RoadVitals

2012 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.
5
Latest Feb 11, 2025
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.
4
Latest Aug 13, 2024
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.
1
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 5 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 BMW Z4, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and steering categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 140 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

  • Engine457.1%
  • Electrical228.6%
  • Steering114.3%

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

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

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
24V608000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP

Aug 13, 2024
720,796 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
The risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
14V627000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Oct 7, 2014
8,988 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
The risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
13V454000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Sep 26, 2013
76,191 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
The risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE13030ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Loss of power assist braking

Opened Sep 6, 2013
Closed Oct 25, 2013

In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (NHTSA Recall 13V-454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft may result in blocking of the oil supply to the vacuum pump, resulting in improper pump operation and loss of power assist braking.On July 11, 2013, BMW initiated a change to the camshaft geometry that prevented the seal disk from blocking the oil port.BMW has not received any braking complaints related to loss of power assist after the design change was implemented in production.The owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer who will install a locking ring into the camshaft to keep the seal disk in its proper location.BMW expects to begin dealer and owner notification in November 2013 and complete dealer and owner notification in December when the remedy is expected to be available.Based on the actions taken by BMW, this investigation is closed.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUMLed to recall 13V454000

Recent owner complaints

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

ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11641959
Incident
Oct 21, 2024
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11638768
Incident
Jan 27, 2025
Steering
Filed Dec 13, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and turning to the left, the steering wheel seized, and the contact had to use force to return the steering wheel back to center. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds while turning left or right. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while the steering wheel was turned to the left or right. The vehicle regained normal steering functionality when the vehicle was stopped and turned off and restarted. The contact stated the "steering wheel" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V302000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.

NHTSA ID
11630547
Incident
Nov 8, 2024
Mileage
16,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 19, 2022

The contact's wife owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle overheated and started decelerating independently. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle failed to respond. The warning message "Engine Overheat; Pull Over and Turn Off Vehicle" was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle was still overheating. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical coolant water pump, cooling thermostat, cooling hose, and the vent hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,164.

NHTSA ID
11461364
Incident
Apr 7, 2022
Mileage
111,164 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2020

NOTICED WHINING NOISE FROM ENGINE ALTHOUGH IT DRIVES NORMALLY. BMW DEALER CONFIRMS TIMING CHAIN NEEDS REPLACEMENT. MY CAR IS AT 8 YEARS, 66K MILES - JUST OVER THE 7/70 WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR TIMING CHAIN. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT STILL PENDING ON THIS KNOWN ISSUE. IT HAS BEEN DEALERSHIP SERVICED SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED WITH FULL RECORDS.

NHTSA ID
11350908
Incident
Aug 21, 2020
Mileage
65,900 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.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

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—
2012Viewing541—
2011466047.5
2010105051.1
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.