2023 BMW I4 Electrical Problems

The dashboard turn signal indicators are blocked by the steering wheel unless I adjust the steering wheel to a very high position that makes driving unsafe. When the turn signals are on, there is no clicking noise like many cars have. I suggest that BMW update the vehicle software to allow the driver to adjust the location of the turn signal indicators within the digital dash display, or also include turn signal indicators in the heads-up display.

NHTSA ID

11740342

Incident

May 1, 2026

While driving my 2023 BMW i4, the vehicle suddenly displayed multiple drivetrain and chassis malfunction warnings shortly after charging the vehicle at a ChargePoint station. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power/propulsion while driving, creating a serious safety concern. After stopping, the vehicle began rolling backward unexpectedly and several systems appeared to malfunction. The center display/screens became partially or fully unresponsive/blank and multiple warning messages appeared simultaneously. Due to the loss of propulsion and safety concerns, CHP assistance was required to safely move the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was later towed to BMW service for inspection and diagnosis. I am concerned this may involve a failure related to the electrical system, high-voltage battery system, propulsion system, drivetrain, or vehicle software. The sudden loss of power while operating the vehicle created a dangerous driving condition. The vehicle had approximately 76,000 miles at the time of the incident.

NHTSA ID

11739767

Incident

May 18, 2026

On [XXX], while driving on a public highway, the vehicle shut off and came to a complete stop as I was going around a roundabout. I was in the inside lane, had just finished charging in Yuma, Az., and was just about to get back on the freeway heading back into California. Thankfully, there was no one behind me at that moment and I was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. After arriving at my destination in Winterhaven, CA, I later saw that I had two missed calls from BMW Roadside Assistance. They called to check on my welfare as, unbeknownst to me, the vehicle sent out an alert as a result of the incident. 12/30/2023, I took the vehicle to BMW of San Diego (where I leased the car from) regarding the above mentioned incident as well as repeated Drivetrain Malfunction warnings. The vehicle had 43,770 miles on it. By 1/12/2024, the dealership informed me they could not replicate the problem, and what I found most alarming, was they could find no evidence that it ever happened. I asked if they could promise me it would not happen again, they could not. This caused me great fear for myself and for others. All they could offer was that I could file a claim with BMW of North America, which I did that same day. It was not until 3/19/2024 that BMW notified me they rejected my claim. On [XXX], as I was returning home from El Centro, CA, I received a warning message, "URGENT HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM CHECK UP" and directing me to the nearest service center. Again, I took the vehicle to BMW of SD, stopping to charge along the way, because the range was dropping rapidly. The mileage was 95,074, still under warranty. Again, they found nothing and made me take the car back. Ultimately, on [XXX], another alert "Range reduced: Limited charging possible. Have problem checked by the nearest service center." At BMW of El Cajon I was told that Cell Module #2 had failed and would need to be replaced, but now the car was out of warranty and my cost would be $23,366. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

NHTSA ID

11731151

Incident

Dec 27, 2023

I was driving about 30 mph when I was prompted with the following error message, “Drive train fault, restart not possible, High Voltage Battery,” I was able to drive home which was about 1 mile away. I drove the car home, parked it and turned it off for 45 minutes then I attempted to turn it on but was unable to and continued to receive the same message. Side note, this vehicle was purchased from BMW Beverly Hills on 1/25/26 and not a month went by before I ran into this issue.

NHTSA ID

11720407

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

The vehicle randomly caught fire after sitting idle for approximately 8 hours. Going to a conference in Aria Las Vegas and drove over 260 Miles. There was no issues, no indicator warning lights or strange noises during the drive. Arrived at Aira approximately 4:00PM. Parked vehicle on the third floor of the Aira Self-Parking and did not touch the car after parking the car. I received a call at approximately 12:00AM that night from Aria Security. From Aria Security, stated that vehicle has caught fire. Fire was put out by Clark County Fire department, fire report received. A whiteness who called Aria Security, stated he heard loud popping, like small explosions, from driver side front tire before the fire started. Clark County Fire Department stated fire originated on driver side front of engine area. Battery not involved. Car is total loss. BMW NA performed a visual exam only. BMW NA stated that due to damage and connectors being present, could not find cause of fire and unwilling to perform a more detailed inspection. Cause of Fire and involved components are unknown at this time.

NHTSA ID

11683180

Incident

Feb 27, 2025

While driving, the vehicle experiences intermittent braking failures, electrical glitches, and/or sudden loss of power. These issues match known problems reported on similar 2023 BMW i4 models. My VIN does not show an active recall, but I am experiencing dangerous symptoms. I am concerned for my safety and others. I respectfully request an investigation.”

NHTSA ID

11656987

Incident

Apr 26, 2025

Electrical system stalling stopping the car it won’t move breaking system

NHTSA ID

11656983

Incident

Apr 26, 2025

The only way I could explain it was as if my brakes were failing. After joining the bmw i4 group on Facebook and having my kids record while driving. I was able to capture the issue. The vehicle drive train will malfunction causing the vehicle to move while not in motion when at a stop light. The vehicle will accelerate on its on. It has recently power off on me while driving and restart back up. I took it to the dealership they said it was fine. I took it today. They couldn’t offer me and my kid ride home or a loaner due to policy. I even asked to trade my car in. I was told that I was driving it wrong. I know my car keeps data on when these incidents occur. I have photos.

NHTSA ID

11656435

Incident

Apr 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 BMW i4. The contact stated that while driving at 20-30 MPH with a fully charged battery, the engine seized on two separate occasions. There was an abnormal grinding sound detected. The inoperable do not drive message was displayed after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with drive unit failure. The drive unit, rear axle, and battery were replaced, but the failure recurred. While his son was driving at approximately 30 MPH, the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed two weeks later to the local dealer again, where it was diagnosed that the drive unit and drive axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case; the contact requested a buyback, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.

NHTSA ID

11654118

Incident

Feb 11, 2025

Mileage

16,000 mi

As I was driving my car into the main avenue out of a parking lot, the car stalled and lost all power, the charge went from 57% to 0% and the power train failure warning came on the dashboard and a high voltage warning as well. The incoming traffic had to stop since I could not move the car, so I had to turn power off and power back and only then the car started to move slowly, the battery charge went up only to 37% and both warnings were displayed on the dashboard (high voltage warning and power train failure) with a message that said that it was OK to drive the car to a dealership to get the car checked.

NHTSA ID

11589917

Incident

May 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2023 BMW I4. The contact stated while reversing, the drive train malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact proceeded with his commute however, the steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shifted into park independently. There were several messages displayed on the infotainment screen, and the contact was unable to shift the vehicle back into drive. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,000.

NHTSA ID

11545371

Incident

Sep 19, 2023

Mileage

16,000 mi

Vehicle is an EV (platform G26) and charger flap door was locked and would not open. Problem is similar to problem reported on NHTSA for BMW vehicles for "fuel filler door will not open", SIB 51 27 20. Safety issue is vehicle can not be charged and creates risk for driver and passengers being stranded. Older BMW vehicles had an emergency release but new models eliminated this feature. Vehicle was taken to dealership for repair and item know as cover pot defect was confirmed and replaced. Requested confirmation that replacement part addressed root cause but dealership would not offer any assurances.

NHTSA ID

11535935

Incident

Jul 5, 2023

The car is brand new and does not connect to a level 3 charger. BMW service has no idea how to fix.

NHTSA ID

11530312

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

On 6/8/23 I tried to start my car and received the following error: "Drivetrain malfunction: Driving not possible. Call Roadside Assistance" and the car turned off. I tried 3 more times to start the car and received the same message. I could not drive my car, and had it immediately towed to the dealer. This is a brand new 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 with only 1469 miles on it. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by the dealer, testing confirmed faults for the high voltage battery and a 30F current violation and sporadic software issue. As of 6/23/23, my car is still sitting at the dealer waiting for a fix (estimated for August). There is a recall for some 2023 i4 eDrive40s (campaign # 22V944000) regarding the high voltage battery electronic control unit (ECU) that may cause an interruption of electrical power, and risk of crash increases. I believe my vehicle should be included in this.

NHTSA ID

11528540

Incident

Jun 8, 2023

On 5/10/23 I was driving approximately 50 mph on a highway when my car slowed to 15 mph. I stepped on the accelerator and nothing happened. On the dash screen there was a warning which stated "drivetrain malfunction. Driving not possible. Call Roadside assistance". So I was stuck with a sudden deceleration on a busy highway and had to creep over 2 lanes to the shoulder and put the car in park. It would not restart. Myself and my child were in the vehicle. It is a miracle that we were not rear-ended. After calling roadside assistance, the car did turn back on and was driven to the dealer. The car spent 2.5 weeks at the dealer and they say a software update resolved the issue. This car was 4 weeks old when the incident occurred. It had approximately 300 miles on the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11525905

Incident

May 10, 2023

Drivetrain malfunction, made car inoperable. Went into park mode. No neutral ability to move. Had to be special tow. Car is 2 days old. Only 200 miles on odometer. Check internet, many many same issues.

NHTSA ID

11524209

Incident

May 27, 2023

A small spill of liquid (unsweetened iced tea) on the gear shift area inches from the cup holder shorted out the entire transmission of the vehicle, rendering it immovable. This happened while pulling into our garage, but if it had happened while the car was moving on the road it could have caused a catastrophic accident.

NHTSA ID

11521423

Incident

Apr 14, 2023

On December 9, 2022, I tried to start my car in my garage. The car would not start..The dash read stop auto train failure contact roadside assistance. After calling my car salesman who told me I had to contact roadside assistance myself, I did so. Roadside assistance informed me they were unable to diagnose/correct the problem, and called a tow truck. The car was towed to dealership that day and has been on the lot ever since. After many consultations with the BMW people in Germany, the analysis was that the cell monitoring circuit module needed to be replaced and the replacement part is scheduled to arrive Mid-March, 2023.

NHTSA ID

11504941

Incident

Dec 9, 2022