2013 BMW Z4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
91/100
#2 most-complained of 12 Z4 years
The 2013 BMW Z4 ranks 2nd worst of 12 model years, with a Complaint Index of 91, 7 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 crashes tied to reported issues. Electrical System problems dominate, making up 43% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 26 hwy
Top 2013 BMW Z4 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Vehicle fails to shift into reverse or loses power unexpectedly when the accelerator is pressed, sometimes returning to normal after restarting the engine.
- Owners report electrical faults, including alarm malfunctions and software issues, that surfaced after dealer service work.
- Steering feels sticky or tight, with some owners linking this to the same condition addressed by an earlier steering-related recall.
- Airbag and seatbelt warning lights illuminate intermittently, sometimes tied to a faulty map sensor that the dealer could not immediately repair.
- Wheels develop cracks, prompting requests to BMW for reimbursement of replacement costs.
- Owners with the water pump recall report parts were not available when they brought the car in for the fix.
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?
- Compared to other Z4 years, 2013 ranks poorly. It has a Complaint Index of 91, the second-highest of 12 model years tracked, with Electrical System issues making up 43% of its 7 complaints.
- What is the top problem area for the 2013 BMW Z4?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 3 of the 7 complaints (43%), with a median failure mileage of 52,954 miles.
- Does the 2013 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Z4, covering the Electrical System (water pump and plug connector) and Brakes (camshaft seal disk and vacuum pump lubrication), none marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2013 Z4 compare to other Z4 years?
- The 2013 Z4 has a Complaint Index of 91, well above the 2012 model's 27 and the 2015 model's 36, and is ranked as Avoid, second worst behind the 2011 model's index of 100.