BMW · Z4 · 2009
4
Recalls
22
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2009 BMW Z4 has 4 recalls and 22 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: wheels (10 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 Z4 30I AND 35I VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 10 AND MARCH 19, 2009. A DEFECTIVE CRIMP CONNECTOR IN A BELT TENSIONER WIRING PLUG MAY LEAD TO INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.
Remedy Status
THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER WIRING WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
The airbag sensor in my passenger seat has failed. I have been quoted approximately $2000 to repair this. However researching online I see BMW Service Bulletin SB-[XXX] which indicates this may be a widespread problem? [XXX] I am concerned to take passengers in the vehicle as I do not know if the airbags will deploy, or deploy at the wrong "rate" based on my understanding of how the sensors work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Drivers side seat belt frayed at the point where it comes out of the vehicle when I am seated and buckled in. This is nearly impossible for me to see and I only saw it by chance pulling the seat belt out for some incidental reason. I am unclear how long it had been like this. Otherwise this defect is completely hidden as it disappears into the vehicle when I unbuckle.
THE SEAT BELT IS FRAYING AT THE POINT WHERE IT MOST COMMONLY RESTS AGAINST THE CHASSIS WHILE I AM WEARING IT. IT SEEMS TO BE RUBBING AGAINST THE CAR CAUSING IT TO FRAY. I ONLY NOTICED IT BY CHANCE, AS IT IS NOT A COMMON SPOT TO LOOK AT WHILE SEATED IN THE VEHICLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MCKENNA BMW AT (562) 219-4570 (LOCATED AT 10900 FIRESTONE BLVD, NORWALK, CA 90650) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY STALLED AND SHUTDOWN WHILE IN MOVEMENT WITH POTENTIAL TO CAUSE ACCIDENT. VEHICLE CANNOT BE TURNED ON UNTIL FULL STOP IS ACHIEVED AND TRANSMISSION PLACED IN "P." IDLE ENGINE RPM CONTINUES TO VARY DRASTICALLY UP AND DOWN WITH INDICATION A PROBLEM PERSISTS AND IS LIKELY POSE THE SAME SAFETY RISK. I BOUGHT VEHICLE USED ON 2012 AND HAD THE ISSUE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE TWICE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALERSHIP TOOK MONTHS TO APPARENTLY RESOLVE. I AM BACK AT RISK.
EBRAKE FAILURE. I WENT ON THE Z4 FORUM AND MANY PEOPLE REPORT THIS SAME ISSUE OF THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE / EMERGENCY BRAKE SIMPLY FAILING TO WORK.
WHEELS DEVELOPED CRACKS AND AIR WAS LEAKING.
REAR WHEELS ON BMW Z4 CRACKED DURING NORMAL ROAD USAGE. BOTH CRACKED WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER. THESE ARE 19" WHEELS WITH RUN FLAT TIRES AND 296 WHEEL DESIGN. THESE WHEELS DON'T SEEM TO BE DESIGNED FOR PUBLIC ROAD USAGE BUT ARE ADVERTISED AS SUCH. THEY CANNOT WITHSTAND EVEN MINOR ROAD IMPERFECTIONS. BMW REFUSED TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY AND DOESN'T ACKNOWLEDGE THE WHEEL DESIGN AS DEFECTIVE DESPITE NUMEROUS REPORTS WITH THIS EXACT WHEEL. THEY NO LONGER SELL THE WHEEL ON NEW VEHICLES AND IN FACT EVEN REDESIGNED THE WHEEL IN 2012. *TR
THE CAR HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIME WHEN COMING TO A STOP. IN SOME INSTANCES I DID NOT HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP SUCH AS CROSSING A DIVIDED HIGHWAY, JUST SLOWED SIGNIFICANTLY. AS I WENT TO ACCELERATE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION THE ENGINE HAD STALLED AND I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION WITH NO POWER. CAR STARTS RIGHT BACK UP EACH TIME BUT YOU MUST STOP TO PLACE THE CAR IN DRIVE(AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). NEARLY HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. DEALERSHIP WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE, SOLD ME A $400 BATTERY AS THE FIX. CAR STALLED ON THE WAY HOME FROM DEALERSHIP. RETURNED THE CAR BUT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE AND SINCE THE INSTANCES DID NOT PRODUCE A FAULT CODE THEY COULD DO NOTHING. CAR CONTINUES TO STALL WHICH MAKES IT A SAFETY HAZARD. THERE ARE 100'S OF POST ON BMW FORUMS WITH THE SAME ISSUE BUT BMW CLAIMS TO HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE ISSUE. SOMEONE NEEDS TO STEP IN AND MAKE THEM ADDRESS THE ISSUE. THIS IS NOT THE KNOWN BATTERY CABLE ISSUE, THAT WAS REPLACED PER RECALL. *TR
WHEN I GOT INTO MY CAR ONE MORNING THE SENSOR WENT OFF LETTING ME KNOW THAT I HAD A LOW TIRE PRESSURE. I WENT AND FILLED THE TIRE TO THE PROPER LEVEL; I THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS FINE, THEN THE NEXT FOLLOWING MORNING THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY FOUND THAT THE RIM WAS CRACKED IN 4 PLACES. I WAS WONDERING HOW THE RIM COULD HAVE GOTTEN CRACKED CAUSE I BARELY DRIVE THE CAR, SITS IN THE GARAGE MOST OF THE TIME, I DRIVE ON EVEN ROADS WHEN I DO, BUT I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 4 MONTHS, PURCHASED IT FROM CAR MAX. I WENT TO VARIOUS POSTS AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE RIMS THAT BMW PUT ON THE Z4 35I BECAUSE THEY ARE RUN FLAT TIRES (WHICH MY CAR INITIALLY HAD ON THEM). WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR, RUN FLATS WASN'T ON THIS CAR. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE WHEELS (RIMS) BECAUSE IF THE RIM FAILED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY...IT COULD HAVE BEEN DEVASTATING. *TR
ALUMINUM WHEEL (STYLE 296) CRACK ON THE INSIDE BEAD. CAR HAS 22,000 MILES ON 1/23/14 AND 3 WHEELS CURRENTLY HAVE CRACKS. THE CRACKS PREVENT THE TIRES FROM MAINTAINING AIR PRESSURE AND LOWERS THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE RIM, CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD. BMW IS ONLY OFFERING TO REPAIR ONE WHEEL UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE RUNOUT ON THE OTHER 2 WHEELS WAS 0.059" WHICH THEY ARE CLAIMING INDICATES THAT THE WHEELS ARE DAMAGED DUE TO A ROAD HAZARD BUT OFFERED NO VISUAL EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE. ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATES THERE IS A HIGH RATE OF FAILURE OF THE 296 STYLE WHEEL AND CONTRIBUTING FACTORS INCLUDE THE DESIGN OF THE 19" WHEEL, THE USE OF 30 SERIES (REAR) OR 35 SERIES (FRONT) RUN-FLAT-TIRES AND THE NEGATIVE CAMBER. THE NEGATIVE CAMBER PUTS THE MAJORITY OF THE FORCES AND LOAD FROM THE ROAD ONTO THE INSIDE BEAD OF THE RIM. THE RUN-FLAT-TIRES HAVE EXTREMELY STIFF AND SHORT SIDEWALLS TO ALLOW THE TIRES TO BE DRIVEN WITH NO AIR, WHICH TRANSMITS THE FORCES FROM THE ROAD DIRECTLY TO THE RIM WITHOUT THE NORMAL CUSHION OF A STANDARD TIRE. THE DESIGN OF THE RIM DOES NOT ADD ADDITIONAL STRENGTH TO THE INSIDE BEAD TO MAKE UP FOR THE ADDITIONAL LOADS CAUSED BY THE CAMBER AND RUN-FLAT-TIRES. *TR
I HAD A SLOW TIRE LEAK SO I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET CHECKED. TURNS OUT MY 2 REAR WHEELS ARE CRACKED.THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM FOR OWNERS WITH THE 296 WHEEL ON THE Z4. *TR
THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS WHEEL STYLE "296" A 19" OPTIONAL ALLOY WHEEL PACKAGE FOR E89 BMW Z4. BMW PART NUMBER 36116785257(REAR WHEEL 19X9) AND 36116785256(FRONT WHEEL 19X8. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, MULTIPLE CRACKS DEVELOPED ON INNER EDGE OF RIM LIP LEADING TO LARGE DROP IN TIRE PRESSURE AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. THIS HAPPENED TO (1) OF MY REAR WHEELS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AS MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME PARTICULAR WHEEL MODEL "296" ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. IT IS NOTED IN THE FOLLOWING LINK: HTTP://E89.ZPOST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=485935 CONTACTED BMWNA CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND THEY DECLINED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. *TR
BOTH REAR WHEELS DEVELOPED CRACKS. THESE WERE 19 INCH BMW STYLE 296 WHEELS WITH RUN-FLAT TIRES. *TR
I HAD TWO OF THESE RIMS BEND AND CRACK ( MODEL 296) I HAD THE RIM AND TIRE WARRANTY THAT I PAID EXTRA FOR AND BMW COVERED A REPLACEMENT FOR ONE AND PAID TO HAVE THE OTHER STRAIGHTENED. *TR
MY REAR RIMS HAVE DEVELOPED CRACKS WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN QUICK LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE AND IN SOME CASES DESTROYING TIRE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES, HOWEVER THUS FAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN ISOLATED TO THE REAR (MODEL 296 19") RIMS. IN THE 16 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES INCLUDING ON 5/11/2012, 9/9/12, 4/12/13 AND 5/23/13. EACH TIME I HAVE PURCHASED A NEW RIM OR HAD THE EXISTING RIM REPAIRED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DEALER. IN NONE OF THESE CASES HAS THERE BEEN ANY IMPACT OR DRIVING CONDITION THAT EXPLAINS THE FAILURE. *TR
THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS WHEEL STYLE "296" A 19" OPTIONAL ALLOY WHEEL PACKAGE FOR E89 BMW Z4. BMW PART NUMBER 36116785257(REAR WHEEL 19X9) AND 36116785256(FRONT WHEEL 19X8. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, CRACKS DEVELOPED ON INNER EDGE OF RIM LIP LEADING TO DROP IN TIRE PRESSURE AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. THIS HAPPENED TO (1) OF MY REAR WHEELS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AS MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME PARTICULAR WHEEL MODEL "296" ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. IT IS NOTED IN THE FOLLOWING LINK: HTTP://E89.ZPOST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=485935 CONTACTED BMW AND THEY DECLINED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. *TR
THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS WHEEL STYLE "296" A 19" OPTIONAL ALLOY WHEEL PACKAGE FOR E89 BMW Z4. BMW PART NUMBER 36116785257(REAR WHEEL 19X9) AND 36116785256(FRONT WHEEL 19X8. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, MULTIPLE CRACKS DEVELOPED ON INNER EDGE OF RIM LIP LEADING TO LARGE DROP IN TIRE PRESSURE AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. THIS HAPPENED TO (1) OF MY REAR WHEELS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AS MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME PARTICULAR WHEEL MODEL "296" ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. IT IS NOTED IN THE FOLLOWING LINK: HTTP://E89.ZPOST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=485935 CONTACTED BMWNA CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND THEY DECLINED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. *TR
I AM LEASING A 2009 Z4 BMW, THE ENGINE CAR STALL WHILE DRIVING THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN A PERIOD OF 2 WEEKS, I ALMOST HAVE A CAR CRASH BEHIND IN BOTH OPPORTUNITIES, THANKS THAT THE TRAFFIC WAS VERY SLOW, THE SECOND TIME I HAVE TO GO OUT THE ROAD. I BROUGHT THE CAR THE FOR SERVICE, THEY WERE ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE FAILURE, AFTER ONE WEEK AT THE SHOP THEY SAY IT WAS A COMPUTER FAILURE, THEY REPLACE THE COMPUTER HOWEVER AFTER 2 WEEKS THE CAR STILL IN THE SHOP I HAVE CALL SEVERAL TIMES TO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE SERVICE SHOP BUT I DON'T GET ANY SPECIFIC ANSWER OF WHAT IS GOING ON, I FEEL I DON'T HAVE ANY RIGHTS AS A CONSUMER AND IN THE OTHER HAND I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY SINCE THEY SAID THEY DON'T GUARANTEE THIS WON'T HAVEN AGAIN EVEN IF THE CAR IS FIXED. DO I HAVE ANY RIGHTS AS A CONSUMER OR I HAVE TO ACCEPT THIS SITUATION. *TR
Showing 1–20 of 22 complaints
The 2009 BMW Z4 has 4 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 22 owner-reported complaints for the 2009 BMW Z4.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2009 BMW Z4.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2009 BMW Z4 are wheels (10 reports), engine (3 reports), seat belts (2 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 4 recalls on record for the 2009 BMW Z4. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.