Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2021 BMW Z4 by year 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 yearPark outside
2021 BMW Z4
Convertible, gasoline, RWD/Rear-Wheel Drive, built in Austria. Owner complaints on file from Jul 30, 2026 to Jul 30, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year5359k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Below the median 2021 convertible
Severity index0.02021 convertibles average 10.0
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
Complaints by component
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
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Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
5 recall campaigns cover the 2021 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-056 | Jan 30, 2026 | Engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component | Electrical system | 87,394 | Part replacement |
| 25V-636 | Sep 23, 2025 | Engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuitPark outside | Electrical system | 199,674 | Part replacement |
| 21V-598 | Aug 2, 2021 | During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist | Engine and cooling | 50,024 | Software update |
| 21V-554 | Jul 21, 2021 | Passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts | Seat belts | 21,537 | Part replacement |
| 20V-700 | Nov 12, 2020 | Weld between the fuel tank halves may have been insufficiently welded, causing the weld to fail | Fuel system | 49 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2021 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.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Jul 30, 2026Failure Jul 16, 2026Torrance, CAUnknown or other
There is a strong chemical smell when the AC is turned on and the system is loosing refrigerant. There is a common issue on these cars of premature evaporative core corrosion.
NHTSA complaint 11753894
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
115 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.
- B010324 May 6, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date. - B540225 Mar 27, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
While driving on an uneven road, a “clicking”sound is heard from the front bow/cowl panelarea of the convertible top. - B540324 Jan 13, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The convertible top does not open or close. - B640422 Feb 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
An interference noise (groaning noise) can be heard from within the heating and air-conditioning unit in thecenter of the instrument panel. The groaning noise always occurs when either a ventilation flap, air stratification flap or the recirculated airflap… - B510819 Jan 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. - B610524 Jan 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3). FaultB7F8F9 âÃÂÓ âÃÂÃÂHU-H: ResetâÃÂàwill be stored in the HU-H3. - 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… - B360121 Jan 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk… - B160123 Jan 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system(NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and scavenging air sy… - B511323 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?The outer A-pillar trim panel (arrow) protrudes outward (circled) towards the cowl seal. - B840323 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective February 9, 2023) on certain Model Year 2022 - 2023 BMW vehicles that were produced between June 29, 2022 and February 16, 2023. - B630821 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam headlight: Short circuit and/or 8041A5 - light outputs: Number of permitted short circui… - B630321 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Condensation is present on the inner surfaces in one or both taillights (circled). - B160123 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system (NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and scavenging air sys… - B120323 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop effective June 6, 2023 on certain Model Year 2023 - 2024 BMW vehicles that were produced between October 26, 2022 and May 8, 2023. - B090221 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
With the introduction of the BMW Remote Software Upgrade, all Service Pack 18 vehicles and partial Service Pack 15 vehicles may receive new functionality or modifications in their features. - B840323 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective February 9, 2023) on certain Model Year 2022 - 2023 BMW vehicles that were produced between June 29, 2022 and February 16, 2023. This was originally called ""Wireless Charging Tray"". Software in potentially affe… - SIB660823 Apr 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Issues with the various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (KAFAS system) can possibly lead to following customer complaints: KAFAS camera system deactivates itself, due to system restrictions that are not clear to the customer KAFAS ca… - SIB120123 Apr 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In hot ambient conditions, if the engine was running for a prolonged time while the vehicle is stationary, a jolt may be experienced while lightly accelerating. - B841422 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates). - B651623 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer states there is no audio playback (telephony, navigation, radio) and system sounds (PDC, turn indicators, acoustic signals) may also have failed. - B610923 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The gear selector switch (GWS) consists of the control electronics circuit and the selector lever. The sensors for recording the gearshift lever position and for inhibiting inadvertent gearshifts are integrated in the control electronics. - B320123 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
When turning the steering wheel while stationary or when driving on uneven roads; cracking, creaking, or knocking noises may be heard. - B652021 Feb 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective October 25, 2021) on certain Model Year 2022 BMW vehicles that were produced after October 25, 2021. Due to supply chain limitations, certain vehicles were produced without a CID with touch function and and witho… - B650422 Feb 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Due to component-related supply issues, the central information displays (CID) in some of the Model Year 2022 vehicles listed above were produced without the integrated touch screen function. - B610223 Feb 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Check control message (CCM) 183 Windscreen wiper malfunction is displayed. - B841422 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates). - B240222 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A cracking, metallic noise from under the center of the vehicle. - B651922 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The customer complains that the radio stations change by themselves. - B611222 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
After opening the vehicle with the radio remote control and changing the profile, the exterior mirror settings are lost. - B662719 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Lane Change Warning (LCW) yellow triangle symbol on either one, or both the exterior side view mirrors does not illuminate to alert the driver when it should. - 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. - B640422 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
An interference noise (groaning noise) can be heard from within the heating and air-conditioning unit in the center of the instrument panel. - SIB650922 Aug 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The sound output intermittently drops out entirely. This can be reproduced with all audio sources as well as telephone and voice output. - SIB090121 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW offers a new special ISTA Installation made available for Roadside Assistance / Mobile Service technicians. The new ISTA Version is also able to be used in case of a Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) programming failure to get the customer car reprogrammed … - SIB651312 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, supersede… - SIB640222 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Mist formation on the windshield inside surface may occur at departure or after MSA (automaticstart/stop). Acoustic abnormality in the area of the recirculated air flap (recirculation flap closing and opening severaltimes). The above may occur individually … - SIB610722 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Check Control Message (CCM) displays "Vehicle key missing" after engine start. - B340122 Feb 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
When driving off from a standstill, a delayed or sluggish throttle response may be noticed sporadically. - B090321 Feb 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In some rare cases a customer vehicle might be excluded from one or more Remote Software Upgrade(RSU) campaigns. This SIB gives an overview how to identify these vehicles and how to proceed in case of a customer complaint. - B610722 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Check Control message (CCM) displays "Vehicle key missing" after engine start. - B651221 Feb 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective June 9, 2021) on certain Model Year 2021 BMW vehicles that were produced between May 7, 2021 and May 21, 2021. The Receiver Audio Module (RAM) will need to be added to the affected vehicles. - B661519 Mar 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The steering intervention for Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is too strong (severe), which can create an uncomfortable feeling for the driver. Background: Steering intervention helps keep the vehicle in the lane if the system detects that a lane marking has… - B840917 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
While using the wireless charger, one or both of the following may occur: 1) The BMW display key or mobile phone becomes hot to the touch. 2) The device switches off due to over temperature (built-in device protection). - B840621 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The SIM card installed in the telematics control unit (ATM2) connects to different mobile providers' networks. However, due to a missing parameter, this does not work and can cause disruption in BMW ConnectedDrive services in areas with insufficient network… - B662419 Dec 1, 2021 · 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. - B652121 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list. - B652021 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective October 25, 2021) on certain Model Year 2022 BMW vehicles that were produced after October 25, 2021. Due to supply chain limitations, certain vehicles were produced without a CID with touch function and without R… - B612219 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The customer states that the vehicle locks itself when the last door was closed, even though the remote control/display key was inside the vehicle. - B090121 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW offers a new special ISTA Installation made available for Roadside Assistance / Mobile Service technicians. - B001020 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW of North America (BMW NA) has made information available online to customers about software versions, including any changes to vehicle functionality that will result from each update. - B640321 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
After replacing the microfilter during a previous service, the customer notices that the ventilation system airflow rate is noticeably less. - B611621 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The "energy management" Check control message (ID code 415) is falsely displayed when entering the vehicle. - B650919 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer states the following about their vehicle: active radio or music source is interrupted, the navigation is no longer available, a black screen is shown in the Control Display, the system works again after a short interruption. - B662419 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle maynot start when placing the key against the steering column. - B651312 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, supersede… - SIB340821 Jul 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The yellow CCM, ID code 42, lights up when starting the vehicle. ID code 00042: Brake system. It is possible to continue driving. Additional notes: Avoid abrupt braking as far as possible. Drive at a moderate speed. Have it checked by your nearest Service C… - B090321 Oct 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In some rare cases a customer vehicle might be excluded from one or more Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) campaigns. This SIB gives an overview how to identify these vehicles and how to proceed in case of a customer complaint. - B090221 Oct 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
With the introduction of BMW Remote Software Upgrade, all Service Pack 18 vehicles and partial Service Pack 15 vehicles may receive new functionalities or modifications in their features with a new Software Update. - B610721 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Groaning, scraping, or squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel area in the interior of the vehicle,when turning the steering wheel.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.