2016 BMW Z4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
82/100
#3 most-complained of 12 Z4 years
The 2016 BMW Z4 has 4 NHTSA complaints and a Complaint Index of 82, ranking 3rd worst out of 12 model years. Engine problems make up 50% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 8,000 miles. One recall covers a water pump issue.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 19.5 city / 27.5 hwy
Top 2016 BMW Z4 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine2 (50%)
- Electrical System1 (25%)
- Other1 (25%)
- Seat Belts1 (25%)
What owners report
- An unknown noise occurred before a vehicle went out of control and crashed into the car ahead while stopped with the brake pedal depressed, with frontal and knee airbags deploying.
- A driver-side seat belt jammed and would not release from the retainer behind the seat about 20% of the time, requiring manual jiggling to free it, even after a dealer replaced the mechanism.
- An owner was notified of recall campaign 24V608000 for the engine cooling and electrical system but reported the replacement part was not yet available, exceeding a reasonable repair timeframe.
2016 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.
2016 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.
2016 compared with other Z4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 BMW Z4 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 4 complaints for the 2016 Z4 with a Complaint Index of 82, ranking 3rd worst among 12 model years of the Z4, so it performs worse than most other Z4 years based on owner complaints and recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW Z4?
- Engine problems account for 50% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 8,000 miles. Electrical system and seat belt issues each account for 25% of complaints.
- Does the 2016 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 24V608000) covers the water pump and plug connector on the engine and electrical system, affecting the 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i and related BMW models. The remedy involves inspecting and replacing the water pump and plug connector and installing a protective shield.
- How does the 2016 Z4 compare to other Z4 years?
- The 2016 Z4's Complaint Index of 82 is higher than the 2010 (45), 2012 (27), 2014 (55), and 2015 (36) model years, but lower than the 2011 (100) and 2013 (91) model years, which are rated Avoid.