RoadVitals

2020 BMW X4 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
14
Latest Jun 9, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 BMW X4, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags315.8%
  • Electrical315.8%
  • Suspension315.8%
  • Seat belts210.5%
  • Engine15.3%
  • Interior & seats15.3%
  • Exterior lighting15.3%
  • Other / unspecified15.3%
  • Powertrain (other)15.3%
  • Body & structure15.3%
  • Steering15.3%
  • Driver assistance15.3%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I went to the car wash and when I turned my car back on it stated the the Driver's Restraints system malfunction.

NHTSA ID 11688269 · filed Sep 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Restrain System Fault" message was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the driver's side seat belt. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V164000 (Seat Belt, Air Bags) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 42,000.

NHTSA ID 11595719 · filed Jun 21, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID 11718434 · filed Feb 17, 2026

I went to the car wash and when I turned my car back on it stated the the Driver's Restraints system malfunction.

NHTSA ID 11688269 · filed Sep 19, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am filing a safety complaint for my 2020 BMW X4, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle recently began making a noticeable noise while turning. I reported this to an authorized BMW dealer before/during service and requested review for possible front-end, steering, suspension, axle, swivel bearing, tie rod, thrust rod, or vehicle-control safety issues. The dealer stated it did not find a swivel bearing issue, but identified worn thrust rod bushings and collapsed motor mounts. I was quoted approx. $1,950 for thrust rods and approx. $3,450 for motor mounts. I am concerned the worn thrust rod bushings involve the same general front suspension/steering/vehicle-handling system as the turning-noise concern I reported. I asked BMW North America and the dealer to review whether this condition may relate to or overlap with known BMW X4 steering/front axle/suspension recalls, including NHTSA Recall Nos. 19V678000, 19V738000, and 20V355000. BMW/dealer representatives stated there are no open recalls for my VIN and that BMW NA will not provide assistance, but I have not received a complete written explanation confirming that the dealer’s actual findings were reviewed against those recalls, campaigns, or safety concerns. On XXX, the service manager emailed that BMW NA Customer Relations allegedly said there are no open cases, the most recent case was closed, no assistance will be provided for suspension concerns, and the vehicle has no open recalls. The same email required return of the loaner by 5:00 PM if repairs are not approved. I am concerned this pressure is occurring before a complete safety/recall review is provided. No crash, injury, or fire occurred. I am requesting NHTSA review potential safety concerns involving the 2020 BMW X4 front suspension, steering, thrust rod bushings, swivel bearings, tie rods, motor mounts, turning-related noise, and whether additional VINs should be reviewed for recall/campaign applicability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11742911 · filed Jun 9, 2026

I am filing a complaint regarding what I believe is a manufacturer defect in my BMW vehicle. During a recent visit to an authorized BMW dealership for a routine oil change, I was informed that the front tension joints (tension struts) must be replaced because the rubber bushings/gaskets are cracked and leaking fluid. My vehicle has fewer than 33,000 miles, and I drive infrequently. This was missed during the last oil change which was 6-8k miles ago. This type of failure at such low mileage is unreasonable and inconsistent with normal wear and tear. The dealership quoted approximately $1,800 plus tax, not sure if it includes a required wheel alignment, to repair the issue. BMW has declined responsibility and stated the damage could caused by road conditions. However, after researching this issue, I have found that premature failure of BMW front tension strut bushings is a widely reported and recurring problem affecting many BMW vehicles at low mileage. This indicates a design or manufacturing defect, not misuse. This defect presents a serious safety risk, as failed or leaking tension joints can lead to: Loss of steering control Poor braking stability Increased risk of crash Despite the known nature of this problem, BMW has not issued a recall or provided coverage, placing the financial burden and safety risk on consumers. I am requesting that this issue be formally investigated and that BMW be held accountable for repairing or reimbursing this defect, as it poses a potential vehicle safety hazard and appears to be systemic.

NHTSA ID 11708524 · filed Jan 3, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Seatbelt driver restraint malfunctioning light came on .

NHTSA ID 11626312 · filed Nov 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Restrain System Fault" message was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the driver's side seat belt. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V164000 (Seat Belt, Air Bags) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 42,000.

NHTSA ID 11595719 · filed Jun 21, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The Oil filter housing on my BMW X4 failed randomly while parked over night causing my vehicle to be depleted off coolant. If you want to inspect the part you will have to reach out to bmw of Columbus for documentation and I can provide the record for repair once complete.This caused my vehicle to be immobilized. If my vehicle had been on the road like previously I would’ve been stranded. There were no warning lights or leaks prior to the vehicle malfunctioning. I ubered to get coolant and once filling the reservoir the coolant immediately leaked out resulting in me needing a tow to the dealership. This problem has been reproduced with many dealers as there’s numerous of report of this online and I believe the dealer has inspected this part but is refusing to replace or recall this part under any type of program or create any type of solution to make this not happen again. There wasn’t any small leaks or warning lights shown before this issue spawned all at once then after showing the low coolant light.

NHTSA ID 11671661 · filed Jul 7, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I went to the car wash and when I turned my car back on it stated the the Driver's Restraints system malfunction.

NHTSA ID 11688269 · filed Sep 19, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CARS SCREENS DIM TO A POINT WHERE YOU CANT SEE THE SCREENS CLEARLY SPECIFICALLY DURING THE DAY WHEN YOU DRIVE THRU A AREA WITH TREES OR SHADE. THE CAR SCREENS DIM EVEN WHEN IN REVERSE AND YOU COULD POSSIBLY HIT A PERSON , ANIMAL, AND OR A CAR. THEN WHEN YOU GO IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT ITS BACK TO NORMAL. AT NIGHT ITS ALL DIMMED EVEN ON THE STRONGEST LIGHT SETTINGS WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING ON THE ROAD THE STREET LIGHTS AND STOP LIGHTS ARE BRIGHT NOWADAYS BUT WHEN YOU LOOK AT YOUR EXTREMELY DIMMED SCREENS YOUR EYES CANT FOCUS AND IT CAUSES YOU TO LOSE CONTROL AND POSSIBLY CRASH AND HURT AND OR KILL A PERSON OR YOURSELF!! THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP! PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ON BMW FORUMS AND BMW IS AWARE BUT DOES NOTHING!!!!!

NHTSA ID 11352423 · filed Sep 1, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I am filing a safety complaint for my 2020 BMW X4, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle recently began making a noticeable noise while turning. I reported this to an authorized BMW dealer before/during service and requested review for possible front-end, steering, suspension, axle, swivel bearing, tie rod, thrust rod, or vehicle-control safety issues. The dealer stated it did not find a swivel bearing issue, but identified worn thrust rod bushings and collapsed motor mounts. I was quoted approx. $1,950 for thrust rods and approx. $3,450 for motor mounts. I am concerned the worn thrust rod bushings involve the same general front suspension/steering/vehicle-handling system as the turning-noise concern I reported. I asked BMW North America and the dealer to review whether this condition may relate to or overlap with known BMW X4 steering/front axle/suspension recalls, including NHTSA Recall Nos. 19V678000, 19V738000, and 20V355000. BMW/dealer representatives stated there are no open recalls for my VIN and that BMW NA will not provide assistance, but I have not received a complete written explanation confirming that the dealer’s actual findings were reviewed against those recalls, campaigns, or safety concerns. On XXX, the service manager emailed that BMW NA Customer Relations allegedly said there are no open cases, the most recent case was closed, no assistance will be provided for suspension concerns, and the vehicle has no open recalls. The same email required return of the loaner by 5:00 PM if repairs are not approved. I am concerned this pressure is occurring before a complete safety/recall review is provided. No crash, injury, or fire occurred. I am requesting NHTSA review potential safety concerns involving the 2020 BMW X4 front suspension, steering, thrust rod bushings, swivel bearings, tie rods, motor mounts, turning-related noise, and whether additional VINs should be reviewed for recall/campaign applicability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11742911 · filed Jun 9, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X4. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. The drivetrain malfunction warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the rear differential had disconnected from the drive shaft. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA ID 11527973 · filed Jun 20, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

-Electrical damage due to leak. Water entered through the roof shark fin antenna, leading to corrosion /severe water damage to the Telematics Communication Box Module. -Failure of BMW Emergency SOS Call System, GPS, and Microphone/ Voice for hands-free access. -Warning notification on dashboard "Emergency SOS Malfunction" -Vehicle taken to BMW certified service, told that water was coming from the roof antenna, shortening the TCB

NHTSA ID 11723192 · filed Mar 10, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I am filing a safety complaint for my 2020 BMW X4, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle recently began making a noticeable noise while turning. I reported this to an authorized BMW dealer before/during service and requested review for possible front-end, steering, suspension, axle, swivel bearing, tie rod, thrust rod, or vehicle-control safety issues. The dealer stated it did not find a swivel bearing issue, but identified worn thrust rod bushings and collapsed motor mounts. I was quoted approx. $1,950 for thrust rods and approx. $3,450 for motor mounts. I am concerned the worn thrust rod bushings involve the same general front suspension/steering/vehicle-handling system as the turning-noise concern I reported. I asked BMW North America and the dealer to review whether this condition may relate to or overlap with known BMW X4 steering/front axle/suspension recalls, including NHTSA Recall Nos. 19V678000, 19V738000, and 20V355000. BMW/dealer representatives stated there are no open recalls for my VIN and that BMW NA will not provide assistance, but I have not received a complete written explanation confirming that the dealer’s actual findings were reviewed against those recalls, campaigns, or safety concerns. On XXX, the service manager emailed that BMW NA Customer Relations allegedly said there are no open cases, the most recent case was closed, no assistance will be provided for suspension concerns, and the vehicle has no open recalls. The same email required return of the loaner by 5:00 PM if repairs are not approved. I am concerned this pressure is occurring before a complete safety/recall review is provided. No crash, injury, or fire occurred. I am requesting NHTSA review potential safety concerns involving the 2020 BMW X4 front suspension, steering, thrust rod bushings, swivel bearings, tie rods, motor mounts, turning-related noise, and whether additional VINs should be reviewed for recall/campaign applicability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11742911 · filed Jun 9, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I own the car since brand new from dealership and never have incident. Couple weeks ago, started having issues with digital main instruments panel. Suddenly when I turn on the car in the morning the dash simply does not work. I got alert saying one the safety system is malfunctioning but not say what it was specifically. After 5 min the engine is on the main dash back to work normally, and all the alerts disappear. I have checked faulty codes and I see faulty code record to identify what would be. I would report as safety incident as the failure is Randon and sometimes happen when I park the car in the office or anytime and I have to drive with no panel instruments working back to home. I have taken the bar back to dealership for investigation and they want to charge me $180 USD just for diagnose as it's out of warranty. I also taken to independent shop but it's hard to diagnose as the vehicle is reporting no fault on their system. A car with low milage should not been happening such major failure and I'm frustrated with the risk of driving a car couple miles without knowing my speed or fuel level. Appreciate your support .

NHTSA ID 11557184 · filed Nov 28, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .