2019 BMW Z4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2019 BMW Z4: 6 recalls, 5 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #19V684000 · 2019 · 257,473 vehicles
What's wrong: The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 111, "rearview mirrors."
Why it matters: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019.
Engine Vehicle recall #19V732000 · 2019 · 217 vehicles
What's wrong: The needle roller bearings of the counterbalance shafts May have been improperly installed, potentially causing the counterbalance shaft to loosen.
Why it matters: If the counterbalance shaft loosens, severe engine damage could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019.
Steering Vehicle recall #20V355000 · 2020 · 2,779 vehicles
What's wrong: In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod May become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.
Why it matters: A damaged or fractured tie rod May affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #20V516000 · 2020 · 4,265 vehicles
What's wrong: The headlamps are able to be adjusted horizontally. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Should the headlamps be adjusted horizontally, there could be increased glare and reduced visibility for oncoming drivers, or reduced visibility for the vehicle operator, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamp vertical and horizontal adjustment plugs, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Bmw
Engine Vehicle recall #21V598000 · 2021 · 50,024 vehicles
What's wrong: During engine start, the engine management software May cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.
Why it matters: Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021.
Electrical Vehicle recall #25V636000 · 2025 · 199,674 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine starter relay May corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Why it matters: A short circuit in the starter relay May increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Forward collision avoidance (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2019 BMW Z4 has 5 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 21 Z4 model years for complaints (well below the 61 average). Complaints peaked in 2024 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 200 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (5 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2019 BMW Z4.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2019 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2019 BMW Z4. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2019 BMW Z4 problems?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (2), airbags (1), body & structure (1).
What gas mileage does the 2019 BMW Z4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2019 BMW Z4 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.