At a Glance
The Bmw 4 Series has 7 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the F32 (2013-2020) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 647K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Bmw 4 Series common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Bmw 4 Series generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Bmw 4 Series Generations
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Most Common Bmw 4 Series MOT Failures
Every reason Bmw 4 Series vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre condition | 30.53% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 15.52% |
| 3 | Brake pads or linings worn | 7.61% |
| 4 | Windscreen washer not working | 6.97% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.23% |
| 6 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 3.34% |
| 7 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 2.94% |
| 8 | Indicator fault | 2.88% |
| 9 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.63% |
| 10 | Headlamp fault | 2.36% |
| 11 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.90% |
| 12 | Brake performance below minimum | 1.74% |
| 13 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.52% |
| 14 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.26% |
| 15 | Horn not working | 1.25% |
| 16 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 1.17% |
| 17 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.11% |
| 18 | Position lamp not working | 0.92% |
| 19 | Stop lamp not working | 0.89% |
| 20 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.77% |
| 21 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.63% |
| 22 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.61% |
| 23 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.55% |
| 24 | Driveshaft fault | 0.52% |
| 25 | Seat belt condition | 0.48% |
| 26 | Exhaust system fault | 0.35% |
| 27 | Track rod end worn | 0.32% |
| 28 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.31% |
| 29 | Airbag warning light on | 0.31% |
| 30 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.30% |
| 31 | ABS fault | 0.28% |
| 32 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.25% |
| 33 | Brake lever fault | 0.22% |
| 34 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.21% |
| 35 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.19% |
| 36 | Number plate lamp not working | 0.19% |
| 37 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.17% |
| 38 | Brake caliper fault | 0.16% |
| 39 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.16% |
| 40 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.15% |
| 41 | Steering rack fault | 0.15% |
| 42 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.13% |
| 43 | Brake pedal fault | 0.11% |
| 44 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.10% |
| 45 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.08% |
| 46 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 47 | Engine oil leak | 0.07% |
| 48 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.07% |
| 49 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 50 | Rear lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 51 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 52 | Drag link end worn | 0.05% |
| 53 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 54 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 55 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 56 | Transmission oil leak | 0.04% |
| 57 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.04% |
| 58 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 59 | Fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 60 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 61 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 62 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.03% |
| 63 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 64 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 65 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 66 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 67 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | 0.03% |
| 68 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.03% |
| 69 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 70 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 71 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.02% |
| 72 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 73 | Front lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 74 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 75 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 76 | Parking brake condition | 0.02% |
| 77 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 78 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 79 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 80 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 81 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.02% |
| 82 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 83 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.01% |
| 84 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 85 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 86 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 87 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | <0.01% |
| 88 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 89 | Front suspension joint worn | <0.01% |
| 90 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 91 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 92 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 93 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 94 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 95 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 96 | Battery loose or leaking | <0.01% |
| 97 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 98 | Brake fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 99 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 101 | Rear suspension fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 104 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 107 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 109 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 110 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 112 | Front suspension fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 118 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 121 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake pedal movement restricted | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Chassis condition | <0.01% |
| 127 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 129 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 130 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 132 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 134 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 136 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 137 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 137 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Bmw 4 Series MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Bmw 4 Series, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Bmw 4 Series problems?
Based on analysis of 647K Bmw 4 Series MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 7 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Tyre condition". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Bmw 4 Series generation has the most problems?
The Bmw 4 Series F32 (2013-2020) (2013–2020) has the highest number of identified common problems (8). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Bmw 4 Series?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Bmw 4 Series owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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