What year BMW Z4 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 and 2013 BMW Z4 model years are the ones to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 91, the two highest of any Z4 year covered.

Is the 2011 BMW Z4 reliable?

The 2011 Z4 ranks worst of all 12 model years covered, with 46 total complaints and a complaint index of 100. Owners most often reported engine problems, with a median failure mileage of 30,000 miles for engine issues specifically, and six recall campaigns are on record for this year.

Does the BMW Z4 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 22 total recall campaigns across the 2010-2023 BMW Z4 model years, with the 2011 and 2013 model years having six and three campaigns respectively.

Which BMW Z4 years are best?

No Z4 year earned a Best verdict in this dataset. The lowest complaint index years are 2023 (0), 2021 (9), and 2012 (27), suggesting comparatively fewer reported problems relative to other Z4 years.

Are 2014, 2019, and 2020 BMW Z4 models risky?

These years carry a Caution verdict, with complaint indexes of 55, 64, and 73 respectively, lower than the Avoid years (2011 and 2013) but higher than the best-performing years like 2012 and 2023.

BMW Z4 Best and Worst Years (2010–2023)

Among BMW Z4 model years 2010-2023, 2011 and 2013 stand out as the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 91 respectively, well above other years. 2014, 2019, and 2020 carry Caution status; no year earned a Best verdict.

Avoid 2011 Avoid 2013

Model years: 12; 2010–2023
NHTSA complaints: 96
Recall campaigns: 22
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Engine

Z4 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

BMW Z4 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Good	45	10	0	5	Engine	21	—
2011	Avoid	100	46	1	6	Engine	21	—
2012	Good	27	5	0	4	Engine	21	—
2013	Avoid	91	7	2	3	Electrical System	21	—
2014	Caution	55	7	1	3	Electrical System	21	—
2015	Good	36	5	0	1	Electrical System	22.5	—
2016	No verdict	82	4	1	1	Engine	22.5	—
2019	Caution	64	5	1	6	Engine	28	—
2020	Caution	73	5	1	6	Brakes	26.5	—
2021	No verdict	9	1	0	5	—	26.5	—
2022	No verdict	18	1	0	3	Electrical System	26.5	—
2023	No verdict	0	0	0	2	—	27	—

Z4 years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 BMW Z4 Index 100 · 46 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2011 Z4 has the highest complaint index (100) of any year and ranks worst overall. Owners most often reported engine problems (17 complaints, 37% share), with failures at a median 30,000 miles, including stalling at low speed. Steering complaints (13, 28%) surfaced around 45,499 miles, and suspension/wheel issues (10, 22%) at 33,000 miles included cracked rear wheels and tire blowouts. Brake complaints (6, 13%) occurred near 49,445 miles, with one owner reporting brakes that failed to decelerate the car during a shake at 30 mph. NHTSA lists six recall campaigns for this year, including engine PCV valve heater and VANOS bolt issues.

2011 engine problems →

2013 BMW Z4 Index 91 · 7 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2013 Z4 ranks second worst with a complaint index of 91. Electrical system complaints led the year (3 complaints, 43% share) with failures at a median 52,954 miles, including a reported loss of reverse function and gear engagement problems. Airbags (2 complaints, 29%) and brakes (2 complaints, 29%) also showed issues near 52,954-61,477 miles, and structure/body complaints appeared at a median 23,000 miles. NHTSA lists three recall campaigns for this year, covering electrical water pump connectors and brake-related camshaft seal and vacuum pump concerns.

Most common BMW Z4 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine37 (39%)
Electrical System20 (21%)
Steering18 (19%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires15 (16%)
Brakes12 (13%)
Other5 (5%)
Airbags4 (4%)
Fuel System4 (4%)
Structure & Body4 (4%)
Transmission & Powertrain4 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What year BMW Z4 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 and 2013 BMW Z4 model years are the ones to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 91, the two highest of any Z4 year covered.
Is the 2011 BMW Z4 reliable?: The 2011 Z4 ranks worst of all 12 model years covered, with 46 total complaints and a complaint index of 100. Owners most often reported engine problems, with a median failure mileage of 30,000 miles for engine issues specifically, and six recall campaigns are on record for this year.
Does the BMW Z4 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 22 total recall campaigns across the 2010-2023 BMW Z4 model years, with the 2011 and 2013 model years having six and three campaigns respectively.
Which BMW Z4 years are best?: No Z4 year earned a Best verdict in this dataset. The lowest complaint index years are 2023 (0), 2021 (9), and 2012 (27), suggesting comparatively fewer reported problems relative to other Z4 years.
Are 2014, 2019, and 2020 BMW Z4 models risky?: These years carry a Caution verdict, with complaint indexes of 55, 64, and 73 respectively, lower than the Avoid years (2011 and 2013) but higher than the best-performing years like 2012 and 2023.