2012 BMW Z4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2012 BMW Z4 ranks 14th out of 17 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 19 and just 5 complaints logged. NHTSA lists 4 recalls, none marked do-not-drive. It carries a Best verdict relative to other Z4 years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 19/100
- #14 of 17 Z4 years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2012 BMW Z4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (80%)
- Electrical System2 (40%)
- Steering1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report a whining noise from the engine that BMW dealers traced to a timing chain issue near 65,900 miles.
- Some describe the engine overheating at highway speed (70-75 mph) with the vehicle decelerating on its own and an overheat warning telling the driver to pull over.
- One owner reported the steering wheel seizing at low speed while turning, requiring force to bring it back to center, with shuddering felt through the wheel at various speeds.
- Multiple owners waiting on the 24V608000 recall (engine/engine cooling and electrical system) said replacement parts were not available and the repair took longer than expected.
2012 BMW Z4 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V608000Aug 13, 2024Electrical System720,796 vehicles
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. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 14V627000Oct 7, 2014Brakes8,988 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 13V454000Sep 26, 2013Brakes76,191 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
2012 BMW Z4 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Z4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 BMW Z4 reliable?
- Compared to other Z4 model years, the 2012 rates Best, with a complaint index of 19 and only 5 complaints on file, the second-lowest complaint count among all 17 years tracked.
- What are the main problems with the 2012 BMW Z4?
- Engine issues make up 80% of complaints, including a timing chain concern reported at a median 88,532 miles and reports of overheating at highway speed. Electrical system and steering complaints appear less often.
- Does the 2012 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Z4, covering the electrical system/water pump, brakes (two separate campaigns), and steering. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2012 Z4 compare to other years?
- The 2012 ranks 14th worst out of 17 years, meaning only three years have fewer reported problems, while years like 2005 and 2006 have far higher complaint indexes of 100 and 94.