BMW Z4 problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 96 owner complaints and 23 recalls on file for the BMW Z4 (2005–2025). The 2011 Z4 has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.
- Complaints
- 96
- Recalls
- 23
- Model years
- 18
- Worst year
- 2011
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst BMW Z4 years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2011 BMW Z4 — 22 complaints; top problem: Engine
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2023 (0 complaints).
Every BMW Z4 model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Z4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine |
| 2023 Z4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2022 Z4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System |
| 2021 Z4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | — |
| 2020 Z4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Electrical System |
| 2019 Z4 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Engine |
| 2016 Z4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Electrical System |
| 2015 Z4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Engine |
| 2014 Z4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System |
| 2013 Z4 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System |
| 2012 Z4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Engine |
| 2011 Z4 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Engine |
| 2010 Z4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Engine |
| 2009 Z4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Seats & Seat Belts |
| 2008 Z4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Airbags |
| 2007 Z4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine |
| 2006 Z4 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Steering |
| 2005 Z4 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Steering |
Most common BMW Z4 problem areas (all years)
- Engine36 complaints
- Steering29 complaints
- Electrical System19 complaints
- Airbags9 complaints
- Body & Structure6 complaints
- Brakes6 complaints
- Lighting2 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion2 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts2 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control2 complaints
Complaint trend
BMW Z4 recalls
Risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
Risk: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Risk: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Unintentionally closing the windows or sunroof without the key present can increase the risk of injury to occupants inside the vehicle.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Risk: Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
Risk: The failed weld may allow fuel to leak, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Risk: Should the headlamps be adjusted horizontally, there could be increased glare and reduced visibility for oncoming drivers, or reduced visibility for the vehicle operator, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Headlight failure can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the counterbalance shaft loosens, severe engine damage could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Risk: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Sudden loss of steering assistance may increase the steering effort required to control the direction of a vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Other BMW models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology