Years to avoid
BMW 4 Series Years to Avoid
The 2020, 2018, 2019, 2021 model years stand out as the weakest in this BMW 4 Series dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated April 2026
- Weakest year
- 2020
- Model average
- 60/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 66
- Recalls, weakest year
- 34
52/100 reliability
15-point range
8 crash · 1 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2020 BMW 4 Series ranks last
The 2020 scores 52/100, rated mixed, versus a model average of 60/100. NHTSA data contains 66 owner complaints and 34 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (17), Engine (10), Unknown Or Other (6), Air Bags (6). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2020 BMW 4 Series record →Evidence by year
The weakest BMW 4 Series model years compared
2020 BMW 4 Series
- Complaints
- 66
- Recalls
- 34
- Crash reports
- 8
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Electrical System (17), Engine (10), Unknown Or Other (6)
View 2020 details →2018 BMW 4 Series
- Complaints
- 261
- Recalls
- 21
- Crash reports
- 21
- Fire reports
- 6
Top issues: Air Bags (64), Electrical System (35), Engine (31)
View 2018 details →2019 BMW 4 Series
- Complaints
- 90
- Recalls
- 17
- Crash reports
- 10
- Fire reports
- 5
Top issues: Unknown Or Other (17), Power Train (12), Electrical System (12)
View 2019 details →2021 BMW 4 Series
- Complaints
- 64
- Recalls
- 40
- Crash reports
- 3
- Fire reports
- 3
Top issues: Electrical System (16), Unknown Or Other (7), Power Train (4)
View 2021 details →Better alternatives
Stronger BMW 4 Series years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this BMW 4 Series data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's BMW 4 Series research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
BMW 4 Series research FAQ
Which BMW 4 Series years should I avoid?
2020, 2018, 2019, 2021 score materially below the strongest BMW 4 Series years in this dataset. The 2020 is the weakest at 52/100, with 66 owner complaints and 34 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring BMW 4 Series year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst BMW 4 Series year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2025 (67/100), 2024 (66/100), 2022 (66/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific BMW 4 Series you are considering.