Model-year record
2012 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.
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Complaints filed
5
Reports to NHTSA, 2012
Safety recalls
4
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 (60% of 5 reports), followed by engine (20%).
Share of all 5 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11641959, ODI 11638768, ODI 11461364.
Individual complaint reports(5)
Showing the 5 most recent reportsEngine And Engine CoolingFeb 2025 · ODI 11641959Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2012 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 local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Reported
- Feb 2025
- Incident date
- Oct 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingJan 2025 · ODI 11638768Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2012 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 unavailable. 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 confirms parts not available.
- Reported
- Jan 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringDec 2024 · ODI 11630547Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and turning to the left, the steering wheel seized, and the contact had to use force to return the steering wheel back to center. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds while turning left or right. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while the steering wheel was turned to the left or right. The vehicle regained normal steering functionality when the vehicle was stopped and turned off and restarted. The contact stated the "steering wheel" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V302000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
- Reported
- Dec 2024
- Incident date
- Nov 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingApr 2022 · ODI 11461364Details +Close −
The contact's wife owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle overheated and started decelerating independently. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle failed to respond. The warning message "Engine Overheat; Pull Over and Turn Off Vehicle" was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle was still overheating. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical coolant water pump, cooling thermostat, cooling hose, and the vent hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,164.
- Reported
- Apr 2022
- Incident date
- Apr 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineAug 2020 · ODI 11350908Details +Close −
NOTICED WHINING NOISE FROM ENGINE ALTHOUGH IT DRIVES NORMALLY. BMW DEALER CONFIRMS TIMING CHAIN NEEDS REPLACEMENT. MY CAR IS AT 8 YEARS, 66K MILES - JUST OVER THE 7/70 WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR TIMING CHAIN. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT STILL PENDING ON THIS KNOWN ISSUE. IT HAS BEEN DEALERSHIP SERVICED SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED WITH FULL RECORDS.
- Reported
- Aug 2020
- Incident date
- Aug 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Recalls(4)
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.
Service BrakesJul 2014 · 14V627000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Steering · 12V302000Details +Close −
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 1-SERIES ACTIVE E AND MODEL YEAR 2012 Z4 VEHICLES. VARIATIONS IN ELECTRICAL CURRENT MAY OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM, LEADING TO SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE.
Risk: SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING ASSISTANCE MAY INCREASE THE STEERING EFFORT REQUIRED TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF A VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING ASSISTANCE MODULE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN DURING JULY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT 1-800-525-7417.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Service Brakes · 13V454000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Engine And Engine Cooling · 24V608000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
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
1 NHTSA investigation on record
Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.
In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (NHTSA Recall 13V-454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft may result in blocking of the oil supply to the vacuum pump, resulting in improper pump operation and loss of power assist braking.On July 11, 2013, BMW initiated a change to the camshaft geometry that prevented the seal disk from blocking the oil port.BMW has not received any braking complaints related to loss of power assist after the design change was implemented in production.The owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer who will install a locking ring into the camshaft to keep the seal disk in its proper location.BMW expects to begin dealer and owner notification in November 2013 and complete dealer and owner notification in December when the remedy is expected to be available.Based on the actions taken by BMW, this investigation is closed.
Crash-test ratings
No NHTSA crash test is on record for this year. Some vehicles and model years were not tested or do not have a published NCAP result.
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z4 sDrive28i | 2.0L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 23 | 34 | 27 |
| Z4 sDrive28i | 2.0L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 22 | 32 | 26 |
| Z4 sDrive35i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 19 | 26 | 21 |
| Z4 sDrive35is | 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S7) | 17 | 23 | 19 |
| Z4 sDrive35i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S7) | 17 | 23 | 19 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
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2012 BMW Z4: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2012 BMW Z4?
Owners filed 5 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 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 2012 BMW Z4?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (60% of complaints) and engine (20%).
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW Z4 have?
4 recalls have been issued that affect the 2012 BMW Z4, covering components such as service brakes. 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 2012 BMW Z4 get?
The EPA rates the 2012 BMW Z4 between 19 and 27 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.