2012 BMW Z4
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 5 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 4 |
| 2003 | 414 |
| 2004 | 411 |
| 2005 | 191 |
| 2006 | 91 |
| 2007 | 33 |
| 2008 | 19 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 46 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 5 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-01-27
Also filed under Electrical system
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-04-19
Electrical system
2 of 5 total reports mention: electrical system.
Steering
1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and turning to the left, the steering wheel seized, and the contact had to use force to return the steering wheel back to center.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-12-13
Engine
1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Noticed whining noise from engine although it drives normally. BMW dealer confirms timing chain needs replacement. My car is at 8 years, 66K miles - just over the 7/70 warranty extension for timing chain.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-08-24
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2012-08-28Steering12V302000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 1-series active e and model year 2012 Z4 vehicles. Variations in electrical current may occur within the electric power steering assistance system, leading…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering assistance module, free of charge. The safety recall began during July 2012. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at…
-
I
2013-09-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-10-25 Loss of power assist braking
-
R
2014-01-31Service brakes, hydraulic13V454000 BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014.
-
R
2014-12-02Service brakes, hydraulic14V627000 BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014.
-
R
2025-03-28Electrical system, engine and engine cooling24V608000 BMW of North America, LLC.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 BMW Z4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V302000 · Steering
- Recall 13V454000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 14V627000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 24V608000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 BMW Z4 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW Z4?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 BMW Z4 have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.