2013 BMW Z4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2013 BMW Z4 has a Caution verdict, ranking 9th of 17 model years with a complaint index of 50. NHTSA lists 7 complaints and 3 recalls, with Electrical System issues making up 43% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #9 of 17 Z4 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 7
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2013 BMW Z4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System3 (43%)
- Airbags2 (29%)
- Brakes2 (29%)
- Structure & Body2 (29%)
- Engine1 (14%)
- Steering1 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (14%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicle unexpectedly fails to shift into or engage reverse after startup, sometimes recurring while driving at moderate speed.
- Owners report electrical faults affecting alarm function and software settings after dealer service.
- Steering feels sticky or notchy, with some owners linking it to a steering-related recall from the 2012 model.
- Airbag warning light and passenger seat belt indicator illuminate intermittently, tied to a suspected map sensor issue.
- Wheels develop cracks, prompting owners to seek replacement.
2013 BMW Z4 recalls
3 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].
2013 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.
2013 compared with other Z4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 BMW Z4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Z4 carries a complaint index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 9th of 17 model years. It has fewer reported issues than several earlier Z4 years but more than the 2012, 2014, and 2015 model years.
- What problems does the 2013 BMW Z4 have?
- NHTSA data shows Electrical System complaints lead at 43% of the total, followed by Airbags, Brakes, and Structure & Body issues, each at 29%. Two of the seven complaints involved crashes.
- Does the 2013 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Z4, covering the Electrical System (water pump/plug connector) and Brakes (camshaft seal and vacuum pump lubrication). None are do-not-drive recalls.
- What year BMW Z4 should I avoid?
- Among Z4 model years, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2011 carry Avoid verdicts with complaint indexes as high as 100. The 2013 model falls into the Caution range at 50, better than those years but worse than 2012, 2014, and 2015.
- At what mileage do 2013 Z4 problems typically occur?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 38,649.5 miles for the 2013 Z4, though electrical complaints alone show a median of 52,954 miles.