2009 BMW Z4 recalls and problems

4 recalls and 22 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2009 BMW Z4.

4
recalls
22
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2009 BMW Z4 recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA campaign 22V119000 · reported March 2, 2022 · BMW of North America, LLC · 917,106 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
The fix
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.

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA campaign 17V683000 · reported October 30, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC · 740,561 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
The fix
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.

Electrical system: wiring, fuses and circuit breakers · Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery, cables · Electrical system

NHTSA campaign 13V044000 · reported February 7, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC · 516,791 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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 [email protected].

Electrical system: wiring

NHTSA campaign 09V327000 · reported August 11, 2009 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 195 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Increased electrical resistance in that circuit could cause the safety belt tensioner to fail to deploy in a crash, possibly resulting in increased injury to the seat occupant.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 9, 2024 · Air bags

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-[…] which indicates this may be a widespread problem? […] I am concerned to take passengers in the vehicle as I do not know if the airbags will deploy, or…

Feb 9, 2024 · Seat belts

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…

Sep 1, 2020 · Seat belts · 38,000 miles

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.

Jul 22, 2020 · Service brakes · 5 miles

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.

Jul 22, 2020 · Wheels

WHEELS DEVELOPED CRACKS AND AIR WAS LEAKING.

Z4 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2006 29113
2007 23332
2008 21900
2009 42210
2010 51000
2011 64610
2012 4500

Across all years, the 2003 Z4 has the most complaints (414). All BMW Z4 years →

Questions

Does the 2009 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2009 BMW Z4, the most recent reported on March 2, 2022 (Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 BMW Z4?
Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is wheels (11 complaints), followed by engine (4).
How many 2009 BMW Z4 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 22 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 9, 2024.