2021 BMW Z4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2021 BMW Z4 has a complaint index of 6, the second-lowest among 17 model years, with only 1 owner complaint on file. It carries 5 recalls covering the fuel tank, engine starter, engine management software, and seat belt retractors.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 6/100
- #16 of 17 Z4 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- —
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 23.5 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 BMW Z4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other1 (100%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
2021 BMW Z4 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V056000Jan 30, 2026Electrical System87,394 vehicles
Electrical system:starter assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
Risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.
- 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.
2021 BMW Z4 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23.5 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 26.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,025
- 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.
2021 compared with other Z4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 BMW Z4 reliable?
- NHTSA lists only 1 complaint for the 2021 Z4, giving it a complaint index of 6, ranked 16th worst out of 17 model years, meaning it has fewer reported problems than nearly every other Z4 year.
- Does the 2021 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2021 Z4, covering the fuel tank weld, engine starter, engine management software, and seat belt retractors.
- Should I avoid the 2021 BMW Z4?
- No. With a complaint index of 6 and just 1 complaint, the 2021 Z4 is among the lowest-complaint years of the model, though it still has 5 recalls to check are completed.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 BMW Z4?
- EPA rates the 2021 Z4 at 26.5 mpg combined (23.5 city / 31 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,025.
- Is there a park-outside recall for the 2021 BMW Z4?
- Yes, recall campaign 25V636000 covers an engine starter issue and advises owners to park outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete.