2019 BMW Z4Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2019 BMW Z4, most often about the engine. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-636 the manufacturer reports only 71% of affected cars repaired.

2019 BMW Z4

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 26, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2019 BMW Z4 has problems

5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine20
Air bags11
Electrical system10
Forward collision avoidance11
Steering10
Structure11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

6 recalls

2019 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.

71%repaired · 2026 Q3

Starter assembly: relay

Park outside

Recall 25V-636 · Sep 23, 2025 · 199,674 vehicles · 141,376 repaired

Risk. A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

90%repaired · 2022 Q2

Exterior lighting: headlights

Recall 20V-516 · Aug 27, 2020 · 4,265 vehicles · 3,823 repaired

Risk. Should the headlamps be adjusted horizontally, there could be increased glare and reduced visibility for oncoming drivers, or reduced visibility for the…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

98%repaired · 2022 Q2

Linkages: tie rod assembly

Recall 20V-355 · Jun 15, 2020 · 2,779 vehicles · 2,731 repaired

Risk. A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
99%repaired · 2021 Q1

Engine

Recall 19V-732 · Oct 15, 2019 · 217 vehicles · 215 repaired

Risk. If the counterbalance shaft loosens, severe engine damage could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2021 Q1

Sensing system: camera

Recall 19V-684 · Sep 27, 2019 · 257,473 vehicles · 248,218 repaired

Risk. The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

2019 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
NHTSA crash tests

2019 BMW Z4 safety ratings

2019 BMW Z4 C RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Z4 owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

My grill shutters are faulty and the problem has been persistent and the vehicle is only at 30,000 miles. This is the same part that was issued an extended service contract by BMW for various other models. I believe my model is rare enough to not be included but it should. The existing…
Complaint 11585790 · Apr 29, 2024
MY NEW CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND I HAVE BOUGHT IT INTO SERVICE APPOX 5 TIMES. THE LIGHT GOES OFF AND WHEN I GET IT HOME IT GOES ON AGAIN WHEN I START THE CAR. I THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED. HOWEVER IT CAME ON AGAIN AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.
Complaint 11301139 · Jan 22, 2020 · 200 miles

Own a 2019 Z4?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.