Research · Compact Cars · 2 NHTSA variants

2015 BMW 4 SeriesRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 94 owner complaints for the 2015 BMW 4 Series. Most complaints involve electrical system (37) and engine and engine cooling (26). The EPA rates it 24–27 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
24–27mpg
EPA · 8 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Aug 2024
Owner complaints
94
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Engine and engine cooling: pump

Free remedy

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Engine and engine coolingReported Aug 14, 2024NHTSA 24V608000

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

Air bagsReported Jul 11, 2024NHTSA 24V527000

Air bags: side

Free remedy

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.

Air bagsReported Apr 24, 2024NHTSA 24V288000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

94 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2014 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system37
  2. Engine and engine cooling26
  3. Engine14
  4. Air bags9
  5. Service brakes7
  6. Fuel/propulsion system7
  7. Structure6
  8. Tires4
  9. Power train4

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 4 Series model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201458
201594
202121
20257
Crashes reported
11
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
9
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

37 reports1 crash2 fires
“The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, while attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant pump failure. The contact was informed that the coolant had been continuously running, causing the battery to completely drain. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced, the radiator needed to be flushed, and the repair of a small oil leak was needed. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). While driving to the dealer, the loss of communication with the coolant pump warning light illuminated. The contact was informed that the coolant pump had passed the inspection and did not need to be replaced. The contact was informed that the shield was installed as per the recall. The contact stated that upon retrieving the vehicle from the dealer, the battery was completely drained. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The dealer was informed that…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 3, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Electrical systemODI 11715294

Engine and engine cooling

26 reports
“The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 29 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat and experienced reduced power, and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stated that there were unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. Additionally, while driving at 40 MPH, the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 4, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11721958

Engine

14 reports1 crash2 fires
“The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428i. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle in colder weather conditions, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the failure posed a potential safety risk while commuting long distances. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with BMW Lawsuit Case: 17-CV-07386. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 16, 2026EngineODI 11764729
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

8 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars, Subcompact Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S8) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
428i Coupe
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
233427$2,850327
428i Convertible
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
233326$3,000338
428i Coupe
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
223326$3,000344
428i Gran Coupe
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
233326$3,000338
435i Coupe
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
213125$3,100361
435i Gran Coupe
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
213125$3,100361
435i Convertible
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
203024$3,200376
435i Coupe
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202924$3,200378
  • 428i Coupe
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    23 city · 34 hwy · $2,850/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • 428i Convertible
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    23 city · 33 hwy · $3,000/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • 428i Coupe
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 33 hwy · $3,000/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • 428i Gran Coupe
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    23 city · 33 hwy · $3,000/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • 435i Coupe
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    21 city · 31 hwy · $3,100/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • 435i Gran Coupe
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    21 city · 31 hwy · $3,100/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • 435i Convertible
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    20 city · 30 hwy · $3,200/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • 435i Coupe
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,200/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

6 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2015 BMW 4 Series as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 9434Vehicle 9433Vehicle 9432
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2015 4 Series questions

How many recalls does the 2015 BMW 4 Series have?

5 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2015 BMW 4 Series problems?

Owners filed 94 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (37), engine and engine cooling (26), engine (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2015 BMW 4 Series get?

The EPA rates the 2015 BMW 4 Series at 24–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026