BMW Z4 recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 14 safety recalls naming the BMW Z4, launched from 2012 to 2026. Most recalls cover only cars built in certain dates or chassis number ranges, so check a specific car on GOV.UK's recall check.
BMW Z4 recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 14
- 2012 to 2026
- Latest recall
- 2 March 2026
- R/2026/054
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every BMW Z4 recall
Newest first. The concern is the part or system affected, the defect is what can go wrong, and the remedy is what the manufacturer does to put it right.
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
R/2026/054, launched 2 March 2026. Also covers the 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X3, X4, X5
Defect: The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
R/2025/405, launched 27 October 2025. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X3, X4
Defect: For affected vehicles there is a concern involving water ingress and corrosion to the starter motor for where a short circuit cannot be ruled out. It is strongly recommended to park the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings until the repair has been carried out.
Remedy: Replacement of the starter motor.
Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55
R/2024/191, launched 1 May 2024. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3, X5
Defect: On affected vehicles overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the eight aluminium screws will be replaced if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.
AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY BE FITTED WITH BRAKE DISCS WHICH ARE NOT TO SPECIFICATION
R/2021/085, launched 15 March 2021, 705 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series
Defect: Affected vehicles may be fitted with brake discs which were not produced according to the specifications
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the brake discs will be checked and if necessary replaced
ON AFFECTED VEHICLES THERE IS A POSSIBLE FAILURE OF THE FUEL TANK WELDING JOINT WHICH COULD LEAD TO LEAKAGE
R/2020/347, launched 30 November 2020, 6 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles there is a possible failure of the fuel tank welding joint which could lead to leakage.
Remedy: Replace the fuel tank
STEERING TIE ROD CAN BECOME BROKEN IN THE 'KINK' GROOVE AREA OF THE ROD
R/2020/219, launched 10 August 2020, 4,542 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, X4M
Defect: A steering tie rod with an earlier design configuration can become broken in the ‘kink’ groove area of the rod.
Remedy: Both of the steering tie rods will be replaced on the affected vehicles.
THE PRESSING FORCE OF THE BEARING BUSHING INTO THE CRANKCASE MAY BE OUT OF SPECIFICATION
R/2019/368, launched 9 December 2019, 53 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series
Defect: The engine counterbalance shaft bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification
Remedy: Replace the engine of affected vehicles
PLUG IN CONTACT CABLE MAY MALFUNCTION
R/2018/132, launched 7 June 2018, 311,848 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, X1
Defect: The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. This may cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box. Symptoms include being unable to gain entry or start the car but the most common are a flickering instrument panel or uneven engine performance. However if the electrical connection is completely lost this will also affect the operation of the vehicles lighting systems; e.g. sidelights or hazard warning lamps.
Remedy: On affected vehicles carry out a suitable repair to the battery cable positive cable.
DRIVESHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT MAY BREAK
R/2017/132, launched 11 April 2017, 10,849 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1
Defect: Due to insufficient strength the front universal joint in the rear front universal joint of the rear prop shaft may fail.
Remedy: On affected vehicle replace the universal joint with a modified version
PLUG IN CONTACT CABLE MAY MALFUNCTION
R/2017/114, launched 10 April 2017, 36,410 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, X1
Defect: It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
ENGINE EMERGENCY MODE MAY BE ACTIVATED DURING DRIVING
R/2014/068, launched 28 July 2014, 2,967 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3, X5
Defect: The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.
Remedy: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit
LOSS OF DRIVE
R/2013/080, launched 5 July 2013, 4 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, X1
Defect: It is possible that over a period of time the bolt securing the clutch cover/pressure plate may become loose. The drive should be warned of this by the behaviour of the clutch noise from it or inability to select gears. Under certain conditions complete loss of drive could occur which could place the driver and occupant of the vehicle in a prone position.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the clutch bolts.
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
R/2013/024, launched 4 April 2013, 36 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, X1
Defect: It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be make aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
EPS MAY NOT PERFORM AS SPECIFIED
R/2012/081, launched 30 July 2012, 701 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, X1
Defect: Due to a component in the integrated control module not being to specification it is possible power steering assistance may fail. If this happens the EPS warning lamp will illuminate and a check control message will appear on the dashboard display. Directional control will be maintained albeit with additional driver input.
Remedy: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the steering box.
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
What to do next
If you own a BMW Z4, check its registration on GOV.UK and ask a BMW dealer whether any recall work is outstanding. If you are buying one, ask the seller for proof the work was done, and run a Motoring Insider history check for finance, write-offs and the MOT history.