Airbags and electrical system issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
The 2020 BMW X4 is considered a Sports Activity Vehicle. This model is said to provide “the forefront of style,” but many customers are raising the alarm about safety. It appears that the BMW X4 suffers from malfunctioning air bags, a faulty electrical system and a long list of recalls.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2022
The air bags in any vehicle are an essential part of on-road safety. However, the air bags in the X4 seem to be defective and are struggling to deploy when needed.
Here is one example from the NHTSA. “On June 21, 2020, on a city street. My white BMW was traveling westward and a black BMW was traveling southbound. The black BMW ran its red light to my green light. When we collided in the intersection, the complete front end of my white BMW impacted the black BMW driver’s side, from approximately from the front tire, to just into its rear door. That impact caused the black BMW’s side airbags to deploy, and either at the same time or upon a subsequent collision with a bollard, its front airbags deployed also. To my shock and dismay, none of the airbags in my white BMW deployed. All airbags are still in their respective storage compartments. Additionally, I have highlighted several other standard safety features of the car that did not perform its designated function either. I would like you to investigate why these systems failed me.”
In addition to this complaint, there are several recalls that suggest trouble with the air bag systems. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V164000 states that the front seat belt buckle sensors might not detect an occupant, leaving the air bag unarmed. Plus, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V152000 talks about another problem where the instrument panel casing might not have been properly installed and tightened. If this occurs, the air bag could damage the panel and cause an injury during an accident.
So, while it’s clear that the air bags are struggling to work properly, what is the likelihood that an X4 owner might need them? Actually, when looking at other recalls, it becomes clear that there are multiple problems that could lead to an accident. NHTSA Campaign 20V355000 illustrates how the steering gear tie rod could easily become damaged and fracture. If this happens, the chance of an accident is much higher. Plus, NHTSA Campaign Number 19V678000 goes further to talk about how the front axle swivel in some vehicles wasn’t installed properly, which could also lead to breakage. If this occurs, an accident is imminent. With all of these troubles in mind, it’s clear that the air bags are needed, now more than ever. Yet, the X4 is only the “forefront of style,” not necessarily safety.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Air Bags | |
| Electrical System | |
| Exterior Lighting | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | |
| Power Train:driveline:driveshaft | |
| Seat Belts | |
| Suspension |
A properly working electrical system is designed to keep everything running smoothly. Yet, this is one more part of the X4 that doesn’t function the way it should, leaving many owners without what is needed.
Here is another NHTSA complaint. “Just bought the car. The hatchback opened while driving. BMW reprogrammed key fob so need to press car open then hatch open. But the alarm goes off all the time and car unlocks if anything presses on key fob. BMW said keep my fob in a leather case in my coat or pocket. That helped but still happens due to design of key fob. I am still worried the trunk will open when driving as it did twice. Very dangerous.”
This is just the start of what can happen with the X4. Again, looking at even more recalls shows bigger problems. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V684000 affects more than 250,000 vehicles. This recall states that the back-up camera might not display the appropriate image. Without this vital safety technology, accidents are more likely. At this point, it’s clear all the X4 is focused on is style – safety is just an afterthought.
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Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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