2018 BMW M4

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.

NHTSA ID

11611640

Incident

Aug 26, 2024

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel Tank on my BMW under 50k miles started leaking after a fill up. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I didn't notice any leaks at the gas station but once I got home, pulled in my garage I noticed the smell of fuel, figured I just spilled a bit. I left my car to go get ready, once I came back the garage was filled with gas fumes. I looked under the car and saw a decently large puddle under the driver side. I live in Texas where it was quite warm that day. I could've easily caught fire and cause harm to myself and so many others. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I had it towed immediately the next day to a BMW dealership, and they stated the seams of the fuel tank are leaking. How is that possible, that's a manufacturing issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Only the BMW dealership, they won't have anyone else look at it. Slapped me with a $3,489 repair estimate, and that's it. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were literally no lamps, alerts, lights or indicator to tell me something was wrong. The car could've exploded on me. I still have the federal emissions warranty active and they are saying it doesn't cover a fuel tank.

NHTSA ID

11610911

Incident

Aug 23, 2024

Fuel tank was leaking. I brought it in to BMW of San Antonio who found the left side top area of fuel tank leaking fuel from the sealed portion. Heat caused the top of fuel tank to expand and crack. BMW of SA required me to buy a replacement fuel tank. When I said, if I buy the replacement fuel tank, won't this issue keep reoccurring every time it gets hot. The tech advised that BMW was aware of the problem and designed the replacement fuel tanks differently, so that the fuel tanks won't expand and crack in the same manner. I advised BMW of North America requesting they pay for the replacement, that this should have been a recall issue due to the dangers of this problem (other BMW vehicles with this defectively designed fuel tank could leak, cause fire, injury, or death), and BMW should not be waiting and hoping that no one reports the problem or only replacing the fuel tank once someone has a fuel leak and the possibility of severe injury and death. BMW explained that only NHTSA can issue recalls and BMW won't do anything proactively despite knowledge of the fuel tank design defect resutling in fuel leaks. There were no warnings - only the strong smell of gas while driving.

NHTSA ID

11541854

Incident

Aug 6, 2023

I think the fuel tank has cracked on the upper portion of the tank. I noticed a smell of gas on my way home from filling gas and when I got home I realized there was a puddle of gas sitting underneath my car. I jacked up the car and inspected the underneath and saw nothing, I noticed the gas was leaking from a higher spot, somewhere I couldnt see. Ive read on forums that its happened before to a few other people and someone personal that I know. Yes the car can be inspected upon request. Safety is put at risk because the gar is leaving right next to the exhaust, which can easily catch fire to the car, myself, and other drivers on the road. I was getting a misfire on my car and realized the engine wasnt getting enough fuel, on my way home from filling gas I got a check engine light and a notification in my car saying “drivetrain malfunction”

NHTSA ID

11532209

Incident

Jul 13, 2023

CRANK HUB ISSUE

NHTSA ID

11289963

Incident

Dec 18, 2019

Protection Plate Return

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 years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

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 reoccur when the vehicle is lowered, and the wheels are once again under load. The noise might also be heard for a short time while driving.

Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-

Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.