MODEL
BMW Z4 Safety
NHTSA safety across every BMW Z4 model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the BMW Z4 we cover (2019 to 2026), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 24 recalls have been issued across those years.
The BMW Z4 is a two-seat roadster that competes in the premium sports car segment, offering open-air driving in a rear-wheel-drive package aimed squarely at enthusiast buyers who want German performance with everyday usability. Now in its third generation, the Z4 shares its platform with the Toyota GR Supra and targets drivers who prioritize driving feel and brand prestige alongside modern technology.
The BMW Z4, across its 2019 through 2024 model years, carries a concerning record of 22 recalls, four of which received NHTSA's most serious "park outside" or "do not drive" classifications. These designations indicate that federal regulators identified defects severe enough to warrant keeping the vehicle out of enclosed spaces or off the road entirely until repairs were completed. This recall volume is notable for a low-volume, two-seat roadster. The absence of independent federal crash-test data for any Z4 in these model years is also a significant gap. No star ratings or Safety Index scores exist to inform potential buyers, leaving them without a key objective safety benchmark. While 11 owner complaints have been filed, including two involving crashes, these unverified allegations are relatively modest given the vehicle's production volume. Shoppers should prioritize verifying that all open recalls have been addressed on any Z4 under consideration. The vehicle’s safety profile remains incomplete without crash-test data, and its recall history demands close scrutiny.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Z4 for its engaging driving dynamics, well-composed ride balance, and a cabin that delivers premium materials and a refined, driver-focused atmosphere. The soft-top convertible experience and confident steering are frequently highlighted as strengths, though some reviewers note that rear passenger space is nonexistent by design and that the infotainment interface can feel complex for new users.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the Z4 for any model year from 2019 through 2024, meaning there are no federal star ratings to reference when evaluating occupant protection.
- The Z4 carries 22 recalls across the covered model years, and four of those campaigns are classified as park-outside or do-not-drive warnings, the most serious recall designations NHTSA issues.
- Before purchasing any used Z4, buyers should run the vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm that all open campaigns, especially the serious-designation ones, have been resolved by a dealer.
- Eleven owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA across the covered years, including two that involve crashes. These are unverified allegations, but shoppers should review the complaint descriptions for any patterns relevant to their model year of interest.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 BMW Z4 with 6 recalls.