VehicleVerdict

2016 BMW Z4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2016 BMW Z4 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Z4 years?

Z4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted460 complaints2002: 6 complaints2003: 460 complaints2004: 443 complaints2005: 204 complaints2006: 107 complaints2007: 42 complaints2008: 27 complaints2009: 26 complaints2010: 10 complaints2011: 57 complaints2012: 7 complaints2013: 12 complaints2014: 10 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 5 complaints2019: 7 complaints2020: 8 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 0 complaints
Z4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Z4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 BMW Z4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System120%
Engine120%
Other120%
Seat Belts120%
Speed Control120%

Does the 2016 BMW Z4 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ABOUT 20% OF TIME, DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT JAMS, WILL NOT RELEASE FROM RECESS/RETAINER BEHIND SEAT WITHOUT USING MY HAND FOR COUPLE MINUTES TO JIGGLE ENOUGH. NO PROBLEM ONCE I GET IT TO RELEASE. THEN FITS IN CONNECTOR AND ALSO RELEASES OK. TWO LOCAL DEALERS UNABLE TO FIX. ONE EVEN REPLACED ENTIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 20, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS STOPPED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AN UNKNOWN NOISE WAS HEARD AS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT CAUSING THAT VEHICLE TO CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 28, 2020 · crash

“The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 1, 2024

“The air conditioning system has a very very foul musty smell when you first start the vehicle after sitting for a few hours. It will go away after a few minutes, but the dealer nor repair shops can fix the issue. System was cleaned, new micro air filter was installed, but still have the musty odor.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 1, 2022

“The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 1, 2024

2016 BMW Z4 — common questions

Is the 2016 BMW Z4 reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 BMW Z4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 BMW Z4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.