YearToAvoid

2015 BMW Z4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

36/100

#8 most-complained of 12 Z4 years

The 2015 BMW Z4 has a complaint index of 36 and ranks 8th worst out of 12 model years, earning a "Good" verdict compared to other Z4 years. It has 5 complaints, 1 recall, and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported.

Complaints
5
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
22.5
19.5 city / 27.5 hwy

Top 2015 BMW Z4 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System3 (60%)
  2. Engine3 (60%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain1 (20%)

What owners report

  • Owners report a transmission that unexpectedly shifted into reverse and began moving backward after the driver removed their foot from the brake, at 1,424 miles.
  • Owners describe headlights that point too low, aiming toward the ground close to the front of the car, making nighttime driving difficult even with high beams.
  • Some owners report the headlight aiming sensor repeatedly resetting after a prior fix, causing the problem to return.
  • Owners report receiving notice of recall 24V608000 for the engine cooling and electrical system but being told replacement parts were not yet available, leaving the repair delayed.
2015 BMW Z4 complaints: complaints filed per month2Mar 2015Jul 2018Mar 2025Jun 2025Oct 2025
7 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2015 to Oct 2025; peak Mar 2025 (2).

2015 BMW Z4 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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.

2015 BMW Z4 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
19.5 MPG
Highway
27.5 MPG
Combined
22.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,625
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.

2015 compared with other Z4 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201020112012201320142015201620192020202120222023
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2013Avoid917321
2014Caution557321
2015Good365122.5
2016No verdict824122.5
2019Caution645628

All BMW Z4 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2015 BMW Z4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2015 Z4 has a complaint index of 36, ranking 8th worst among 12 model years and earning a "Good" verdict relative to other Z4 years.
What problems does the 2015 BMW Z4 have?
NHTSA data shows the top problem areas are the Electrical System and Engine, each accounting for 60% of complaints, with one Transmission & Powertrain complaint reported at 1,424 miles.
Does the 2015 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 24V608000, covering the electrical system and engine cooling, with dealers replacing the water pump and plug connector and installing a protective shield.
How does the 2015 Z4 compare to other Z4 years?
The 2015 Z4's complaint index of 36 is lower than the 2011 Z4 (100, rated Avoid) and the 2013 Z4 (91, rated Avoid), making 2015 one of the better years based on NHTSA complaint data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.