2020 BMW M4: common problems
Owners of the 2020 BMW M4 filed 1 complaints with NHTSA, most often about suspension and engine. The maker issued 48 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 1
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 48
What fails most often
- 1 Suspension 100% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 100% of all complaints
- Suspension: 1 complaints (100% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 3.
- Engine: 1 complaints (100% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 1.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cyl
- dual-clutch (DCT), 7-speed
- manual, 6-speed
Drive: RWD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Air bags | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Seats | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Communication | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 1 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact performed a personal diagnosis with adaptive mobility deactivated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 1,964 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 7% least complained about).
On average one model year of the M4 has 3 complaints (11 years in the data). This year has 1, below average.
What to check before buying
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- The coverage period for qualifying lower rear side panel water drain repair that addresses the issues…
The coverage period for qualifying lower rear side panel water drain repair that addresses the issues described in the Service Information Bulletin has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles, as determined from the…
- While driving on a smooth and/or unevenroad, a “cracking” sound is heard from therear wheel arch area…
While driving on a smooth and/or unevenroad, a “cracking” sound is heard from therear wheel arch area (highlighted in orange) on either the right or left side.
- While driving on a smooth and/or uneven road, a “cracking” sound is heard from the rear wheel arch area…
While driving on a smooth and/or uneven road, a “cracking” sound is heard from the rear wheel arch area (highlighted in orange) on either the right or left side.
- A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of…
A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of operation when braking from low speed.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few…
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important…
- With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there may be a cracking…
With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there may be a cracking and orclicking type noise when turning the steering wheel left/right. See attached video V31 01 24. The sound can…
- Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop
- After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes…
- Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator
- The 3G network in the US has been shut down
This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration in the…
- Exterior rear lights do not work
- According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle…
According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction"…
NHTSA lists 48 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2020 BMW M4?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: suspension, engine. Total complaints: 1. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (100%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2020 BMW M4?
NHTSA lists 48 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2020 BMW M4 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2020 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.