MODEL
BMW Z4
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. 22 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.
From a pure safety-data standpoint, the BMW Z4 presents a picture that demands careful attention from shoppers. NHTSA has not crash-tested any Z4 from the 2019 through 2024 model years we cover, which means there are no star ratings or Safety Index scores to guide buyers. That absence of independent federal crash-test data is a meaningful gap for a vehicle in this segment, and it leaves prospective owners without one of the most useful objective benchmarks available. What we do have is a recall count of 22 across those model years, which is a notable figure for a low-volume two-seat roadster. More concerning is that four of those campaigns carry park-outside or do-not-drive designations, the most serious classifications NHTSA assigns. Those classifications signal that federal regulators considered the underlying defect serious enough to warrant keeping the vehicle away from enclosed spaces or off the road entirely until repaired. Shoppers should verify that any used Z4 they consider has had all open recalls addressed before purchase. On the complaint side, 11 owner complaints have been filed across the covered years, including two involving crashes. These are unverified allegations, but the number is relatively modest given the vehicle's exposure. The honest bottom line is that the Z4's safety picture is incomplete due to the lack of crash-test data, and the recall volume, particularly the serious-designation campaigns, deserves real 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.