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U.S. public vehicle records

2010 Bmw Z4: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

10 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

8,066 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2010 model year. Data snapshot: . 8 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 10 complaints (30.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Engine operation220.0%
Braking behavior220.0%
Transmission and shifting110.0%
Electrical and battery issues110.0%
Fuel system concerns110.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine And Engine Cooling
3
Electrical System
1
Engine
1
Fuel/Propulsion System
1
Power Train
1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
1
Visibility/Wiper
1
Wheels
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine And Engine Cooling3
Electrical System1
Engine1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Power Train1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Visibility/Wiper1
Wheels1

Engine And Engine Cooling: 3; Electrical System: 1; Engine: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Power Train: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 1; Visibility/Wiper: 1; Wheels: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
6
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0006
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 1

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 2 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2010
2
2011
2
2014
1
2015
2
2018
1
2022
1
2026
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20102
20112
20141
20152
20181
20221
20261

2010: 2; 2011: 2; 2014: 1; 2015: 2; 2018: 1; 2022: 1; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10312902 · 2010-02-22 (February 22, 2010)

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 W…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10312902 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10339068 · 2010-06-18 (June 18, 2010)

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 …

Owner-reported narrative. 9,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10339068 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10410874 · 2011-07-07 (July 7, 2011)

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 DRIVI…

Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10410874 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10412024 · 2011-07-12 (July 12, 2011)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 7,131 miles reported. Look up ODI 10412024 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10627984 · 2014-08-25 (August 25, 2014)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10627984 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10695276 · 2015-03-19 (March 19, 2015)

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 TE…

Owner-reported narrative. 100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10695276 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10730345 · 2015-06-25 (June 25, 2015)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. 10,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10730345 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11140417 · 2018-10-15 (October 15, 2018)

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 RIS…

Owner-reported narrative. 68,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11140417 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

13V044000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables | Electrical System

Reported: 2013-02-07 (February 7, 2013)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
14V176000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Reported: 2014-04-10 (April 10, 2014)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)

Reported: 2017-10-30 (October 30, 2017)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V119000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)

Reported: 2022-03-02 (March 2, 2022)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V707000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Reported: 2023-10-20 (October 20, 2023)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗