BMW recalls 2020 Z4 models with potential loss of braking assist during engine start, increasing crash risk. Owners receive free software update.
Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
BMW is recalling certain 2020 Z4 models due to a risk of losing braking assist during engine start, which could increase crash likelihood. This affects vehicles that may need a software update to fix the issue. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/79229-bmw-2020-z4-recall-loss-of-braking-assist-risk.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/79229-bmw-2020-z4-recall-loss-of-braking-assist-risk · Updated October 4, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #21V598000
“BMW 2020 Z4 Recall: Loss of Braking Assist Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated October 4, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/79229-bmw-2020-z4-recall-loss-of-braking-assist-risk. Based on NHTSA recall 21V598000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V598000).
During engine start, the vehicle's engine management software can temporarily disable braking assist. This means the driver may not have full braking power available, increasing crash risk if the vehicle needs to stop suddenly.
Owners of 2020 BMW Z4 models with the specific engine management software are affected. Drivers using these vehicles during engine start may face reduced braking assist.
Check if your 2020 Z4 has the specific engine management software. The recall covers vehicles that were sold between 2020 and 2021 with the affected software.
Call 1-800-525-7417 to confirm your vehicle is affected and schedule a free software update.
Dealers will provide a free software update to fix the engine management software issue.
Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The engine management software can cause temporary loss of braking assist during engine start, which may increase crash risk.
Your vehicle is affected if it's a 2020 Z4 with the specific engine management software, as listed in the recall notice.
The recall notice does not specify a deadline for the software update; dealers will handle it at no cost.
We’ve drafted a message you can send BMW to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 21V598000 — BMW BMW Hello, I own a BMW that is covered by recall 21V598000 from BMW. The official recall notice states: Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
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The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
