2020 BMW Z4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 BMW Z4: 6 recalls, 5 owner complaints and up to 27 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #19V850000 · 2019 · 245 vehicles
What's wrong: The headlight control units May fail causing a loss of one or both of the headlights.
Why it matters: Headlight failure can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlight control units, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 17, 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
Fuel system Vehicle recall #20V700000 · 2020 · 49 vehicles
What's wrong: The weld between the fuel tank halves May have been insufficiently welded, causing the weld to fail.
Why it matters: The failed weld May allow fuel to leak, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020.
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
- Steering (2): the most common themes are steering problems (2).
- Brakes (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (2): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
The 2020 BMW Z4 has 5 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 21 Z4 model years for complaints (well below the 61 average). Complaints peaked in 2020 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 3,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (5 complaints, 6 recalls), 2021 (1 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | 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 2020 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.
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FAQ
Does the 2020 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2020 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 2020 BMW Z4 problems?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (2), brakes (2), engine (2).
What gas mileage does the 2020 BMW Z4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 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.