Owners have filed 12 complaints
about the 2013 BMW Z4 with NHTSA between 2016 and 2025.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 5
Against the median year of the BMW Z4. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
50% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 57
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2013 BMW Z4
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
325.0%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 52,954 mi
Body & Structure
216.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 23,000 mi
Brakes
216.7%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 52,954 mi
Airbags
216.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 61,477 mi
Wheels
18.3%
Steering
18.3%
Median failure at 24,345 miles
Engine & Cooling
18.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2016peak 3Feb 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 BMW Z4
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE13030Opened 6 Sep 2013Closed 25 Oct 2013SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
Loss of power assist braking
In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (NHTSA Recall 13V-454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft may result in blocking of the oil supply to the vacuum pump, resulting in improper pump operation and loss of power assist braking.On July 11, 2013, BMW initiated a change to the ca...
Recalls on the 2013 BMW Z4
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024544587,250 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Recall 202446878,381 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles, fluid from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system could leak on the intake air hose. As a result, the fluid could enter the electrical connector for the water pump and cause a short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, BMW advises you to park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs are completed. BMW will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the water pump and electrical connector. The dealer will also install a shield on the connector.
Recall 20144351,279 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, a defect in manufacturing could result in a loss of oil supply to the vacuum pump. If this were to occur, the vacuum pump could fail, causing a loss of power assist to the braking system. This could cause increased stopping distances, possibly resulting in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a camshaft seal disk locking ring. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2013-330.
Recall 20133309,406 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, a defect in manufacturing could result in a loss of oil supply to the vacuum pump. If this were to occur, the vacuum pump could fail, causing a loss of power assist to the braking system. This could cause increased stopping distances, possibly resulting in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a camshaft seal disk locking ring.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lewes, DECrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly.
NHTSA complaint #11645390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewes, DECrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly.
NHTSA complaint #11645390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewes, DECrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly.
NHTSA complaint #11645390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,954 milesFoothill Ranch, CACrash
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 BMW Z4. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle failed to reverse without warning upon depression of the accelerator pedal while in the reverse(R) position. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation upon restart of the engine. A few days later while the contact's husband was driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle continued to accelerate upon depression of the brake pedal. The brake pedal was depressed multiple times but to no avail, as a result, the contact's husband crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not upon impact and no injuries were reported. A police report was not filed. Despite the failure, the vehicle was able driven to the contact's home but was later towed to a dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer would be sending an investigator to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer later informed the contact that no fault codes were found on the vehicle; the contact disputed the investigator's finding. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 52,954
NHTSA complaint #11582362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,954 milesFoothill Ranch, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 BMW Z4. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle failed to reverse without warning upon depression of the accelerator pedal while in the reverse(R) position. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation upon restart of the engine. A few days later while the contact's husband was driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle continued to accelerate upon depression of the brake pedal. The brake pedal was depressed multiple times but to no avail, as a result, the contact's husband crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not upon impact and no injuries were reported. A police report was not filed. Despite the failure, the vehicle was able driven to the contact's home but was later towed to a dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer would be sending an investigator to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer later informed the contact that no fault codes were found on the vehicle; the contact disputed the investigator's finding. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 52,954
NHTSA complaint #11582362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,954 milesFoothill Ranch, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 BMW Z4. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle failed to reverse without warning upon depression of the accelerator pedal while in the reverse(R) position. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation upon restart of the engine. A few days later while the contact's husband was driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle continued to accelerate upon depression of the brake pedal. The brake pedal was depressed multiple times but to no avail, as a result, the contact's husband crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not upon impact and no injuries were reported. A police report was not filed. Despite the failure, the vehicle was able driven to the contact's home but was later towed to a dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer would be sending an investigator to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer later informed the contact that no fault codes were found on the vehicle; the contact disputed the investigator's finding. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 52,954
NHTSA complaint #11582362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lewes, DECrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly.
NHTSA complaint #11645390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewes, DECrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly.
NHTSA complaint #11645390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewes, DECrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly.
NHTSA complaint #11645390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delray Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 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. No further information was available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirm parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11622449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delray Beach, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 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. No further information was available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirm parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11622449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,954 milesFoothill Ranch, CACrash
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 BMW Z4. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle failed to reverse without warning upon depression of the accelerator pedal while in the reverse(R) position. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation upon restart of the engine. A few days later while the contact's husband was driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle continued to accelerate upon depression of the brake pedal. The brake pedal was depressed multiple times but to no avail, as a result, the contact's husband crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not upon impact and no injuries were reported. A police report was not filed. Despite the failure, the vehicle was able driven to the contact's home but was later towed to a dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer would be sending an investigator to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer later informed the contact that no fault codes were found on the vehicle; the contact disputed the investigator's finding. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 52,954
NHTSA complaint #11582362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,954 milesFoothill Ranch, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 BMW Z4. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle failed to reverse without warning upon depression of the accelerator pedal while in the reverse(R) position. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation upon restart of the engine. A few days later while the contact's husband was driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle continued to accelerate upon depression of the brake pedal. The brake pedal was depressed multiple times but to no avail, as a result, the contact's husband crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not upon impact and no injuries were reported. A police report was not filed. Despite the failure, the vehicle was able driven to the contact's home but was later towed to a dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer would be sending an investigator to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer later informed the contact that no fault codes were found on the vehicle; the contact disputed the investigator's finding. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 52,954
NHTSA complaint #11582362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,954 milesFoothill Ranch, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 BMW Z4. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle failed to reverse without warning upon depression of the accelerator pedal while in the reverse(R) position. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation upon restart of the engine. A few days later while the contact's husband was driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle continued to accelerate upon depression of the brake pedal. The brake pedal was depressed multiple times but to no avail, as a result, the contact's husband crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not upon impact and no injuries were reported. A police report was not filed. Despite the failure, the vehicle was able driven to the contact's home but was later towed to a dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer would be sending an investigator to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer later informed the contact that no fault codes were found on the vehicle; the contact disputed the investigator's finding. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 52,954
NHTSA complaint #11582362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,000 milesEllenton, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
WATER LEAKED INTO FLOOR FROM AIR CONDITIONING EVAPORATIONS PAN.
NHTSA complaint #11344082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewisville, TX
WHEELS
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING - COPY OF AN EMAIL TO BMW REGARDING CRACKS IN THE WHEEL. *LD THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR EXPENSES INCURRED AND NEW SET OF WHEELS.
NHTSA complaint #11081688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesFenton, MO
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR AND "PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT NOT ON" INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE PASSENGER EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE INDICATORS DIMMED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED TWO OTHER TIMES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAP SENSOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10985834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,345 milesPinehurst, NC
STEERING
JUST PURCHASED A USED BMW Z4 AND REALIZE THAT THE STEERING IS STICKY. IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM FOUND THAT THIS HAD BEEN A A SAFETY ISSUE THAT RESULTED IN A RECALL. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2012 WHEN THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ON A STEERING ISSUE. WHILE MY CAR IS A 2013 IT WAS MANUFACTURED AS NOTED DURING THE TIME OF THE STEERING RECALL. IT APPEARS THAT MY PROBLEM MAY NOT BE JUST A COINCIDENT. THE STICKY STEERING OCCURS WHENEVER THE SPEED IS ABOVE 30 MPH AND FEELS AS IF THE STEERING IS TRYING TO STAY IN A DIRECTION CONTRARY TO THE DIRECTION IN WHICH I'M TRYING TO STEER.
NHTSA complaint #10919319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.