repaired · 2026 Q3
Wiring: connectors/plugs/receptacles
Risk. An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
2012 BMW Z4Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2012 BMW Z4, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-608 the manufacturer reports only 40% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 11, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 BMW Z4 has problems
5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Engine and engine cooling
2Electrical system
1Engine
1Steering
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2012 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 · 2016 Q1
Power assist: vacuum
Risk. A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2015 Q2
Power assist: vacuum
Risk. A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk. SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING ASSISTANCE MAY INCREASE THE STEERING EFFORT REQUIRED TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF A VEHICLE, 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
2012 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
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 BMW Z4, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of power assist brakingLed to recall 13V-454
In owners' words
What Z4 owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2012 Z4?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.