RoadVitals

2020 BMW M8

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
4
Latest Jan 12, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Feb 19, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 BMW M8, most frequently naming the driver assistance, brakes and electrical categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 163 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Driver assistance228.6%
  • Brakes114.3%
  • Electrical114.3%
  • Engine114.3%
  • Fuel system114.3%
  • Visibility114.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
21V096000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA; BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Feb 19, 2021
13,858 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
21V062000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC

Feb 10, 2021
893 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
The risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
19V883000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Dec 11, 2019
3,012 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 M5 and 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles. The transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit.
The risk: An electrical short circuit can cause the transmission to shift to neutral resulting in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace any damaged transmission harnesses. All harnesses will be rerouted and secured. These repairs will be performed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 3, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 12, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

On [XXX]. My car went into unintended acceleration at full throttle of 8000 RPMs. The engine was stuck at maximum power and would not slow down. My car slide until it hit a curb and was forced to stop. However, the engine was still running at full maximum capacity at full unintended acceleration. My [XXX] son had to go to ER and it almost cost the lives of 4 other people. I am very scared to ever drive this car as it is now a threat to safety for everyone driving near this car. Please report this to the BMW NA manufacturer since they have their engineering looking at the vehicle. Please call me with a resolution at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11710392
Incident
Dec 3, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Dec 30, 2025

Engine misfire and loss of power. Too to bmw for check up. It was coolant tank leak into injectors. BMW is not replacing the tank as part of recall. It is changing only injectors even though the recall specifically addresses the tank causing the issue. BMW argument is as part of recall this was checked and tank was fine so not replaced as part or recall. Now it is not under warranty. Why are they repairing injectors if the tank car is not under warranty they should replace the tank also as it is the bad part causing this. The car has only 14k miles.

NHTSA ID
11707818
Incident
Dec 26, 2025
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Dec 11, 2025

While driving, the vehicle immediately went into full unintended acceleration without any input from the accelerator pedal. I removed my foot completely from the pedal, but engine RPM increased to full 7000 rpm’s and the throttle was stuck there. The vehicle surged forward unexpectedly. The car spun in circles 180 degrees and wouldn’t stop. This was a sudden and unpredictable event. This created safety concerns for my [XXX] old and and we had to take him to the ER for his head injury. The car hit curbs and jumped onto the opposite side of traffic. BMW Dealer is currently opening a BMW STI case to investigate potential throttle or electronic control issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11704468
Incident
Dec 3, 2025
Visibility
Filed Sep 15, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BMW M8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN AT 55 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD BECAME FOGGY. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER HOWEVER, FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND WAITED FOR THE WINDSHIELD TO CLEAR UP. THE CONTACT RESUMED NORMAL DRIVING. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW OF KANSAS CITY SOUTH (1200 W 104TH ST, KANSAS CITY, MO 64114) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO BE SERVICED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,700.

NHTSA ID
11355118
Incident
Sep 1, 2020
Mileage
1,700 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B011724

ENGINE

The Fuel Injector Condition-Specific Repair Coverage Program applies to qualifying repairs for the required replacement of one or more the fuel injectors which were determined to have failed due to a buildup of external corrosion in the engine’s center fuel injector bore area that resulted after this location was periodically contaminated by engine coolant residue over time. This special program’s coverage is 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the vehicle's original in-service / first delivery date.

B011724

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The Fuel Injector Condition-Specific Repair Coverage Program applies to qualifying repairs for the required replacement of one or more the fuel injectors which were determined to have failed due to a buildup of external corrosion in the engine’s center fuel injector bore area that resulted after this location was periodically contaminated by engine coolant residue over time. This special program’s coverage is 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the vehicle's original in-service / first delivery date.

B063525

ENGINE

Engine Return

B010821

ENGINE

The NVLD limited emission related warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date

B011724

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

the Fuel Injector Condition-Specific Repair Coverage Program applies to qualifying repairs for the required replacement of one or more the fuel injectors which were determined to have failed due to a buildup of external corrosion in the engine’s center fuel injector bore area that resulted after this location was periodically contaminated by engine coolant residue over time. This special program’s coverage is 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the vehicle's original in-service / first delivery date.

B170324

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective April 15, 2024) on certain Model Year 2018 - 2023 BMW vehicles that were produced between November 7, 2017, and September 9, 2022.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW M8 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025000—
2024000—
2023010—
2022000—
2021020—
2020Viewing430—
2019010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.