Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2000 Bmw Z3 ROADSTER problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

17 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

61,900 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2000 model year. Data updated: . 13 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Structure:Frame And Members is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 17 complaints (23.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior211.8%
Electrical and battery issues15.9%
Steering behavior15.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Structure:Frame And Members
4
Air Bags
3
Structure:Body
3
Suspension
3
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module
1
Electrical System:Ignition
1
Electrical System:Wiring
1
Engine
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Structure:Frame And Members4
Air Bags3
Structure:Body3
Suspension3
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module1
Electrical System:Ignition1
Electrical System:Wiring1
Engine1

Structure:Frame And Members: 4; Air Bags: 3; Structure:Body: 3; Suspension: 3; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module: 1; Electrical System:Ignition: 1; Electrical System:Wiring: 1; Engine: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
3
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9993
50,000 to 74,9993
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 1

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 4 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2000
1
2002
2
2003
2
2004
2
2005
1
2007
1
2008
1
2012
2
2013
1
2016
1
2017
1
2019
1
2020
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20001
20022
20032
20042
20051
20071
20081
20122
20131
20161
20171
20191
20201

2000: 1; 2002: 2; 2003: 2; 2004: 2; 2005: 1; 2007: 1; 2008: 1; 2012: 2; 2013: 1; 2016: 1; 2017: 1; 2019: 1; 2020: 1

Pattern summary

Structure:Frame And Members leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10105645 · 2005-01-03 (January 3, 2005)

WHILE ON A TRIP I NOTICED AN ODD KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE LEFT REAR OF VEHICLE DURING ACCELLERATION WHILE IN 1ST GEAR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND THE CAR'S SUB FRAME IN THE AREA SUPPORTING THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT FRACTURED AND BREAKING AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE WAS DUE TO THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE THAT HAD POPPED OUT OF ITS RETENTION CLIP, DUE TO THE PHYSICAL MOVEMENT OF THE SUPPORTING MATERIAL AROUND IT. IF THIS HAD NOT HAPPENED, I WOULD NOT HAVE NOTICED THE FAILURE UNTIL THE MOUNT HAD BROKEN AWAY ENTIRELY. SINCE THIS …

Owner-reported narrative. 61,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10105645 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10226732 · 2008-05-05 (May 5, 2008)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW Z3 ROADSTER. WHILE DRIVING 2-3 MPH, THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT LINKAGE ARM FROM THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE STEERING RACK SEVERED. HE FELT THAT THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO THE LINKAGE RUBBING AGAINST THE BRAKE LINE. AS OF MAY 5, 2008, THE MECHANIC HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 22,000. UPDATED 05/20/08. *LJ THE BRAKE LINE FROM THE ABS MODULE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE STEERING TUBE, WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING TUBE TO SP…

Owner-reported narrative. 22,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10226732 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 763483 · 2002-06-25 (June 25, 2002)

BMW SAW PROBLEM AT THE BMW Z-3 HOMECOMING. SAID IF IT WAS NOT THE COMPUTER CAUSING THE DOOR LOCKS TRAPPING PASSENGERS INSIDE THIS CAR, IT WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS. COMPUTER CHANGED AND THE DOOR LOCKS TRAPPED CONSUMER INSIDE THE CAR FOR 3 DAYS BEGINNING ON THE N.J. TURN PIKE HEADED TO NOVA SCOTIA. THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT OF THIS CAR WHEN THE DOOR LOCKS SHORTENED OUT IS TO EITHER PUT DOWN THE ROOF AND WINDOWS AND CLIMB OUT OF THE CAR OR ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND REACH ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR AND UNLO…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 763483 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

17 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

76.5%Usable mileage13 / 17 records
100.0%Valid incident date17 / 17 records
100.0%Valid filing date17 / 17 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates17 / 17 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199820002001
Structure:Frame And Members
631.6%
ODI 10133488 · 72,800 mi

I HEARD A CREAKING FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR, I PUT IT ON JACKS TO CHECK IT OUT. TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FLOOR PAN MAINLY AROUND THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT. THE CAR IS CLAIMED TO BE UNDRIVABLE BY BMW, BUT YET THEY WILL NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MATTER. I SEE IT AS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IF I DID NOT CHECK IT AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CRACKS AND TEARS IN THE BODY METAL THAT EXIST COULD HAVE CONTINUED EVEN FURTHER AND LED TO AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. I WAS ESTIMATED AT A WHOPPING 5200 DOLLARS WHICH BMW SAID THEY WOULD ONLY PAY…

Look up ODI 10133488 at NHTSA ↗

423.5%
ODI 10016959 · 90,000 mi

REAR DIFFERENTIAL SHEET METAL MOUNTING BRACKET TORE LOOSE FROM FLOOR PAN, FOR THE SECOND TIME. FIRST TIME AT 70000 MILES, SECOND TIME AT 90000 MILES. THIN SHEET METAL BRACKETS AND CROSS MEMBER DO NOT APPEAR ADEQUATE. ALSO WELDED SEAMS COMING APART ON FLOOR OF TRUNK ABOVE DIFFERENTIAL. *JB

Look up ODI 10016959 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
315.8%
ODI 10061993

1998 BMW Z3, 1.9. SRS (AIRBAG LIGHT) CONSTANTLY COMING ON EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT! I HAD IT FIXED 3 TIMES ALREADY AT THE DEALERSHIP SUPPOSEDLY UNDER WARANTY BUT STILL COSTING ME ATLEAST 100 DOLLARS R "DIAGNOSTIC FEES". IT CAME ON AGAIN AND I GIVE UP.ITS BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS NOW. WHY BOTHER GETTING IT FIXED IF IT WILL JUST COME ON AGAIN! I AM GOING TO TRY BUYING THE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL MYSELF AND SEEING IF I CAN HANDLE IT MYSELF. *AK

Look up ODI 10061993 at NHTSA ↗

317.6%
ODI 10463048

TRAVELING EASTBOUND ON HIGHWAY 101 IN AGOURA HILLS, CA A SMALL ROCK APPEARING IN MY LANE MADE A CLANKING SOUND WITH THE UNDERSIDE OF MY VEHICLE AT WHICH TIME THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *TR

Look up ODI 10463048 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension
15.3%
ODI 10995656 · 120,000 mi

A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM REAR END WAS NOTICED. UPON INSPECTION, BY BMW DEALERSHIP IT WAS DETERMINED THE REAR SUBFRAME HOLDING REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS SEPARATED FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE (SPOT WELD FAILURE). I WAS TOLD IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND TO FIX IMMEDIATELY. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. HIGHER DISPLACEMENT MODELS ARE A HIGHER OCCURRENCE DUE TO CREATING MORE TORQUE ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL BRACKET. MINE IS THE M VERSION WHICH IS ALMOST A GUARANTEED FAILURE.

Look up ODI 10995656 at NHTSA ↗

317.6%
ODI 10468504 · 49,546 mi

I PURCHASED CAR 6-4-12 AFTER DRIVING THE CAR I NOTICED A SQUEAK AND A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK, AFTER REMOVING TRUNK LINING THE SPOT WELDS [4] WERE BROKE LOOSE IN TRUNK FLOOR FROM CROSS MEMBER WHERE REAR END IS SUPPORTED.. I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER WHERE CAR WAS BOUGHT HOPING THE DEALER HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN ON CAR I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPAIR CAR AT MY EXPENSE I ASKED IF THAT WAS AN ENGINEERED REPAIR OR JUST A TEMPORARY REPAIR THERE RESPONSE WAS ITS THE FIRST TIME IT HAD EVER HAPPENED.. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND IT WAS NO…

Look up ODI 10468504 at NHTSA ↗

112.5%
ODI 10459349 · 78,500 mi

I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS AUTO. I NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ON DECELERATION. UPON INSPECTING THE CAR, I FOUND THAT THE REAR SUB FRAME WAS ALMOST BROKER IN HALF. THIS IS THE PART THE HOLDS THE ENTIRE REAR SUSPENSION FOR THE CAR. FROM RESEARCH I'M FINDING OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH Z-3 BMW'S IN WHAT APPEARS TO BE A FLAW IN THEIR ENGINEERING. I WAS VERY SHOCKED TO SEE THE DAMAGE AND THAT IF I WOULD HAVE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR, VERY SHORTLY THE PART WOULD HAVE FAILED, WIPING OUT THE WHOLE REAR S…

Look up ODI 10459349 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
210.5%
ODI 10341018 · 90,000 mi

Z3 SUBFRAME PROBLEM. POSSIBLE DETACHMENT OF DIFFERENTIAL FROM CAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10341018 at NHTSA ↗

15.9%
ODI 10468504 · 49,546 mi

I PURCHASED CAR 6-4-12 AFTER DRIVING THE CAR I NOTICED A SQUEAK AND A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK, AFTER REMOVING TRUNK LINING THE SPOT WELDS [4] WERE BROKE LOOSE IN TRUNK FLOOR FROM CROSS MEMBER WHERE REAR END IS SUPPORTED.. I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER WHERE CAR WAS BOUGHT HOPING THE DEALER HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN ON CAR I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPAIR CAR AT MY EXPENSE I ASKED IF THAT WAS AN ENGINEERED REPAIR OR JUST A TEMPORARY REPAIR THERE RESPONSE WAS ITS THE FIRST TIME IT HAD EVER HAPPENED.. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND IT WAS NO…

Look up ODI 10468504 at NHTSA ↗

112.5%
ODI 10462350 · 120,000 mi

I AM DRIVING AS NORMAL AND THEN THE CAR BEGINS TO HAVE PROBLEMS SHIFTING AND THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON. THE OWNERS MANUAL TELL YOU TO PULL OVER AND SHIFT THE CAR INTO PARK AND THEN APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON. IT SEEMS TO TEMPORARILY CORRECT THE PROBLEM BUT IT STILL OCCURS ON DAYS WHEN THE AIR TEMP. IS HIGH. I HAVE HAD THE CAR ON THE DIAGNOSTIC A NUMBER OF TIMES WITH NO CURE. AS FAR AS I KNOW THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THE TRANSMISSION OR ECU. BUT THIS COULD BE A MAJOR PROBLEM AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE…

Look up ODI 10462350 at NHTSA ↗

Structure:Body
15.3%
ODI 10955460

THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT FILLS WITH WATER WHEN TO RAINS AND DOES NOT EMPTY. THIS PROBLEM ALSO CAUSES RUST AND MOISTURE IN THE TRUNK.

Look up ODI 10955460 at NHTSA ↗

317.6%
ODI 10468504 · 49,546 mi

I PURCHASED CAR 6-4-12 AFTER DRIVING THE CAR I NOTICED A SQUEAK AND A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK, AFTER REMOVING TRUNK LINING THE SPOT WELDS [4] WERE BROKE LOOSE IN TRUNK FLOOR FROM CROSS MEMBER WHERE REAR END IS SUPPORTED.. I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER WHERE CAR WAS BOUGHT HOPING THE DEALER HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN ON CAR I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPAIR CAR AT MY EXPENSE I ASKED IF THAT WAS AN ENGINEERED REPAIR OR JUST A TEMPORARY REPAIR THERE RESPONSE WAS ITS THE FIRST TIME IT HAD EVER HAPPENED.. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND IT WAS NO…

Look up ODI 10468504 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Side/Window
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

225.0%
ODI 10056139 · 18,500 mi

VEHICLE DROVE OVER A LARGE CHUNK OF CONCRETE WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN THE SIDE AIR BAG ON PASSENGER'S SIDE DEPLOYED. *AK

Look up ODI 10056139 at NHTSA ↗

Seats
210.5%
ODI 10095697 · 25,401 mi

DRIVER SEAT RAIL IS DEFECTIVE AND IT MOVES BACK AND FORTH AS YOU STOP OR ACCELERATE POSING A DRIVER CONTROL SAFEY HAZARD. BMW WILL NOT FIX AT THEIR COST AND SAYS IT IS A CONSUMER REQUEST REPAIR. I DISAGREE THAT SEAT STRUCTURE FAILURE IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE HANDLED. *AK

Look up ODI 10095697 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.9%
ODI 10062030 · 49,000 mi

THE SRS AIR BAG WARNING KEEPS COMING ON. I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT THE BMW PLANT IN SOUTH CAROLINA WHERE THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE FACTORY INVESTIGATED THE PROBLEM, REPORTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG AND THAT IT WAS JUST A MALFUNCTION. HE RESET THE SRS AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. THE NEXT DAY IT CAME ON AGAIN. THE DEALER CAN REST IT AGAIN, BUT IT JUST KEEPS HAPPENING. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT OPERATE DURING AN ACCIDENT.*AK

Look up ODI 10062030 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Structure:Frame And MembersToo few reports for a range70,950 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10016959 · 90,000 mi

REAR DIFFERENTIAL SHEET METAL MOUNTING BRACKET TORE LOOSE FROM FLOOR PAN, FOR THE SECOND TIME. FIRST TIME AT 70000 MILES, SECOND TIME AT 90000 MILES. THIN SHEET METAL BRACKETS AND CROSS MEMBER DO NOT APPEAR ADEQUATE. ALSO WELDED SEAMS COMING APART ON FLOOR OF TRUNK ABOVE DIFFERENTIAL. *JB

Look up ODI 10016959 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10090578 · 57,000 mi

THE SUB FRAME IS SEPARATING. ALL THE SPOT WELDS ALONG THE EDGES OF THE SUBFRAME ARE COMING APART. THERE IS A CRACK IN THE SUBFRAME DUE TO FLEXING.*AK

Look up ODI 10090578 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10105645 · 61,900 mi

WHILE ON A TRIP I NOTICED AN ODD KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE LEFT REAR OF VEHICLE DURING ACCELLERATION WHILE IN 1ST GEAR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND THE CAR'S SUB FRAME IN THE AREA SUPPORTING THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT FRACTURED AND BREAKING AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE WAS DUE TO THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE THAT HAD POPPED OUT OF ITS RETENTION CLIP, DUE TO THE PHYSICAL MOVEMENT OF THE SUPPORTING MATERIAL AROUND IT. IF THIS HAD NOT HAPPENED, I WOULD NOT HAVE NOTICED THE FAILURE UNTIL THE MOUNT HAD BROKEN AWAY ENTIRELY. SINCE THIS …

Look up ODI 10105645 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range86,877 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10544980 · 82,754 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW Z3 ROADSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURNS, BRUISING, AND HAIR LOSS AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,754.

Look up ODI 10544980 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11288210 · 91,000 mi

PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED BREAKING THE WINDSHIELD. THE KEY WASN'T EVEN IN THE IGNITION.

Look up ODI 11288210 at NHTSA ↗

Structure:BodyToo few reports for a range141,273 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10468504 · 49,546 mi

I PURCHASED CAR 6-4-12 AFTER DRIVING THE CAR I NOTICED A SQUEAK AND A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK, AFTER REMOVING TRUNK LINING THE SPOT WELDS [4] WERE BROKE LOOSE IN TRUNK FLOOR FROM CROSS MEMBER WHERE REAR END IS SUPPORTED.. I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER WHERE CAR WAS BOUGHT HOPING THE DEALER HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN ON CAR I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPAIR CAR AT MY EXPENSE I ASKED IF THAT WAS AN ENGINEERED REPAIR OR JUST A TEMPORARY REPAIR THERE RESPONSE WAS ITS THE FIRST TIME IT HAD EVER HAPPENED.. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND IT WAS NO…

Look up ODI 10468504 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10970992 · 233,000 mi

REAR SUBFRAME / TRUNK FLOOR / DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT FAILURE

Look up ODI 10970992 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range127,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10468504 · 49,546 mi

I PURCHASED CAR 6-4-12 AFTER DRIVING THE CAR I NOTICED A SQUEAK AND A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK, AFTER REMOVING TRUNK LINING THE SPOT WELDS [4] WERE BROKE LOOSE IN TRUNK FLOOR FROM CROSS MEMBER WHERE REAR END IS SUPPORTED.. I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER WHERE CAR WAS BOUGHT HOPING THE DEALER HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN ON CAR I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPAIR CAR AT MY EXPENSE I ASKED IF THAT WAS AN ENGINEERED REPAIR OR JUST A TEMPORARY REPAIR THERE RESPONSE WAS ITS THE FIRST TIME IT HAD EVER HAPPENED.. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND IT WAS NO…

Look up ODI 10468504 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10970992 · 233,000 mi

REAR SUBFRAME / TRUNK FLOOR / DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT FAILURE

Look up ODI 10970992 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11383583 · 127,000 mi

I HEARD A CREAKING FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR, I PUT IT ON JACKS TO CHECK IT OUT. TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FLOOR PAN MAINLY AROUND THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT. THE CAR IS CLAIMED TO BE UNDRIVABLE BY BMW, BUT YET THEY WILL NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MATTER. I SEE IT AS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IF I DID NOT CHECK IT AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CRACKS AND TEARS IN THE BODY METAL THAT EXIST COULD HAVE CONTINUED EVEN FURTHER AND LED TO AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. I WAS ESTIMATED AT A WHOPPING 5200 DOLLARS WHICH BMW SAID THEY WOULD ONLY PAY…

Look up ODI 11383583 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control ModuleToo few reports for a range49,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10062030 · 49,000 mi

THE SRS AIR BAG WARNING KEEPS COMING ON. I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT THE BMW PLANT IN SOUTH CAROLINA WHERE THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE FACTORY INVESTIGATED THE PROBLEM, REPORTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG AND THAT IT WAS JUST A MALFUNCTION. HE RESET THE SRS AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. THE NEXT DAY IT CAME ON AGAIN. THE DEALER CAN REST IT AGAIN, BUT IT JUST KEEPS HAPPENING. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT OPERATE DURING AN ACCIDENT.*AK

Look up ODI 10062030 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range127,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11383583 · 127,000 mi

I HEARD A CREAKING FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR, I PUT IT ON JACKS TO CHECK IT OUT. TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FLOOR PAN MAINLY AROUND THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT. THE CAR IS CLAIMED TO BE UNDRIVABLE BY BMW, BUT YET THEY WILL NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MATTER. I SEE IT AS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IF I DID NOT CHECK IT AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CRACKS AND TEARS IN THE BODY METAL THAT EXIST COULD HAVE CONTINUED EVEN FURTHER AND LED TO AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. I WAS ESTIMATED AT A WHOPPING 5200 DOLLARS WHICH BMW SAID THEY WOULD ONLY PAY…

Look up ODI 11383583 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 22 reports

2000: 2 complaints · 2001: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2000112
2001001
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20001601
2001710

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentStructure:Frame And MembersAir BagsStructure:BodySuspensionAir Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control ModuleElectrical System:IgnitionElectrical System:WiringEngine
Structure:Frame And Members—0000000
Air Bags0—000000
Structure:Body00—
2
ODI 10468504 · 49,546 mi

I PURCHASED CAR 6-4-12 AFTER DRIVING THE CAR I NOTICED A SQUEAK AND A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK, AFTER REMOVING TRUNK LINING THE SPOT WELDS [4] WERE BROKE LOOSE IN TRUNK FLOOR FROM CROSS MEMBER WHERE REAR END IS SUPPORTED.. I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER WHERE CAR WAS BOUGHT HOPING THE DEALER HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN ON CAR I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPAIR CAR AT MY EXPENSE I ASKED IF THAT WAS AN ENGINEERED REPAIR OR JUST A TEMPORARY REPAIR THERE RESPONSE WAS ITS THE FIRST TIME IT HAD EVER HAPPENED.. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND IT WAS NO…

Look up ODI 10468504 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10970992 · 233,000 mi

REAR SUBFRAME / TRUNK FLOOR / DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT FAILURE

Look up ODI 10970992 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 763483

BMW SAW PROBLEM AT THE BMW Z-3 HOMECOMING. SAID IF IT WAS NOT THE COMPUTER CAUSING THE DOOR LOCKS TRAPPING PASSENGERS INSIDE THIS CAR, IT WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS. COMPUTER CHANGED AND THE DOOR LOCKS TRAPPED CONSUMER INSIDE THE CAR FOR 3 DAYS BEGINNING ON THE N.J. TURN PIKE HEADED TO NOVA SCOTIA. THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT OF THIS CAR WHEN THE DOOR LOCKS SHORTENED OUT IS TO EITHER PUT DOWN THE ROOF AND WINDOWS AND CLIMB OUT OF THE CAR OR ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND REACH ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR AND UNLO…

Look up ODI 763483 at NHTSA ↗

0
Suspension00
2
ODI 10468504 · 49,546 mi

I PURCHASED CAR 6-4-12 AFTER DRIVING THE CAR I NOTICED A SQUEAK AND A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK, AFTER REMOVING TRUNK LINING THE SPOT WELDS [4] WERE BROKE LOOSE IN TRUNK FLOOR FROM CROSS MEMBER WHERE REAR END IS SUPPORTED.. I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER WHERE CAR WAS BOUGHT HOPING THE DEALER HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN ON CAR I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPAIR CAR AT MY EXPENSE I ASKED IF THAT WAS AN ENGINEERED REPAIR OR JUST A TEMPORARY REPAIR THERE RESPONSE WAS ITS THE FIRST TIME IT HAD EVER HAPPENED.. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND IT WAS NO…

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ODI 10970992 · 233,000 mi

REAR SUBFRAME / TRUNK FLOOR / DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT FAILURE

Look up ODI 10970992 at NHTSA ↗

—000
1
ODI 11383583 · 127,000 mi

I HEARD A CREAKING FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR, I PUT IT ON JACKS TO CHECK IT OUT. TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FLOOR PAN MAINLY AROUND THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT. THE CAR IS CLAIMED TO BE UNDRIVABLE BY BMW, BUT YET THEY WILL NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MATTER. I SEE IT AS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IF I DID NOT CHECK IT AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CRACKS AND TEARS IN THE BODY METAL THAT EXIST COULD HAVE CONTINUED EVEN FURTHER AND LED TO AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. I WAS ESTIMATED AT A WHOPPING 5200 DOLLARS WHICH BMW SAID THEY WOULD ONLY PAY…

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Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module0000—000
Electrical System:Ignition00000—00
Electrical System:Wiring00
1
ODI 763483

BMW SAW PROBLEM AT THE BMW Z-3 HOMECOMING. SAID IF IT WAS NOT THE COMPUTER CAUSING THE DOOR LOCKS TRAPPING PASSENGERS INSIDE THIS CAR, IT WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS. COMPUTER CHANGED AND THE DOOR LOCKS TRAPPED CONSUMER INSIDE THE CAR FOR 3 DAYS BEGINNING ON THE N.J. TURN PIKE HEADED TO NOVA SCOTIA. THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT OF THIS CAR WHEN THE DOOR LOCKS SHORTENED OUT IS TO EITHER PUT DOWN THE ROOF AND WINDOWS AND CLIMB OUT OF THE CAR OR ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND REACH ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR AND UNLO…

Look up ODI 763483 at NHTSA ↗

000—0
Engine000
1
ODI 11383583 · 127,000 mi

I HEARD A CREAKING FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR, I PUT IT ON JACKS TO CHECK IT OUT. TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FLOOR PAN MAINLY AROUND THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT. THE CAR IS CLAIMED TO BE UNDRIVABLE BY BMW, BUT YET THEY WILL NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MATTER. I SEE IT AS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IF I DID NOT CHECK IT AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CRACKS AND TEARS IN THE BODY METAL THAT EXIST COULD HAVE CONTINUED EVEN FURTHER AND LED TO AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. I WAS ESTIMATED AT A WHOPPING 5200 DOLLARS WHICH BMW SAID THEY WOULD ONLY PAY…

Look up ODI 11383583 at NHTSA ↗

000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 5.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 49,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10062030 · 49,000 mi

THE SRS AIR BAG WARNING KEEPS COMING ON. I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT THE BMW PLANT IN SOUTH CAROLINA WHERE THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE FACTORY INVESTIGATED THE PROBLEM, REPORTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG AND THAT IT WAS JUST A MALFUNCTION. HE RESET THE SRS AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. THE NEXT DAY IT CAME ON AGAIN. THE DEALER CAN REST IT AGAIN, BUT IT JUST KEEPS HAPPENING. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT OPERATE DURING AN ACCIDENT.*AK

Look up ODI 10062030 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b