2019 BMW Z4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
64/100
#5 most-complained of 12 Z4 years
The 2019 BMW Z4 has a Complaint Index of 64 and ranks 5th worst out of 12 model years, earning a 'Caution' verdict. NHTSA lists 5 complaints, 6 recalls, and 1 crash, with Engine issues being the top problem area at 40% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 28
- 25 city / 32 hwy
Top 2019 BMW Z4 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report the check engine light repeatedly turning on and off despite multiple dealer visits, with one failure logged at a median mileage of 200 miles.
- Some owners describe faulty front grille active air flap shutters causing persistent engine-area warnings around 30,000 miles.
- One owner reported the automatic emergency braking system failed to engage during a low-speed collision under 35 mph.
- Owners describe premature wear in steering control arm ball joints found during a state inspection at 14,300 miles, well before BMW's typical 60,000-mile service interval.
- One owner noted a recall remedy for the electrical system (Campaign 25V636000) could not be completed because replacement parts were unavailable.
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 64 and a 'Caution' verdict, ranking 5th worst among the 12 model years with data. It performs worse than years like 2012, 2015, and 2010, which earned 'Good' verdicts.
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 BMW Z4?
- Engine issues make up 40% of complaints, the largest single category. Other reported areas include airbags, electrical system, collision avoidance cameras, steering, and structure/body, each accounting for 20% of complaints.
- Does the 2019 BMW Z4 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2019 Z4, covering the electrical system, engine, steering, and collision avoidance camera software. None of the recalls are do-not-drive recalls, though one advises owners to park outside until repaired.
- How does the 2019 Z4 compare to other Z4 years?
- The 2019 model's Complaint Index of 64 is higher than 2010 (45), 2012 (27), and 2015 (36), but lower than 2011 (100) and 2013 (91), which are the worst-ranked Z4 years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2019 BMW Z4?
- The 2019 Z4 gets an EPA-rated 28 mpg combined (25 city / 32 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,850.