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Model-year record

2010 BMW Z4
Image: Own work · CC BY-SA 4.0

2010 BMW Z4

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

10

Reports to NHTSA, 2010

Safety recalls

5

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

21

EPA estimate

Known issues

Engine And Engine Cooling issues lead owner complaints (30% of 10 reports), followed by electrical system (10%).

Engine And Engine Cooling30% · 3 reports
Electrical System10% · 1 report
Engine10% · 1 report
Fuel/Propulsion System10% · 1 report
Power Train10% · 1 report
Service Brakes10% · 1 report
Visibility/Wiper10% · 1 report
Wheels10% · 1 report

Share of all 10 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11470484, ODI 10410874, ODI 10339068.

Individual complaint reports(10)

Showing the 10 most recent reports
Power TrainMay 2026 · ODI 11737891Details +

The contact owns a 2010 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH when attempting to depress the accelerator pedal the vehicle decrease speed independently. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an dealer where it was diagnosed the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed him there are no recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 161,000.

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
May 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11737891 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingJun 2022 · ODI 11470484Details +

The contact owns a 2010 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms tools are not available

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11470484 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemOct 2018 · ODI 11140417Details +

BMW HAS ACKNOWLEDGED A KNOWN ISSUE CAUSING FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. THE BMW TECHNICAL BULLETIN IS (SI B 13 03 09). THIS EXTENDS THE WARRANTY OF THE PART TO 10 YEARS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE FAILURE IS NOT WELL DOCUMENTED BY THE VEHICLE ISSUE LOGGING SYSTEM, AND THAT OTHER ISSUES WITH THE CAR ARE CITED AS A REASON TO NOT PERFORM THE PART REPLACEMENT. BMW N. AMERICA AND BMW OF AUSTIN DO NOT, AND CAN NOT PROVIDE A TEST TO CHECK THE VEHICLE'S FUEL SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY. THIS PUTS DRIVERS, PASSENGERS AND ANYONE ELSE AT RISK SHOULD THE PART FAIL SUDDENLY AFTER EXHIBITING PARTIAL FAILURES. THE COMPLAINT SHOULD ALSO NOTE THAT BMW DOES NOT PROVIDE AN EASY WAY TO REPORT THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE AS THERE IS NO FIXED PROCESS TO DOCUMENT THE ISSUES.

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
May 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11140417 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2015 · ODI 10730345Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.

Reported
Jun 2015
Incident date
Jun 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10730345 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperMar 2015 · ODI 10695276Details +

DURING A COLD, DRIVING RAIN STORM, WITH DRIVER & 1 PASSENGER, STARTED TO DRIVE. (VERY 1ST DRIVE IN THIS CAR WITH COLD WEATHER) WHAT A SURPRISE: WINDSHIELD IMMEDIATELY FOGGED UP. TURNED ON DEFOGGER, WINDSHIELD THEN FOGGED UP 100% AS WELL AS ALL OTHER WINDOWS - AS VISIBILITY DISAPPEARED, I STOPPED THE CAR & OPENED THE WINDOWS WITH THE BLOWER ON. NO HEAT COULD BE USED. THIS PROCESS WAS REPEATED OVER THE NEXT 1 TO 1-1/2 HOURS IN ORDER TO CONTINUE DRIVING. ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO BMW MANY TIMES OVER. I HAD TO LEARN THAT DESPITE COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES W-W/O RAIN, SNOW, ETC. - THE A/C MUST BE TURNED ON IN ORDER TO NOT FOG THE WINDOWS. BMW: THERE'S NOTHING TO FIX, THAT'S THE WAY IT IS. THE AMBIENT AIR IS DIRECTED THROUGH A PORTION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THIS HEATS UP THE AIR. BMW STATED THAT I MAY VOID THE WARRANTY IF I MODIFY THE SYSTEM TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THIS HAS CONTINUED TO OCCUR. ON A DRIVE ON CA'S COAST HIGHWAY, WITH TEMPS IN THE LOW 50'S - ONE MUST STILL RUN THE A/C & NO HEAT. BMW ASKED: WHAT DO YOU HAVE AGAINST RUNNING THE A/C ALL THE TIME? IN ADDITION TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY - THIS RESULTS IN CONSTANT, VERY LOW MPG WITH THE A/C ALWAYS ON. WHEN BMW PROVIDED MPG'S TO FED. AGENCIES, I BELIEVE THAT BMW'S A/C'S WERE NOT ON & THESE CARS DEMAND PREMIUM FUEL. I SPOKE WITH A NATIONALLY KNOWN, RESPECTED TESTER/ADVISERS OF MANY VEHICLES - IT WAS CONFIRMED TO ME THAT THE MPG TESTS ARE CONDUCTED WITHOUT THE A/C'S BEING TURNED ON. *TR

Reported
Mar 2015
Incident date
Mar 2009
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10695276 at NHTSA →
EngineAug 2014 · ODI 10627984Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V176000 (ENGINE). THE DEALER COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE FOR EIGHT MONTHS BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Reported
Aug 2014
Incident date
Jun 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10627984 at NHTSA →
WheelsJul 2011 · ODI 10412024Details +

REAR RIMS CRACKING ON 2010 BMW Z4 WITH ONLY 7,200 MILES. DEALER STATES ISSUE CAUSED BY POT HOLES, BUT COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY FRONT RIMSWERE NOT CRACKED. *TT

Reported
Jul 2011
Incident date
Jul 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10412024 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingJul 2011 · ODI 10410874Details +

2011 BMW Z4, PURCHASED NEW WITH APPROXIMATELY 7K MILES. STARTED TO FEEL VIBRATION WHEN I PUT ON BRAKES AROUND 5K MILE MARK. VIBRATION LASTS 1-2 SECONDS. HAPPENED 20 TIMES SO FAR. I WAS DRIVING TODAY, 7000K MILE MARK, AND THE ENGINE FAILED AND DIED. LIKE SOMEBODY JUST TURNED IT OFF. LUCKILY I WAS ON LOCAL STREET SO I JUST CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! THEN I RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT CAME BACK TO LIFE AND RAN LIKE NORMAL. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. SOMETHING IS WRONG IF YOUR CAR DIES WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING!! *TR

Reported
Jul 2011
Incident date
Jul 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10410874 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingJun 2010 · ODI 10339068Details +

WHENEVER SLOWING DOWN TO A NEAR STOP, THE ENGINE WILL RANDOMLY STALL. THIS CAN OCCUR AT ANYTIME, BUT IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE IS IN THE 90'S OR ABOVE (IT WILL STALL IN COLD TEMPERATURE AS WELL, BUT NOT AS OFTEN). THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE AT THE TIME OF THE STALL IS ALWAYS COMPLETELY NORMAL, THE CAR IS NOT OVERHEATING IN ANYWAY. IT IS ALSO MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN "SPORT MODE". THIS ISSUE ONLY EFFECTS BMW E89 3.0 AUTOMATICS. AN AUTOMATIC SHOULD NEVER STALL. ONCE THE ENGINE STALLS YOU ARE FORCED TO STOP THE CAR IN ORDER TO RESTART TO MOVE. THIS ISSUE IS OCCURRING WORLD-WIDE. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE BMW DEALER IN AUSTIN, TX TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO ERROR CODES PRESENT IN THE COMPUTER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOT ON. I HAD A BMW SHOP FOREMAN DRIVE WITH ME AND WE REPRODUCED THE ENGINE STALL AS WE APPROACHED A STOPLIGHT. HE STATED THERE WERE NO BMW SERVICE BULLETINS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. OTHER E89 Z4 OWNERS HAVE TAKEN THEIR CAR IN FOR SERVICE AT BMW DEALERS IN CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA AND TEXAS AND IN ALL CASES THE BMW MECHANICS FOUND NO REASON FOR THE ENGINE STALL AND DO NOT HAVE A FIX. RANDOM ENGINE STALL WHEN SLOWING IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ISSUE. I CONSIDER THIS VEHICLE (E89 3.0 AUTOMATIC) TO BE UNSAFE AND UNRELIABLE IN HOT WEATHER. SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR IF A CAR RANDOMLY SHUTS ITSELF OFF AS IT IS BEING SLOWED. OVER THE PAST 6 MONTHS, THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME AT LEAST 15-20 TIMES. *TR

Reported
Jun 2010
Incident date
Jun 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10339068 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesFeb 2010 · ODI 10312902Details +

CAR IS A NEW (11 /21/09) BMW Z4 WITH LESS THAN 2,000 MILES. WHEN DRIVING IN SUBURBAN TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 45MPH, DRIVER SIGNALED FOR A RIGHT HAND TURN AT AN INTERSECTION WITHOUT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THERE WAS VIRTUALLY NO STOPPING POWER. UNABLE TO SLOW FOR THE RIGHT TURN, DRIVER PROCEEDED TO THE NEXT TURN WHILE APPLYING ALL OF THE PHYSICAL PRESSURE SHE COULD MUSTER, WHICH FINALLY SLOWED THE CAR TOP THE POINT IT COULD BE TURNED AND STOPPED. IF THIS BRAKE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED WHEN THERE WAS STOPPED TRAFFIC, AN ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY OCCURRED. THE PROBLEM WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE POWER BRAKES HYDRAULIC BOOSTER. ADDITIONALLY, NO WARNING LIGHT EVER CAME ON BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THERE ARE WARNING LIGHTS FOR LOW FLUID AND LOW PADS, BUT NOT FOR BOOSTER FAILURE, WHICH IS UNBELIEVABLE. *TR

Reported
Feb 2010
Incident date
Feb 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10312902 at NHTSA →

Recalls(5)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Engine And Engine CoolingFeb 2022 · 22V119000Details +

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Engine And Engine CoolingOct 2014 · 14V176000Details +

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.

Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Electrical SystemJul 2013 · 13V044000Details +

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Engine And Engine Cooling · 17V683000Details +

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Engine And Engine Cooling · 23V707000Details +

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.

Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2010 BMW Z4 Roadster w/SAB NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Z4 sDrive30i3.0L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive182822
Z4 sDrive30i3.0L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive182822
Z4 sDrive35i3.0L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive182520
Z4 sDrive35i3.0L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive172420

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2010 BMW Z4: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2010 BMW Z4?

Owners filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the 2010 BMW Z4. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2010 BMW Z4?

The most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (30% of complaints) and electrical system (10%).

How many recalls does the 2010 BMW Z4 have?

5 recalls have been issued that affect the 2010 BMW Z4, covering components such as engine and engine cooling. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2010 BMW Z4 get?

The EPA rates the 2010 BMW Z4 between 20 and 22 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.