2013 BMW Z4 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
12
Owner Complaints
3
Recalls
16
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2013 BMW Z4
The 2013 BMW Z4 has received a total of 12 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. 16 technical service bulletins have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (3 complaints), Air Bags (2 complaints), and Structurebody (2 complaints).
Recalls for the 2013 BMW Z4
NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2013 BMW Z4, potentially affecting up to 1,611,950 vehicles.
Recall 24V608000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES
| 720,796 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water...
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
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.
View full details →Recall 24V608000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP
| 720,796 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water...
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
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.
View full details →Recall 14V627000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 8,988 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW...
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service...
View full details →Recall 14V627000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
| 8,988 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW...
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service...
View full details →Recall 13V454000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 76,191 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies...
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
View full details →Recall 13V454000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
| 76,191 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies...
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2013 BMW Z4
12 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 BMW Z4. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Safety Rating for the 2013 BMW Z4
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2013 BMW Z4 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2013 BMW Z4
BMW of North America, LLC has issued 16 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2013 BMW Z4. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
122011 — ENGINE
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 - bank 2 DME software diagnostic error.
B160213 — ENGINE
A manufacturing defect inside the electric fuel delivery unit (in-tank fuel pump) pressure-limiting valve will result in a noise while driving. This defect will not lead to fuel pump failure or loss of power.
B240215 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
8HP: TRANSMISSION FLUID LOSS FROM COOLER LINES CONNECTIONS. There is a transmission fluid leak in the area around the oil cooler lines (on the transmission side). CAUSE Damaged O-rings due to unfavorable cooling line connection tolerances
B111116 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
"N20 ENGINE OIL FEED LINE TO THE TURBOCHARGER: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. When starting a cold engine, a ""plume of blue smoke"" can be seen emitting from the exhaust tailpipe for approximately 10-20 seconds. There is no engine malfunction light illuminated (no"" turbocharger boost faults are stored)...
B121516 — ENGINE
"VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 16E-A04: DME - OBD. The DME software calibration for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on board diagnosis (OBD) may not function correctly. This would not cause problems with the vehicle emissions, but could cause it not to pass the OBD readiness Inspection/Maintenance test in certain states. ModelTarget...
B120114 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
"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) is not functioning. As a result, the ""Readiness bit"" confirming...
B513815 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Door Brake Makes Squeaking Noise. The customer may complain of a squeaking noise when opening or closing either front door. Debris inclusions imbed into the door brake slide mechanism.
B111615 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
?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 can be detected. Engine oil leakage into the...
120514 — ENGINE
N20/N26: Engine Fails to Run on Repeated Cold Start. The engine turns over but does not start on a repeat cold-starting attempt. For example, on the first cold start the engine may start normally, but if shut off right away, the engine may then fail to start and remain running...
360211 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Functional Changes. INFORMATION There has been a disruption in the production and supply chain of certain electronic components. These events have influenced global manufacturing facilities, including the automotive sector. In order to fulfill customer demand and maintain production schedules, BMW has made a change to...
Showing 10 of 16 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2013 BMW Z4
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the BMW Z4
- 2008 BMW Z4 — 27 complaints
- 2009 BMW Z4 — 26 complaints
- 2010 BMW Z4 — 9 complaints
- 2011 BMW Z4 — 55 complaints
- 2012 BMW Z4 — 7 complaints
- 2013 BMW Z4 (current)
- 2014 BMW Z4 — 10 complaints
- 2015 BMW Z4 — 7 complaints
- 2016 BMW Z4 — 5 complaints