2013 BMW Z4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2013 BMW Z4 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Z4 years?

Z4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Z4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 BMW Z4 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	3	25%	▲ up
Brakes	2	17%	▼ down
Body & Structure	2	17%	▲ up
Airbags	2	17%	— flat
Engine	1	8%	▼ down
Steering	1	8%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	1	8%	▼ down

Does the 2013 BMW Z4 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V608000Electrical SystemAugust 13, 2024 · 720,796 units

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 and short circuit.

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.

14V627000BrakesOctober 7, 2014 · 8,988 units

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 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

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 at 1-800-525-7417.

13V454000BrakesSeptember 26, 2013 · 76,191 units

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 brake power assistance may fail.

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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 12, 2022 · crash

“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. ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 12, 2022 · crash

“The contact owns a 2013 BMW Z4. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle failed to reverse without warning upon depression of the accelerator pedal while in the reverse(R) position. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation upon restart of the engine. A…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 10, 2024 · crash

“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. ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 12, 2022 · crash

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 29, 2024

2013 BMW Z4 — common questions

Is the 2013 BMW Z4 reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2013 Z4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (3 complaints), brakes (2 complaints), airbags (2 complaints).

Does the 2013 BMW Z4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 BMW Z4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 BMW Z4 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW Z4 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Z4 years to avoid are 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011, 2007. The cleanest record among Z4 years belongs to 2023.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2013 compare to other Z4 years?

What are the most common 2013 BMW Z4 problems?

Does the 2013 BMW Z4 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2013 BMW Z4 — common questions

Is the 2013 BMW Z4 reliable?

What are the most common 2013 Z4 problems?

Does the 2013 BMW Z4 have recalls?

Is the 2013 BMW Z4 under NHTSA investigation?

Which BMW Z4 years should you avoid?

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