Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | −50% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2022 | 1 | −50% | 3 | Window & Wiper | Few |
| 2021 | 1 | −78% | 5 | — | Average |
| 2020 | 5 | −45% | 6 | Steering | Good |
| 2019 | 5 | −50% | 6 | Engine | Good |
| 2015 | 5 | −78% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2014 | 7 | −68% | 3 | Electrical | Good |
| 2013 | 7 | −68% | 3 | Electrical | Good |
| 2012 | 5 | −84% | 4 | Engine | Good |
| 2011 | 46 | 2.0× | 6 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2010 | 10 | −46% | 5 | Engine | Good |
| 2009 | 22 | typical | 4 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2008 | 19 | −41% | 2 | Airbag | Good |
| 2007 | 33 | 1.4× | 2 | Steering | Caution |
| 2006 | 91 | 3.8× | 2 | Steering | Avoid |
| 2005 | 191 | 7.4× | — | Steering | Avoid |
| 2004 | 411 | 16.2× | 1 | Steering | Avoid |
| 2003 | 414 | 16.3× | 4 | Steering | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Z4 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW Z4 problems
Latest BMW Z4 recalls
Electrical system › Starter assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Electrical system › Starter assembly › Relay
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026.
Electrical system › Wiring › Connectors/plugs/receptacles
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW Z4 should you avoid?
2011, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Z4 years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2011.
What is the best year for the BMW Z4?
2012 has the fewest complaints compared with other Z4 years at the same age, followed by 2015 and 2021. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common BMW Z4 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the steering (982), air bags (92) and engine & cooling (76). Steering complaints peak in the 2004 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW Z4 had?
28 recalls across 2003–2023. The model year with the most is 2011. See all BMW Z4 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.