2014 BMW Z4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
55/100
#6 most-complained of 12 Z4 years
The 2014 BMW Z4 has a Complaint Index of 55 and ranks 6th worst out of 12 model years, earning a Caution verdict. It has 7 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 crash, with Electrical System issues being the top problem area.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 26 hwy
Top 2014 BMW Z4 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System3 (43%)
- Engine2 (29%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (29%)
- Airbags1 (14%)
- Brakes1 (14%)
- Fuel System1 (14%)
What owners report
- Some owners report brakes failing to stop the car, with continued acceleration in a parking lot leading to a crash at a median mileage of 25,000 miles.
- Tires reportedly rub against the inner wheel well, which some describe as a factory-related fitment issue that eventually caused a blowout, seen at a median mileage of 30,000 miles.
- In-tank fuel pumps have reportedly needed replacement more than once on the same vehicle, with owners noting hard starts and the engine cutting off while driving, at a median mileage of 11,225 miles.
- Owners tied to recall 24V608000 report waiting extended periods for replacement parts for an electrical and engine cooling system repair.
- One owner reported rodent damage to electrical wiring that triggered an airbag warning light and blocked the ability to monitor oil levels, at a median mileage of 111,544 miles.
2014 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].
2014 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.
2014 compared with other Z4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 BMW Z4 reliable?
- The 2014 Z4 has a Complaint Index of 55 and a Caution verdict, ranking 6th worst among 12 model years of the Z4. It has fewer complaints than the worst years like 2011 and 2013 but still trails behind the better years like 2012 and 2015.
- What are the main problem areas for the 2014 BMW Z4?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem area is the Electrical System, accounting for 43% of complaints, followed by Engine and Suspension, Wheels & Tires, each at 29%.
- Does the 2014 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2014 Z4, covering the Electrical System (water pump and plug connector) and two Brakes-related campaigns involving camshaft seal and vacuum pump lubrication.
- How does the 2014 Z4 compare to other Z4 years?
- The 2014 model has a Complaint Index of 55, better than 2011 (100, Avoid) and 2013 (91, Avoid), but worse than 2012 (27, Good) and 2015 (36, Good).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2014 BMW Z4?
- The EPA rates the 2014 Z4 at 21 mpg combined (19 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800.