2015 BMW Z4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2015 BMW Z4 has a Good verdict compared to other Z4 years, with a complaint index of 25 out of 100, 5 complaints, and 1 recall on record. It ranks 13th worst out of 17 model years, meaning most other years report more problems.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 25/100
- #13 of 17 Z4 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 19.5 city / 27.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2015 BMW Z4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System3 (60%)
- Engine3 (60%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (20%)
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 the car unexpectedly shifting itself into reverse while stopped with the brake pressed, at low mileage around 1,424 miles.
- Headlights described as pointed too far downward, with an aiming sensor that keeps flipping and forces reliance on high beams for night driving, reported around 21,000 miles.
- Some owners describe waiting for a water pump and plug connector recall repair because the replacement part was not available from the manufacturer.
- Complaints cite both engine and electrical system tags tied to the same recall campaign for water pump and cooling issues.
2015 BMW Z4 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 BMW Z4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2015 Z4 earns a Good verdict among Z4 years, with a complaint index of 25 out of 100 and only 5 complaints filed.
- What problems does the 2015 BMW Z4 have?
- The top problem area is the electrical system, tied with engine complaints at 60% share each, including headlight aiming issues and a water pump recall.
- Does the 2015 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall, campaign 24V608000, covering the water pump and plug connector, with a protective shield installed as the remedy.
- How does the 2015 Z4 compare to other years?
- It ranks 13th worst out of 17 model years, better than years like 2005 (complaint index 100, Avoid) but not as low-risk as 2012, which is rated Best with a complaint index of 19.