2016 BMW Z4 recalls and problems

The 2016 BMW Z4 has 2 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Urgent: recall 26V-733 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
2
Complaints
4
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 BMW Z4 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 BMW Z4 recalls

Recall 26V-733: Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling

Park outsideReported Nov 4, 2026 · 720,796 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2016 3 Series, 5 Series, Z4, 2012-2015 X1, 2013-2017 X3, 2015-2016 4 Series Gran Coupe, 2 Series Convertible, 2014-2016 328xi Gran Turismo, 2 Series Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 3 Series Coupe, 3 Series Sportswagon, 2015-2018 X4, and 2016-2018 X5 xDrive40e vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Risk: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in December 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 25, 2026. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 24V608. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

Recall 24V-608: Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Aug 13, 2024 · 720,796 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

2016 BMW Z4 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Seat Belts1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Unknown or Other1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Electrical System1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 8,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 BMW Z4 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Unknown or Other · reported Aug 22, 2024
The air conditioning system has a very very foul musty smell when you first start the vehicle after sitting for a few hours. It will go away after a few minutes, but the dealer nor repair shops can fix the issue. System was cleaned, new micro air filter was installed, but still have the musty odor. Even the a/c drain was cleaned, all to no avail. This seems to be a class thing with all BMW vehicles according to the many BMW owners I have spoken with. But no one can fix the problem.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 8,000 miles · reported Mar 13, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 bmw z4. The contact stated that while his wife was stopped and the brake pedal was depressed an unknown noise was heard as, the vehicle accelerated out of control and crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front causing that vehicle to crashed into the vehicle ahead of it. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver's side frontal and knee air bags deployed. The driver sustained minor injury that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an auto body repair facility. The contact called the bmw of temple dealer (6006 s…
Seat Belts · at 200 miles · reported Sep 22, 2016
About 20% of time, driver side seat belt jams, will not release from recess/retainer behind seat without using my hand for couple minutes to jiggle enough. No problem once I get it to release. Then fits in connector and also releases ok. Two local dealers unable to fix. One even replaced entire mechanism, still jams. Manager said this model seems to have this problem. This occurs at a stand still, before putting car in gear, sometimes with motor on, sometime before I start the engine. Sometimes just opening the door causes the release. Other times, I have to put my hand under the belt and…

Other BMW Z4 years

Compare all BMW Z4 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 BMW Z4 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 BMW Z4: 26V-733 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling), 24V-608 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 BMW Z4?

Owners report seat belts problems most often (1 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 8,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.