Research · Subcompact Cars

2018 BMW M4Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 6 owner complaints for the 2018 BMW M4. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (4) and back over prevention (1). The EPA rates it 19–20 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19–20mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Aug 2017
Owner complaints
6
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seat belts: front

Free remedy

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, and M4 convertible vehicles. The Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) within the front seat belt assemblies may have been produced with incompatible vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism housings.

Seat beltsReported Aug 16, 2017NHTSA 17V507000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

6 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2019 – Aug 2026
  1. Fuel/propulsion system4
  2. Back over prevention1
  3. Engine1

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 M4 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201512
201622
20172
20186
20201
20211
20222
20242
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Fuel/propulsion system

4 reports
“The fuel tank was leaking a substantial amount of fuel. Yes it is. Our safety was put at risk due to the fuel leak. Any small spark, overheating or if somebody threw a cigarette butt out of their window could have ignited our car. BMW informed me to immediately cease driving the car and bring to the dealership right away. Problem was confirmed by dealership as stated on the attached invoice. No, no warning or indicator lights were present.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2024Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11611640

Back over prevention

1 report
“The contact owns a 2018 BMW M4. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera became inoperable, preventing the contact from safely reversing the vehicle. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V684000 (Back Over Prevention) as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 17, 2026Back over preventionODI 11757432

Engine

1 report
“CRANK HUB ISSUE”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 18, 2019EngineODI 11289963
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

5 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars, Compact Cars, Two Seaters
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Manual 6-spd · Automatic (AM-S7)
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 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
M4 Convertible
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
172520$3,850450
M4 Coupe
Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
172420$3,850450
M4 Coupe
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
172520$3,850439
M4 DTM Champions Edition
Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
172420$3,850450
M4 Convertible
Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
162219$4,050481
  • M4 Convertible
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,850/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • M4 Coupe
    Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,850/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • M4 Coupe
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,850/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • M4 DTM Champions Edition
    Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,850/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • M4 Convertible
    Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    16 city · 22 hwy · $4,050/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 BMW M4 as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 12526Vehicle 12525
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

2018 M4 questions

How many recalls does the 2018 BMW M4 have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 9, 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 2018 BMW M4 problems?

Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (4), back over prevention (1), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 BMW M4 get?

The EPA rates the 2018 BMW M4 at 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026