Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2012 BMW Z4 peaked in 2025, with 2 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2012 BMW Z4
Convertible, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Aug 24, 2020 to Feb 11, 2025.
Recall campaigns covering this model year4806k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints5Close to the median 2012 convertible
Severity index0.02012 convertibles average 6.2
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
80% of complaints about the 2012 BMW Z4 name engine and cooling
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
4 recall campaigns cover the 2012 BMW Z4
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24V-608 | Aug 13, 2024 | Improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit | Electrical system | 720,796 | Part replacement |
| 14V-627 | Oct 7, 2014 | Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail | Brakes | 8,988 | Repair or modification |
| 13V-454 | Sep 26, 2013 | Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail | Brakes | 76,191 | Repair or modification |
| 12V-302 | Jun 28, 2012 | Variations in electrical current may occur within the electric power steering assistance system, leading to sudden loss of power steering assistance | Steering | 162 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2012 BMW Z4
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
5 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Feb 11, 2025Failure Oct 21, 2024Fairburn, GAElectrical system, Engine and engine cooling
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 not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint 11641959 - Filed Jan 27, 2025Failure Jan 27, 2025Federal Way, WAElectrical system, Engine and engine cooling
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. 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 confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint 11638768 - Filed Dec 13, 2024Failure Nov 8, 202416,000 milesJamaica, NYSteering
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. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds while turning left or right. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while the steering wheel was turned to the left or right. The vehicle regained normal steering functionality when the vehicle was stopped and turned off and restarted. The contact stated the "steering wheel" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V302000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
NHTSA complaint 11630547 - Filed Apr 19, 2022Failure Apr 7, 2022111,164 milesHuntington Beach, CAEngine and engine cooling
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. The warning message "Engine Overheat; Pull Over and Turn Off Vehicle" was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle was still overheating. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical coolant water pump, cooling thermostat, cooling hose, and the vent hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,164.
NHTSA complaint 11461364 - Filed Aug 24, 2020Failure Aug 21, 202065,900 milesThornton, COEngine
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. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT STILL PENDING ON THIS KNOWN ISSUE. IT HAS BEEN DEALERSHIP SERVICED SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED WITH FULL RECORDS.
NHTSA complaint 11350908
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
1 NHTSA investigation on file
- PE13030 Preliminary evaluation, Brakes
Loss of power assist braking
Opened Sep 6, 2013, closed Oct 25, 2013 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
141 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- B611025 Sep 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, Vehicle test, and/or Programmingprocedure- the BMW Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. As a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues may… - B012016 May 6, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. - B611026 Apr 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, Vehicle test, and/or Programming procedure- the BMW Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. As a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues ma… - B012016 Mar 13, 2025 · Warranty Program/Extension
The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. - B012016 Feb 20, 2025 · Warranty Program/Extension
The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. - B510819 Jan 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. - B611305 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âdisc… - B662419 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. - SIM010917 Jun 1, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Shipping specific non-deployed vehicle safety devices to lighting resources, llc. This service Information bulletin provides information on shipping "specific" noin-deployed vehicle safety devices that are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) to Lighting reso… - SIM010717 Jun 1, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification - SIB010717 Jun 1, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The engine coolant thermostat component-specific limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 - B110221 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Gelis, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC. - SIB110317 Jul 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW of North America, LLC BMW NA is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date - B110317 Oct 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date. - B110317 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date - B110221 Jul 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Gelis, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC. - B840121 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting Februa… - B040221 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Distribution of the following tool will be through the Automatic Tool Shipment Program - B011321 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al - B011321 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al - B110317 Dec 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N20 AND N26 ENGINE TIMING CHAIN AND OIL PUMP DRIVE CHAIN: Whining noise from the lower engine area near the engine oil pump that increases frequency when increasing the engine RPM. Wear on the engine oil pump chain drive and timing chain sprockets. - B652214 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
AUTOMATED ACTIVATION OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING PDI/QC1: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B65 22 14 dated October 2015. The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle… - 651512 Jul 12, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD). - 122011 Jul 10, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N54, N54T - Catalytic Converter Conversion Faults Stored. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp could come on with one or both of the following faults stored in the DME: * 29F4: catalytic converter conversion - bank 1 * 29F5: catalytic converter conversion - b… - 513608 Jul 10, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically … - B111417 Feb 1, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N20 AND N26 ENGINES TURBOCHARGER ELECTRIC WASTEGATE ACTUATOR LINKAGE PIN CORROSION This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 14 17 dated February 2018. - 121513 Sep 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon lamp and Engine Malfunction warning are illuminated, and the vehicle has reduced power output. Various faults related to VANOS operation are stored in the DME. While perf… - B650815 Apr 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Google(tm) Local Search Inactive. When searching for a Point of Interest (POI) in the navigation menu, the ""Google(tm) Local Search"" option cannot be selected. The POI search option ""Google(tm)Local Search"" is not activated." - B620315 Apr 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Door Open Message Displayed, Even Though Door Is Closed. The customer complains that while driving, a CCM (check control message) indicates the doors are open, even though they are closed. Also, sometimes the gong will sound and the interior lights will go … - B130315 Apr 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"N20 and N26 Engines: ETK Injector Part Number Error. INFORMATION The current version of ETK has an error on screen 13_1417: ""High -pressure pump/Tubing."" When selecting the high-pressure pump, the screen states ""only in conjunction with injector."" Disr… - B111315 Aug 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The plastic oil filter housing may fail and lead to an internal and/or external engine oil or coolant leak. - B840314 May 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances t… - B111615 Apr 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N20 and N26 engine: Smoke from Exhaust when Starting a Cold Engine. When starting a cold engine, blue smoke can be seen emitting from the exhaust tailpipe for approximately 10-20 seconds. No turbo charger boost faults are stored and no drivability issues ca… - B840314 Feb 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SI B84 03 14 February 2016 Communication Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B84 03 14 dated October 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple… - B650216 Feb 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBJECT Audio System Speaker Testing. For audio system speaker testing there is a NED (Non Electrical Diagnosis) Test Plan available. CAUSE We previously recommended use of the Audio Test CD (ATC) from BMW. This CD has been discontinued. - B130315 Feb 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SI B13 03 15 February 2016 Fuel Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B13 03 15 dated March 2015 and replaces SI B13 04 13 dated March 2014. SUBJECT N20, N26, N55, N63TU, S63TU and S55 Engines: Bosch Injector ETK Part Num… - B120114 Feb 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"SI B12 01 14 February 2016 Electrical Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 01 14 dated April 2014. Due to an error in the DME (Digital Motor Electronics) software, the required oxygen sensor onboard diagnostics (OBD… - B111615 Feb 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
February 2016 Engine Technical Service This Service Information Bulletin supersedes SI B11 16 15 dated September 2015 SUBJECT N20 and N26 engine: Smoke from Exhaust when Starting a Cold Engine. When starting a cold engine, blue smoke can be seen emitting fr… - B650709 Jan 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Whistling Noise Coming from the Center Vent - A/C is Off . A very high pitched whistling or beeping noise is heard coming from the center vents. The flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve at certain temperature differentials. - 652212 Dec 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. The Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD). - 651512 Oct 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD). Note: The INITIAL… - 611305 Oct 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Discharged Battery: Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed. The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers im… - 651112 Oct 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Intermittently Stored FM Radio Stations Default to FM 87.7. Intermittently, the stored FM radio stations default to FM 87.7 after vehicle start-up. CAUSE 1. Low battery voltage or voltage drop at the head unit 2. Radio station preset contains FM 87.7 3. Re… - 513608 Aug 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically … - 340713 Aug 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The CBS displays the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production instead of the appropriate 24-month interval. - 120613 Aug 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Service Engine Soon Lamp On with Post Oxygen Sensor Faults Stored. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on and the following faults are stored in the DME fault code memory. BN2000 (E-Series) vehicles: * 2D22: Oxygen sensor downstream of catalytic conve… - BMWNOV1313 Nov 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A Delivery Stop has been issued on certain 2014 model year E89 vehicles produced from March to June 2013. The fuel pump pressure regulator could cause a noise that is audible to the driver. The fuel pump still functions properly in this case. Affected vehic… - BMWNOV1213 Nov 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Delivery Stop issued on November 22 for certain 2014 model year E89 vehicles produced from March to June 2013, remains in effect. The fuel pump pressure regulator could cause a noise that is audible to the driver. The fuel pump still functions properly … - 513608 Nov 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically … - 651310 Mar 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In all audio modes (radio, CD, AUX-In, etc.), the audio output is distorted. It is more noticeable with high bass and high audio volume settings. There may also be an intermittent interference noise coming from the loudspeakers at low audio volume or when t… - 651009 Mar 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The vehicle position is missing or incorrect on the navigation map. The navigation system integrated in the Car Information Computer (CIC) is not calibrated correctly. - 650513 Mar 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Basic SVS: Voice Recognition Inoperative After Programming. After programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.48.x, the voice recognition (Basic SVS) is inoperative. NOTE: The Basic SVS only includes voice recognition for phone functions. Error in the coding dat… - 631410 Mar 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Condensation builds up inside the taillight lens. - 130409 Mar 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The customer may complain that during the cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. Various misfire fault codes (e.g., 29CC, 29D2, 29D1, 29D0, 29C0, 29CF) may be stored in the DME control module… - 130213 Mar 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N54 Engine: Fuel Pressure Control Test Plan Error. INFORMATION Not applicable. - 010212 Jun 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"BMW NA has agreed to extend the emissions warranties of the turbocharger's wastegate to: ??8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever occurs first, as determined from the vehicle's original in-service date select the ""Vehicle Comment"" button to display the exte… - 340713 Jul 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The coding in these vehicles has the CBS displaying the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production, instead of the appropriate 24-month interval. - 121513 Jul 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated; Engine Malfunction warning is illuminated; and the vehicle has reduced power output. Various faults related to VANOS operation are stored in the DME.… - 651310 May 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In all audio modes (radio, CD, AUX-In, etc.), the audio output is distorted. It is more noticeable with high bass and high audio volume settings. There may also be an intermittent interference noise coming from the loudspeakers at low audio volume or when t… - 130409 May 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"N54 Engine: Diagnosis of Cold Start Rough Running with Misfire Faults. The customer may complain that during the cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. Various misfire fault codes (e.g., 29C…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.