Every 2012 BMW Z4 recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 24V608000
Aug 13, 2024Engine and Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Pump
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 24V608000 →Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA 14V627000
Jul 10, 2014Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum:Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 14V627000 →Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA 13V454000
Sep 26, 2013Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 13V454000 →
2012 BMW Z4 complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW Z4. BMW has issued at least 141 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Engine and Engine Cooling3
- Electrical System2
- Engine1
- Steering1
Service bulletins by component
- Equipment (51)
- Electrical System (44)
- Engine (27)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (24)
- Fuel System, Gasoline (14)
- Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (8)
Read BMW Z4 owner complaints and bulletins, every year
NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2012 BMW Z4
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in one investigation. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.
What people reported
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW Z4. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
“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.”
2012 BMW Z4Feb 11, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11641959
“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.”
2012 BMW Z4Dec 13, 2024
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11630547
“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.”
2012 BMW Z4Apr 19, 2022
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11461364
“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.”
2012 BMW Z4Aug 24, 2020
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11350908
Check your Z4 by VIN
Not every 2012 BMW Z4 is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any BMW dealer.
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