NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints for the 2016 BMW M4. Most complaints involve engine (9) and power train (8). The EPA rates it 19–20 mpg combined.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.
BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being replaced. Reuse of the existing bolts may cause the bolts to loosen.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and 2015-2016 M4 Convertible vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that may not have been filled with grease. As a result, the slip-joint may fail over time.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“DIAGNOSED WITH COOLING SYSTEM ISSUE, 2ND COOLING SYSTEM DRY/LOW OR LEAKING, TRANSMISSION ISSUE, CODE 537, POWER TRAIN ISSUE, CAR IS QUICK SHIFTING AND SKIPPING FROM 5TH TO 7TH GEAR WITH A BUZZING SOUND, AND WITHOUT A DROP IN POWER. THE CAR ONLY HAS 48,000 MILES. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR 5 MONTHS AGO FROM A MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP IN TYLER, TEXAS. IT SHOWS ON THIS SIGHT THAT THERE'S 3 RECALLS.”
“The contact owns a 2016 BMW M4. The contact stated that under previous ownership, the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 15V782000 (Power Train) at a local dealer. The contact stated that two years later, the contact was unsure if the vehicle was included or repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 18V713000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer, where it was diagnosed with an imbalanced drive shaft. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired due to the costs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.”
“I am writing to report a critical structural safety defect involving the front steering knuckle (wheel carrier) on my 2016 BMW M4 GTS. Upon inspection, the original factory steering knuckle has developed severe structural cracks on both the top and bottom sections of the component. Safety Risk & Hazard:The steering knuckle is a primary load-bearing suspension component responsible for securing the front wheel assembly, brakes, and steering linkage. Because this vehicle has developed cracks on both the top and bottom of the knuckle, it is at imminent risk of total catastrophic failure. A complete fracture of this component will result in immediate wheel detachment, total loss of steering control, and a severe high-speed crash. This presents an extreme and immediate safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. Manufacturer Awareness:BMW is fully aware of this inherent structural flaw. The original component (Part #31-21-2-289-301 / #31-21-2-289-302) has been quietly superseded by a completely redesigned, reinforced "v2" revised part to mitigate this exact cracking issue. Despite knowing that the original components are prone to dangerous…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 Convertible Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,850 | 440 |
| M4 Coupe Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,850 | 440 |
| M4 Convertible Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $4,050 | 459 |
| M4 Coupe Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $4,050 | 459 |
| M4 GTS Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,050 | 477 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 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.
Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (9), power train (8), suspension (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 BMW M4 at 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).