BMW Z4 years to avoid
The BMW Z4 years to avoid are 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011, 2007 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2026 is the cleanest year on record.
1,444
Total complaints
29
Recall campaigns
2002–2026
Years covered
6
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Z4 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | High complaint rate | 460 | |
| 2004 | High complaint rate | 443 | |
| 2005 | High complaint rate | 204 | |
| 2006 | High complaint rate | 107 | |
| 2011 | High complaint rate | 57 | |
| 2007 | High complaint rate | 42 |
Every Z4 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2025 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2024 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2023 | 0 | 3 | |
| 2022 | 2 | 4 | |
| 2021 | 1 | 5 | |
| 2020 | 11 | 6 | |
| 2019 | 7 | 6 | |
| 2016 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2014 | 10 | 3 | |
| 2013 | 12 | 3 | |
| 2012 | 7 | 4 | |
| 2011avoid | 57 | 6 | |
| 2010 | 10 | 5 | |
| 2009 | 26 | 4 | |
| 2008 | 27 | 2 | |
| 2007avoid | 42 | 2 | |
| 2006avoid | 107 | 2 | |
| 2005avoid | 204 | 0 | |
| 2004avoid | 443 | 1 | |
| 2003avoid | 460 | 4 | |
| 2002 | 6 | 0 |
Common questions
What are the worst BMW Z4 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Z4 years to avoid are 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011, 2007. The cleanest year on record is 2026.
What is the best year for the BMW Z4?
By complaint volume, 2026 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Z4 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the BMW Z4 have?
Across all model years, the Z4 has 29 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,444 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.