repaired · 2026 Q1
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
2011 BMW Z4Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 46 owner complaints about the 2011 BMW Z4, most often about the steering. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-119 the manufacturer reports only 27% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 7, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 BMW Z4 has problems
46 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
13Steering
10Engine
7Wheels
7Engine and engine cooling
5Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
3Electrical system
2Suspension
2Tires
2Fuel/propulsion system
43 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 13 | 0 |
| Engine | 10 | 0 |
| Wheels | 7 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 7 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 1 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 4 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2011 BMW Z4 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
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.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
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.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Driveline: constant velocity joint
Risk. If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2015 Q4
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other Z4 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Z4 median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'19'20'21'22'23'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What Z4 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
ON 3 APRIL 2026 I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 BMW Z4 SDRIVE 30I E89 N52K (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) THAT HAS 31,000 MILES ON IT, SUDDENLY A STEERING ASSISTANCE MALFUNCTION TROUBLE LIGHT APPEARED AND I LOST ALL ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT!! THEN…
Electrical power steering system failed, warning light came on. Vehicle suddenly became very difficult to impossible to steer. Failed to negotiate a turn and nearly hit a tree. I have an appointment set with an independent service dealer near me, but I’m afraid to drive it there, so I may have it…
Power steering is intermittent where assist goes from working to not working changing the effort required to turn the wheel. When power assist goes off it is difficult to steer the car.
Own a 2011 Z4?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.