RoadVitals

2010 BMW Z4

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
10
Latest May 14, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Oct 20, 2023
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 BMW Z4, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and brakes categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 160 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine440.0%
  • Electrical110.0%
  • Brakes110.0%
  • Other / unspecified110.0%
  • Powertrain (other)110.0%
  • Visibility110.0%
  • Fuel system110.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
23V707000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Oct 20, 2023
157,796 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
The risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
22V119000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

Mar 2, 2022
917,106 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
The risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
The remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
17V683000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

Oct 30, 2017
740,561 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
The risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 10
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH when attempting to depress the accelerator pedal the vehicle decrease speed independently. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an dealer where it was diagnosed the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed him there are no recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 161,000.

NHTSA ID
11737891
Incident
May 9, 2026
Mileage
161,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 22, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms tools are not available

NHTSA ID
11470484
Incident
Jun 22, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Oct 15, 2018

BMW HAS ACKNOWLEDGED A KNOWN ISSUE CAUSING FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. THE BMW TECHNICAL BULLETIN IS (SI B 13 03 09). THIS EXTENDS THE WARRANTY OF THE PART TO 10 YEARS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE FAILURE IS NOT WELL DOCUMENTED BY THE VEHICLE ISSUE LOGGING SYSTEM, AND THAT OTHER ISSUES WITH THE CAR ARE CITED AS A REASON TO NOT PERFORM THE PART REPLACEMENT. BMW N. AMERICA AND BMW OF AUSTIN DO NOT, AND CAN NOT PROVIDE A TEST TO CHECK THE VEHICLE'S FUEL SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY. THIS PUTS DRIVERS, PASSENGERS AND ANYONE ELSE AT RISK SHOULD THE PART FAIL SUDDENLY AFTER EXHIBITING PARTIAL FAILURES. THE COMPLAINT SHOULD ALSO NOTE THAT BMW DOES NOT PROVIDE AN EASY WAY TO REPORT THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE AS THERE IS NO FIXED PROCESS TO DOCUMENT THE ISSUES.

NHTSA ID
11140417
Incident
May 16, 2018
Mileage
68,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 25, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.

NHTSA ID
10730345
Incident
Jun 13, 2014
Mileage
10,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Mar 19, 2015

DURING A COLD, DRIVING RAIN STORM, WITH DRIVER & 1 PASSENGER, STARTED TO DRIVE. (VERY 1ST DRIVE IN THIS CAR WITH COLD WEATHER) WHAT A SURPRISE: WINDSHIELD IMMEDIATELY FOGGED UP. TURNED ON DEFOGGER, WINDSHIELD THEN FOGGED UP 100% AS WELL AS ALL OTHER WINDOWS - AS VISIBILITY DISAPPEARED, I STOPPED THE CAR & OPENED THE WINDOWS WITH THE BLOWER ON. NO HEAT COULD BE USED. THIS PROCESS WAS REPEATED OVER THE NEXT 1 TO 1-1/2 HOURS IN ORDER TO CONTINUE DRIVING. ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO BMW MANY TIMES OVER. I HAD TO LEARN THAT DESPITE COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES W-W/O RAIN, SNOW, ETC. - THE A/C MUST BE TURNED ON IN ORDER TO NOT FOG THE WINDOWS. BMW: THERE'S NOTHING TO FIX, THAT'S THE WAY IT IS. THE AMBIENT AIR IS DIRECTED THROUGH A PORTION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THIS HEATS UP THE AIR. BMW STATED THAT I MAY VOID THE WARRANTY IF I MODIFY THE SYSTEM TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THIS HAS CONTINUED TO OCCUR. ON A DRIVE ON CA'S COAST HIGHWAY, WITH TEMPS IN THE LOW 50'S - ONE MUST STILL RUN THE A/C & NO HEAT. BMW ASKED: WHAT DO YOU HAVE AGAINST RUNNING THE A/C ALL THE TIME? IN ADDITION TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY - THIS RESULTS IN CONSTANT, VERY LOW MPG WITH THE A/C ALWAYS ON. WHEN BMW PROVIDED MPG'S TO FED. AGENCIES, I BELIEVE THAT BMW'S A/C'S WERE NOT ON & THESE CARS DEMAND PREMIUM FUEL. I SPOKE WITH A NATIONALLY KNOWN, RESPECTED TESTER/ADVISERS OF MANY VEHICLES - IT WAS CONFIRMED TO ME THAT THE MPG TESTS ARE CONDUCTED WITHOUT THE A/C'S BEING TURNED ON. *TR

NHTSA ID
10695276
Incident
Mar 31, 2009
Mileage
100 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 25, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V176000 (ENGINE). THE DEALER COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE FOR EIGHT MONTHS BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
10627984
Incident
Jun 9, 2014
Other / unspecified
Filed Jul 12, 2011

REAR RIMS CRACKING ON 2010 BMW Z4 WITH ONLY 7,200 MILES. DEALER STATES ISSUE CAUSED BY POT HOLES, BUT COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY FRONT RIMSWERE NOT CRACKED. *TT

NHTSA ID
10412024
Incident
Jul 11, 2011
Mileage
7,131 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 7, 2011

2011 BMW Z4, PURCHASED NEW WITH APPROXIMATELY 7K MILES. STARTED TO FEEL VIBRATION WHEN I PUT ON BRAKES AROUND 5K MILE MARK. VIBRATION LASTS 1-2 SECONDS. HAPPENED 20 TIMES SO FAR. I WAS DRIVING TODAY, 7000K MILE MARK, AND THE ENGINE FAILED AND DIED. LIKE SOMEBODY JUST TURNED IT OFF. LUCKILY I WAS ON LOCAL STREET SO I JUST CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! THEN I RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT CAME BACK TO LIFE AND RAN LIKE NORMAL. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. SOMETHING IS WRONG IF YOUR CAR DIES WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING!! *TR

NHTSA ID
10410874
Incident
Jul 6, 2011
Mileage
7,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B012016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

B611026

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, Vehicle test, and/or Programming procedure- the BMW Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. As a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues may occur: Headlights including the high beams, and/or taillights are not turning on or off Interior lights are not turning on Turn indicators are not working Instrument cluster indicator lights stay on The IHKA climate control system is not working Power windows are not working Folding mirrors are not working, and/or a Functional remote-control key FOB will not unlock and lock the doors

B012016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

B012016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

B068824

Screw Cap Return

B068624

Socket Housing Return

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW Z4 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026010—
2025010—
2024010—
2023030—
2022140—
2021150—
2020560—
2019560—
2016410—
2015510—
2014731—
2013731—
2012541—
2011466047.5
2010Viewing105051.1
2009224045.8
2008192045.4
2007332048.0
2006912149.0
20051900243.8
20044111247.6
20034144154.5
2002400—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.