Avoid: 2011, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2022 (few owner reports)
18 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 18 model years, the BMW Z4 has 1,416 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 58 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and electrical system. 2003 drew the most complaints (414), 2022 the fewest (1).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for BMW Z4 vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $13,934–$38,487.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2014 | 21 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2011 | 138 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2008 | 19 |
| 2007 | 33 |
| 2006 | 91 |
| 2005 | 190 |
| 2004 | 411 |
| 2003 | 414 |
Highest: 2003 (414 complaints). Lowest: 2022 (1).
Sentiment is highly dependent on the specific generation and powertrain.
Common point of failure.
Common with age.
Causes performance issues.
Motor placement can lead to water damage and failure.
Windows cease to function.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Z4. Individual model years are broken down above.
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