2014 BMW Z4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2014 BMW Z4 has a complaint index of 31 and ranks 12th worst out of 17 model years, earning a Good verdict. It shows 7 complaints, 3 recalls, no fires, and only 1 crash-linked report.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 31/100
- #12 of 17 Z4 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 7
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- 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 2014 BMW Z4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
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 unintended acceleration while braking in a parking lot, in one case resulting in a crash into a pole.
- Rear tires reportedly rubbed the inside wheel well, leading to a blowout that one owner said was a factory alignment/camber defect.
- A tire was found torn from the inside with a nail lodging it together, discovered after a puncture during normal driving.
- In-tank fuel pumps were replaced twice, with owners describing pump noise, hard starting, and the engine quitting in town or on the highway.
- Owners report delays getting parts for the water pump/electrical recall (24V608000), with the dealer unable to complete the repair.
- One owner reported rodents chewing electrical wiring, which triggered the airbag warning light and blocked monitoring of oil levels.
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?
- NHTSA data shows the 2014 Z4 has a complaint index of 31, ranking 12th worst of 17 model years for the Z4, and it carries a Good verdict relative to other Z4 years.
- What problems does the 2014 BMW Z4 have?
- NHTSA complaints for the 2014 Z4 point mostly to the electrical system (43% of complaints), followed by the engine and suspension/wheels/tires (each 29%). Reported issues include wiring damage, fuel pump failures, and tire/wheel rubbing.
- Does the 2014 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2014 Z4, covering the electrical system (water pump/plug connector) and brakes (camshaft seal and vacuum pump lubrication). None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2014 Z4 compare to other Z4 years?
- The 2014 Z4's complaint index of 31 is lower than earlier years like 2005 (100) and 2011 (88), but higher than 2012 (19), which carries the Best verdict among Z4 years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2014 BMW Z4?
- The 2014 Z4 gets an EPA-rated 21 mpg combined (19 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800.