2019 BMW Z4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2019 BMW Z4 has a Complaint Index of 38 and ranks 11th of 17 model years, but its verdict is capped at Caution because of a Do Not Drive/Park Outside recall. NHTSA lists 6 recalls and 5 complaints for this year, with Engine the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 38/100
- #11 of 17 Z4 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 28
- 25 city / 32 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2019 BMW Z4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine2 (40%)
- Airbags1 (20%)
- Electrical System1 (20%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (20%)
- Steering1 (20%)
- Structure & Body1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Automatic emergency braking failed to engage during a low-speed collision even though the dealer said the system was in working order.
- The check engine light repeatedly turned on and off despite multiple service visits, with the issue reported at 200 miles.
- Owners describe faulty grille shutter (active air flap) actuators acting up around 30,000 miles.
- Steering control arm ball joints wore out prematurely at 14,300 miles, well before BMW's normal 60,000-mile inspection interval.
- An owner reported the parts needed for the electrical system recall repair (campaign 25V636000) were unavailable for an extended period.
2019 BMW Z4 recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V636000Sep 23, 2025Electrical System199,674 vehiclesPark Outside
Electrical system:starter assembly:relay
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Risk: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.
- NHTSA 21V598000Aug 2, 2021Engine50,024 vehicles
Engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.
Risk: Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 20V516000Aug 27, 2020Electrical System4,265 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The headlamps are able to be adjusted horizontally. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Should the headlamps be adjusted horizontally, there could be increased glare and reduced visibility for oncoming drivers, or reduced visibility for the vehicle operator, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamp vertical and horizontal adjustment plugs, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. BMW owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
2019 BMW Z4 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 32 MPG
- Combined
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,850
- 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.
2019 compared with other Z4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 BMW Z4 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2019 Z4 a Complaint Index of 38, ranking it 11th out of 17 model years. Its verdict is Caution, partly because of a Park Outside recall rather than complaint volume alone.
- Does the 2019 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2019 Z4, covering the electrical system, engine, steering, and collision avoidance systems, including one Park Outside recall.
- What is the top problem area for the 2019 BMW Z4?
- Engine complaints make up 40% of reported issues for this year, the largest single problem area.
- How does the 2019 Z4 compare to other Z4 years?
- With a Complaint Index of 38, the 2019 Z4 is roughly in the middle of the pack, better than heavily flagged years like 2005 (index 100) but worse than years like 2012 (index 19, Best verdict).