repaired · 2026 Q3
Starter assembly: relay
Park outsideRisk. A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
2020 BMW Z4Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2020 BMW Z4, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-636 the manufacturer reports only 71% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 21, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 BMW Z4 has problems
5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Electrical system
2Engine1 crash/fire/injury
2Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
2Steering
1Structure1 crash/fire/injury
1Suspension
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 1 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2020 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 · 2023 Q2
Engine
Risk. Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Storage: tank assembly
Risk. The failed weld may allow fuel to leak, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. Should the headlamps be adjusted horizontally, there could be increased glare and reduced visibility for oncoming drivers, or reduced visibility for the…
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2021 Q2
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. Headlight failure can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Sensing system: camera
Risk. The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases 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
2020 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
2020 BMW Z4 safety ratings
2020 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 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The engine starter failed on my 2020 BMW Z4 M40i. The vehicle experienced starting failures and the repair shop diagnosed a faulty/shorted engine starter assembly. The symptoms and component failure match the exact defect description of active safety recalls NHTSA 24V-576 and 25V-636 (Starter Motor…
Engine starter safety recall came out in September 2025, with no remedy or parts existing for fixing it. 5 months later, and no timeframe is provided for a remedy. This is a major fire risk given the amount of rain now that could corrode the starter and lead to a fire.
Own a 2020 Z4?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.