Air Bags: Frontal. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own X4
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 anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2019 only.