2016 BMW Z4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2016 BMW Z4 has 4 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 56, ranking 8th out of 17 model years. It carries 1 recall for a water pump and electrical connector issue, with no verdict assigned yet.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 56/100
- #8 of 17 Z4 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 4
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 19.5 city / 27.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2016 BMW Z4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine2 (50%)
- Electrical System1 (25%)
- Other1 (25%)
- Seat Belts1 (25%)
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 sudden unexplained noise followed by loss of vehicle control leading to a rear-end collision at a median mileage of 8,000 miles.
- The driver's side seat belt reportedly jams in the retainer and will not release without manual jiggling, an issue described as occurring about 20% of the time.
- A dealer reportedly replaced the entire seat belt mechanism but the jamming problem persisted.
- Owners waiting on the water pump and electrical connector recall repair report that replacement parts were not yet available, delaying the fix.
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 56, ranking 8th of 17 Z4 model years. The top problem area is the Engine, accounting for half of reported complaints.
- Does the 2016 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 24V608000) covers the Electrical System, involving a water pump and plug connector that BMW says will be inspected and replaced as necessary with a protective shield installed.
- What is the most common problem with the 2016 BMW Z4?
- Engine complaints make up 50% of reports for this year, with a median mileage at failure of 8,000 miles among engine-related complaints.
- How does the 2016 Z4 compare to other Z4 years?
- The 2016 Z4's complaint index of 56 is lower than the worst years like 2005 (index 100) and 2006 (index 94), but higher than best years like 2012 (index 19) and 2015 (index 25).