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BMW Z4 safety recalls

Every road vehicle recall DVSA lists for the BMW Z4 since 1992: what the problem is, how it is put right, how many vehicles it covers and when they were built. Newest first.

Recalls for the BMW Z4. Also see car recalls by year and make.

Last updated
Records analysed
14 recalls matched to this model
Methodology
View methodology
  • Recalls since 1992 14 launched 2012 to 2026
  • Most recent 2 March 2026 DVSA recall R/2026/054
  • Recalls 2016 to 2025 9 launched in those ten years
  • Busiest year 2013 2 recalls launched

Does a recall affect your BMW Z4?

Not every BMW Z4 is affected. Each recall covers cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, which DVSA’s file does not list in full. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check with its registration, or ask the manufacturer or a dealer, who can check the VIN.

BMW Z4 recalls by year

Recalls launched each year, 2012 to 2026

2013 had the most, with 2. 2026 runs to 14 September 2026. A count of recalls is not a measure of safety: one recall can cover a handful of cars or tens of thousands.

BMW Z4 safety recalls by year of launch
Year Recalls
’12 1
’13 2
’14 1
’15 0
’16 0
’17 2
’18 1
’19 1
’20 2
’21 1
’22 0
’23 0
’24 1
’25 1
’26 1

Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis January 1992 to September 2026 Updated

Every BMW Z4 recall, newest first

2026 1 recall

Replace the Engine Starter Motor

Launched 2 March 2026 DVSA recall R/2026/054 Manufacturer ref. 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600

Defect
The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.
Remedy
On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.
Vehicles affected
2,495 Z4 vehicles
Built
2 Sept 2020 to 16 Apr 2025

2025 1 recall

Replace the Engine Starter Motor

Launched 27 October 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/405 Manufacturer ref. BMW - 0012550600 0012560600 0012570600 0012620600 0012820600 0012840600

Defect
For affected vehicles there is a concern involving water ingress and corrosion to the starter motor for where a short circuit cannot be ruled out. It is strongly recommended to park the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings until the repair has been carried out.
Remedy
Replacement of the starter motor.
Vehicles affected
2,677 Z4 vehicles
Built
21 Aug 2018 to 1 Sept 2020

2024 1 recall

Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55

Launched 1 May 2024 DVSA recall R/2024/191 Manufacturer ref. 0011520700

Defect
On affected vehicles overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated.
Remedy
On affected vehicles the eight aluminium screws will be replaced if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.
Vehicles affected
3,695 Z4 vehicles
Built
3 Sept 2009 to 3 Aug 2011

2021 1 recall

Affected vehicles may be fitted with brake discs which are not to specification

Launched 15 March 2021 DVSA recall R/2021/085 Manufacturer ref. 0034560200 0034570200

Defect
Affected vehicles may be fitted with brake discs which were not produced according to the specifications
Remedy
On the affected vehicles the brake discs will be checked and if necessary replaced
Vehicles affected
705 across everything the recall covers
Built
29 Jan 2021 to 3 Feb 2021

2020 2 recalls

On affected vehicles there is a possible failure of the fuel tank welding joint which could lead to leakage

Launched 30 November 2020 DVSA recall R/2020/347 Manufacturer ref. 0016570200

Defect
On affected vehicles there is a possible failure of the fuel tank welding joint which could lead to leakage.
Remedy
Replace the fuel tank
Vehicles affected
6 Z4 vehicles
Built
7 Jun 2019 to 14 Oct 2019

Steering tie rod can become broken in the 'kink' groove area of the rod

Launched 10 August 2020 DVSA recall R/2020/219 Manufacturer ref. 0032140300

Defect
A steering tie rod with an earlier design configuration can become broken in the kink groove area of the rod.
Remedy
Both of the steering tie rods will be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Vehicles affected
4,542 across everything the recall covers
Built
27 Sept 2018 to 9 Apr 2019
Also covers

2019 1 recall

The pressing force of the bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification

Launched 9 December 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/368 Manufacturer ref. 0011370500

Defect
The engine counterbalance shaft bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification
Remedy
Replace the engine of affected vehicles
Vehicles affected
53 across everything the recall covers
Built
14 Jan 2019 to 13 Jun 2019

2018 1 recall

Plug in contact cable may malfunction

Launched 7 June 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/132 Manufacturer ref. 0061770400

Defect
The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. This may cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box. Symptoms include being unable to gain entry or start the car but the most common are a flickering instrument panel or uneven engine performance. However if the electrical connection is completely lost this will also affect the operation of the vehicles lighting systems; e.g. sidelights or hazard warning lamps.
Remedy
On affected vehicles carry out a suitable repair to the battery cable positive cable.
Vehicles affected
311,848 across everything the recall covers
Built
2 Dec 2008 to 30 Nov 2009

2017 2 recalls

Driveshaft universal joint may break

Launched 11 April 2017 DVSA recall R/2017/132 Manufacturer ref. 0026330100

Defect
Due to insufficient strength the front universal joint in the rear front universal joint of the rear prop shaft may fail.
Remedy
On affected vehicle replace the universal joint with a modified version
Vehicles affected
10,849 across everything the recall covers
Built
30 Dec 2010 to 29 Apr 2011

Plug in contact cable may malfunction

Launched 10 April 2017 DVSA recall R/2017/114 Manufacturer ref. 0061390400/0061400400

Defect
It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
Vehicles affected
36,410 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Dec 2009 to 13 Oct 2011

2014 1 recall

Engine emergency mode may be activated during driving

Launched 28 July 2014 DVSA recall R/2014/068 Manufacturer ref. 0011280300& 0011360300

Defect
The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.
Remedy
Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit
Vehicles affected
2,967 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Sept 2009 to 30 Nov 2011

2013 2 recalls

Loss of drive

Launched 5 July 2013 DVSA recall R/2013/080 Manufacturer ref. 0021130100

Defect
It is possible that over a period of time the bolt securing the clutch cover/pressure plate may become loose. The drive should be warned of this by the behaviour of the clutch noise from it or inability to select gears. Under certain conditions complete loss of drive could occur which could place the driver and occupant of the vehicle in a prone position.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles and replace the clutch bolts.
Vehicles affected
4 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Feb 2013 to 30 Jun 2013

Engine may cut out

Launched 4 April 2013 DVSA recall R/2013/024 Manufacturer ref. 0061760300

Defect
It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be make aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
Vehicles affected
36 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given

2012 1 recall

EPS may not perform as specified

Launched 30 July 2012 DVSA recall R/2012/081 Manufacturer ref. 0032090200

Defect
Due to a component in the integrated control module not being to specification it is possible power steering assistance may fail. If this happens the EPS warning lamp will illuminate and a check control message will appear on the dashboard display. Directional control will be maintained albeit with additional driver input.
Remedy
Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the steering box.
Vehicles affected
701 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Nov 2011 to 31 Dec 2011

Data sources and methodology

Datasets used on this page
Figures Source Period Records Updated
Safety recalls Vehicle safety recalls Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Derived statistics UK Motoring 		January 1992 to September 2026 14 recalls matched to this model 15 September 2026
  • Road vehicle recalls (DVSA numbers starting R/) whose model names match the BMW Z4. DVSA records some recalls under a range or chassis name we cannot match, so this list may be incomplete.
  • Vehicles affected is the number the manufacturer reported to DVSA. When one recall covers several models, DVSA often gives only the total.
  • Build dates are the periods the manufacturer gave. Some recalls have none. VINs are not shown.
  • Concerns written in capitals have been put in sentence case, and apostrophes lost in DVSA’s file have been put back. The text is otherwise DVSA’s.
How we calculate these figures All data sources

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.