U.S. public vehicle records

Bmw Z4 steering problems

976 complaint narratives mention steering terms.

Key facts

1,280 owner complaints analyzed

28 distinct recall campaigns

45,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 to 2023 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 1,090 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Steering behavior evidence

976 of 1,280 complaints match this topic (76.3%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10358581 · 2010-10-01 (October 1, 2010)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO HANDLE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ELECTRONIC SENSOR FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,419.

Owner-reported narrative. 56,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10358581 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10520603 · 2013-06-19 (June 19, 2013)

BUT BOUGHT WITH LESS THAN 12,500 MILES, THEY FOUND TURNED UNSTABLE SITUATION, HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIND WHAT THE REASON, AT TIMES ALMOST A MAJOR ACCIDENT WHEN DRIVING, THE TIRE DOES NOT FEEL STICKY, BUT ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR IS ALL OVER THE PLACE (LIKE A DRUNK DRIVER), THE STEERING FEELS VERY LOOSE, NOT TOO SENSITIVE. IF I DO ANYTHING MORE THAN A SLIGHT ROTATION, DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM HAS BEEN STARTED, IF THE CURVE WENT TO THE RIGHT, I HAD TO "JERK" TO GO STRAIGHT TO RECTIFY THE SAME, IF IT WENT. WHEN A STRAIGHT ROAD, IT WILL FEEL V…

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10520603 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10639592 · 2014-09-28 (September 28, 2014)

ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY LOST POWER ASSISTED ABILITY. STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT, BACK TO THE OLD MANUAL DAYS.. NEVER THOUGHT TO ASK WHY..BUT VEHICLE ALWAYS HAD A DETENT QUIRK SINCE 2003..JUST THOUGHT IT TYPICAL FOR HOW A SPORTS CAR WAS DESIGNED. AFTER CHECKING OTHERS SIMILAR PROBLEMS I GUESS I'VE BEEN MISLED INTO BELIEVING THAT WAS TYPICAL AFTER ALL THIS TIME.TAKING IT TO THE DEALER IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS TO SERVICE PROBLEM. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS DETENT THING GET IT CHECKED OUT BEFORE A B…

Owner-reported narrative. 90,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10639592 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10946361 · 2017-01-19 (January 19, 2017)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW Z4. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 63,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10946361 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014953 · 2003-04-01 (April 1, 2003)

THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING, THE MECHANIC STATED THE STEERING GEAR BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10014953 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

1,280 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

85.2%Usable mileage1,090 / 1,280 records

99.7%Valid incident date1,276 / 1,280 records

100.0%Valid filing date1,280 / 1,280 records

99.7%Ordered incident and filing dates1,276 / 1,280 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.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Steering	14.5% ODI 10513346 MY REAR RIMS HAVE DEVELOPED CRACKS WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN QUICK LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE AND IN SOME CASES DESTROYING TIRE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES, HOWEVER THUS FAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN ISOLATED TO THE REAR (MODEL 296 19") RIMS. IN THE 16 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES INCLUDING ON 5/11/2012, 9/9/12, 4/12/13 AND 5/23/13. EACH TIME I HAVE PURCHASED A NEW RIM OR HAD THE EXISTING RIM REPAIRED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DEALER. IN NONE OF THESE CASES HAS THERE BEEN ANY IMPACT OR DRIVING… Look up ODI 10513346 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1226.1% ODI 10898049 · 34,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND MADE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V302000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000. Look up ODI 10898049 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 11630547 · 16,000 mi The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and turning to the left, the steering wheel seized, and the contact had to use force to return the steering wheel back to center. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds while turning left or right. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while the steering wheel was turned to the left or right. The vehicle regained normal steering functionality when the vehicle was stopped and turned off and restarted. The contact stated the … Look up ODI 11630547 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 10919319 · 24,345 mi JUST PURCHASED A USED BMW Z4 AND REALIZE THAT THE STEERING IS STICKY. IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM FOUND THAT THIS HAD BEEN A A SAFETY ISSUE THAT RESULTED IN A RECALL. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2012 WHEN THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ON A STEERING ISSUE. WHILE MY CAR IS A 2013 IT WAS MANUFACTURED AS NOTED DURING THE TIME OF THE STEERING RECALL. IT APPEARS THAT MY PROBLEM MAY NOT BE JUST A COINCIDENT. THE STICKY STEERING OCCURS WHENEVER THE SPEED IS ABOVE 30 MPH AND FEELS AS IF THE STEERING IS TRYING TO STAY IN A DIRECTION CONTRARY TO THE DIRECTION… Look up ODI 10919319 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 11599320 Reporting premature part fail. -The 2019 BMW has 14,300 miles. The vehicle recently failed VT state inspection for "Play in control arm ball joints" Normal ball joint replacement is usually in the 60,000 mile range. The 1st recommended check of steering components per BMW service manual is is "6th engine oil service (approx 60,000 miles)". There was no warning of the premature fail. The failed parts will be replaced and used parts preserved for inspection if needed. Look up ODI 11599320 at NHTSA ↗	240.0% ODI 11289091 · 200 mi BMW'S LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM ACTUALLY PULLS THE CAR'S STEERING LEFT OR RIGHT, AND COULD CAUSE THE CAR TO COLLIDE WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE OR RUN OFF THE ROAD. I EXPERIENCED THIS WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. THE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM ALMOST PULLED MY VEHICLE INTO THE ADJACENT LANE. Look up ODI 11289091 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	14.5% ODI 11571078 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-[XXX] which indicates this may be a widespread problem? [XXX] I am concerned to take passengers in the vehicle as I do not know if the airbags will deploy, or deploy at the wrong "rate" based on my understanding of how the sensors work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) Look up ODI 11571078 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	228.6% ODI 10985834 · 70,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR AND "PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT NOT ON" INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE PASSENGER EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE INDICATORS DIMMED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED TWO OTHER TIMES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAP SENSOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. Look up ODI 10985834 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 11681645 · 111,544 mi The contact owns a 2014 BMW Z4. The contact stated that rodents had chewed through some electrical wiring in the vehicle. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to monitor the oil levels due to the damaged electrical wiring. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, where it was determined that the electrical wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact was informed about other methods to deter the varmints from chewing on the electrical wiring. … Look up ODI 11681645 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 11441010 The automatic emergency did not engage the brakes as described to by the dealer, BMW genius and the BMW website. The car was in a collision at low speed (under 35mph) with the car in front of me which put me at risk. BMW sent an engineer from N.J. to inspect the car. The is under warranty and it was in perfect working order. The engineer determined that the system did not engage because the accelerator was depressed, I was told that the system does not work when the accelerator is depressed but that is not how the system is advertised and it is… Look up ODI 11441010 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	29.1% ODI 10356178 · 11,200 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW Z4 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10-20 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. HE WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY RESTART THE VEHICLE WITHOUT HESITATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER OPERATE FOLLOWING REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.… Look up ODI 10356178 at NHTSA ↗	110.0% ODI 10730345 · 10,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000. Look up ODI 10730345 at NHTSA ↗	36.5% ODI 10525291 · 32,000 mi ON 01/05/2012, BMW SERVICE CENTER REPLACED AN IDRIVE PART AND REPROGRAMMED THE CAR. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR, I NOTICED AC IS NOT WORKING. SERVICE CENTER TOOK IT BACK AND DID A MASTER RESET. AFTER THAT SEVERAL TIMES I HAD THE ISSUE AND THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. ON 07/15/2013, I NOTICED THE AC IS NOT WORKING. IT WAS 85F OUTSIDE. I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER AND DROVE THE CAR TO HIM. HE CHECKED THE CAR AND CONFIRMED AC IS NOT WORKING. THEY TOOK THE CAR AND GAVE ME A LOANER. NEXT DAY THEY FOUND SOME ERROR CODES STORED IN THE CAR. WHILE THEY ARE LOOKIN… Look up ODI 10525291 at NHTSA ↗	240.0% ODI 11638768 The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11638768 at NHTSA ↗	342.9% ODI 11582362 · 52,954 mi The contact owns a 2013 BMW Z4. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle failed to reverse without warning upon depression of the accelerator pedal while in the reverse(R) position. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation upon restart of the engine. A few days later while the contact's husband was driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle continued to accelerate upon depression of the brake pedal. The brake pedal was depressed multiple times but to no avail, as a result, the contact's husband crashed into ano… Look up ODI 11582362 at NHTSA ↗	342.9% ODI 11643873 · 26,000 mi The contact owns a 2014 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. There were no warning lights i… Look up ODI 11643873 at NHTSA ↗	240.0% ODI 11647400 The contact owns a 2015 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11647400 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 11643614 The contact owns a 2016 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11643614 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 11701698 The contact owns a 2019 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Look up ODI 11701698 at NHTSA ↗	240.0% ODI 11719116 Engine starter safety recall came out in September 2025, with no remedy or parts existing for fixing it. 5 months later, and no timeframe is provided for a remedy. This is a major fire risk given the amount of rain now that could corrode the starter and lead to a fire. Look up ODI 11719116 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11520301 The contact owns a 2022 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V099000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and advised the contact to locate parts near to his residence. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11520301 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine	418.2% ODI 10597727 · 28,000 mi THE CAR HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIME WHEN COMING TO A STOP. IN SOME INSTANCES I DID NOT HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP SUCH AS CROSSING A DIVIDED HIGHWAY, JUST SLOWED SIGNIFICANTLY. AS I WENT TO ACCELERATE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION THE ENGINE HAD STALLED AND I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION WITH NO POWER. CAR STARTS RIGHT BACK UP EACH TIME BUT YOU MUST STOP TO PLACE THE CAR IN DRIVE(AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). NEARLY HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. DEALERSHIP WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE, SOLD ME A $400 BATTERY AS THE FIX. C… Look up ODI 10597727 at NHTSA ↗	110.0% ODI 10627984 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V176000 (ENGINE). THE DEALER COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE FOR EIGHT MONTHS BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. Look up ODI 10627984 at NHTSA ↗	1021.7% ODI 10509245 · 7,005 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOUR TIMES BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS GIVEN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,005 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000. Look up ODI 10509245 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 11350908 · 65,900 mi NOTICED WHINING NOISE FROM ENGINE ALTHOUGH IT DRIVES NORMALLY. BMW DEALER CONFIRMS TIMING CHAIN NEEDS REPLACEMENT. MY CAR IS AT 8 YEARS, 66K MILES - JUST OVER THE 7/70 WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR TIMING CHAIN. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT STILL PENDING ON THIS KNOWN ISSUE. IT HAS BEEN DEALERSHIP SERVICED SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED WITH FULL RECORDS. Look up ODI 11350908 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 11691012 My 2015 BMW Z4 vehicle has a coolant pump safety recall. It reportedly could cause a short circuit and thermal event or fire. I bought the vehicle while living elsewhere and am now in a small community with 4 major automobile dealers but not BMW. The nearest BMW dealer is about 220 miles away. I contacted that dealer. The service rep said it is 1.5-2 day repair and a loaner vehicle may be available. The repair time sounds wrong but is what she said. She said the dealership would not work with any facility close to me to make the repair so I mu… Look up ODI 11691012 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	240.0% ODI 11301139 · 200 mi MY NEW CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND I HAVE BOUGHT IT INTO SERVICE APPOX 5 TIMES. THE LIGHT GOES OFF AND WHEN I GET IT HOME IT GOES ON AGAIN WHEN I START THE CAR. I THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED. HOWEVER IT CAME ON AGAIN AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. Look up ODI 11301139 at NHTSA ↗	240.0% ODI 11363216 · 3,300 mi WAS IN A DRIVE THRU ON 9/6/2020 WAITING OUR TURN. APPROX. 7 CARS IN FRONT OF US. AS WE ARE SLOWLY MOVING UP TO ORDER, CAR IN IDLE, FOOT ON BRAKE. AS WE ARE MOVING FORWARD, WHEN WE WERE UP TO 3 CARS, STILL IDLING AND FOOT ON BRAKE, THE CAR HAD FULLY ACCELERATED, BRAKE NOT HOLDING THE CAR, INCHING FORWARD DUE TO THE FORCE OF THE ACCELERATION. TRIED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, WENT INTO REVERSE. TRIED AGAIN TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, WENT INTO DRIVE, STILL INCHING FORWARD, AT THIS TIME I PUSHED THE OFF BUTTON TO STOP THE CAR. RESULT OF COLLISION WIT… Look up ODI 11363216 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling	14.5% ODI 10356054 · 11,000 mi I AM LEASING A 2009 Z4 BMW, THE ENGINE CAR STALL WHILE DRIVING THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN A PERIOD OF 2 WEEKS, I ALMOST HAVE A CAR CRASH BEHIND IN BOTH OPPORTUNITIES, THANKS THAT THE TRAFFIC WAS VERY SLOW, THE SECOND TIME I HAVE TO GO OUT THE ROAD. I BROUGHT THE CAR THE FOR SERVICE, THEY WERE ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE FAILURE, AFTER ONE WEEK AT THE SHOP THEY SAY IT WAS A COMPUTER FAILURE, THEY REPLACE THE COMPUTER HOWEVER AFTER 2 WEEKS THE CAR STILL IN THE SHOP I HAVE CALL SEVERAL TIMES TO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE SERVICE SHOP BUT I DON'T GET ANY SPEC… Look up ODI 10356054 at NHTSA ↗	330.0% ODI 10339068 · 9,000 mi WHENEVER SLOWING DOWN TO A NEAR STOP, THE ENGINE WILL RANDOMLY STALL. THIS CAN OCCUR AT ANYTIME, BUT IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE IS IN THE 90'S OR ABOVE (IT WILL STALL IN COLD TEMPERATURE AS WELL, BUT NOT AS OFTEN). THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE AT THE TIME OF THE STALL IS ALWAYS COMPLETELY NORMAL, THE CAR IS NOT OVERHEATING IN ANYWAY. IT IS ALSO MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN "SPORT MODE". THIS ISSUE ONLY EFFECTS BMW E89 3.0 AUTOMATICS. AN AUTOMATIC SHOULD NEVER STALL. ONCE THE ENGINE STALLS YOU ARE FORCED TO STOP THE CAR … Look up ODI 10339068 at NHTSA ↗	715.2% ODI 11490352 · 52,000 mi The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, he started to smell a burning plastic odor. Additionally, white smoke started coming from the vents. The contact stated that the smoke was not heavy but steady. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was n… Look up ODI 11490352 at NHTSA ↗	360.0% ODI 11461364 · 111,164 mi The contact's wife owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle overheated and started decelerating independently. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle failed to respond. The warning message "Engine Overheat; Pull Over and Turn Off Vehicle" was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle was still overheating. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that t… Look up ODI 11461364 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 11622449 The contact owns a 2013 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System ); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. No further information was available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirm parts not available. Look up ODI 11622449 at NHTSA ↗	228.6% ODI 11643873 · 26,000 mi The contact owns a 2014 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. There were no warning lights i… Look up ODI 11643873 at NHTSA ↗	240.0% ODI 11647400 The contact owns a 2015 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11647400 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 11643614 The contact owns a 2016 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11643614 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Wheels	1150.0% ODI 10436662 · 16,000 mi THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS WHEEL STYLE "296" A 19" OPTIONAL ALLOY WHEEL PACKAGE FOR E89 BMW Z4. BMW PART NUMBER 36116785257(REAR WHEEL 19X9) AND 36116785256(FRONT WHEEL 19X8. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, MULTIPLE CRACKS DEVELOPED ON INNER EDGE OF RIM LIP LEADING TO LARGE DROP IN TIRE PRESSURE AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. THIS HAPPENED TO (1) OF MY REAR WHEELS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AS MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME PARTICULAR WHEEL MODEL "296" ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. IT IS NOTED … Look up ODI 10436662 at NHTSA ↗	110.0% ODI 10412024 · 7,131 mi REAR RIMS CRACKING ON 2010 BMW Z4 WITH ONLY 7,200 MILES. DEALER STATES ISSUE CAUSED BY POT HOLES, BUT COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY FRONT RIMSWERE NOT CRACKED. *TT Look up ODI 10412024 at NHTSA ↗	715.2% ODI 10461043 · 8,900 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR WAS LEAKING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WAS CRACKED AND THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE A TOTAL OF FIVE CRACKS ON THE REAR WHEELS. THE REAR DRIVER'S WHEEL SUFFERED THREE CRACKS AND THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL SUFFERED TWO CRACKS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CRACKS WERE CAUSED BY POTHOLES. THE MA… Look up ODI 10461043 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 11081688 S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING - COPY OF AN EMAIL TO BMW REGARDING CRACKS IN THE WHEEL. LD THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR EXPENSES INCURRED AND NEW SET OF WHEELS. JS Look up ODI 11081688 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 10743569 · 30,000 mi THE TIRE ON MY Z4 RUB THE INSIDE WHEEL WELL CAUSING THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. WHEN I TOOK THE WHEEL TO BE REPAIRED, THE MANAGER OF THE TIRE COMPANY SAID THIS WAS A FACTORY DEFECT THAT HE IS SEEING ON MOST OF THE Z4'S. HE SAID IT WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN AS THE CAMBER CAN'T BE ADJUSTED OUT FAR ENOUGH TO STOP THIS RUBBING. I CONTACT BMW BUT THEY SAID IT WAS MY FAULT; THAT I PROBABLY HIT TOO MANY POT HOLES, I DROVE TOO FAST, I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WOULD HAPPEN SINCE IT IS A SPORTS CAR. THEY ALSO SAID I SHOULD HAVE HAD THE CAR REALIGNED EVERY YEA… Look up ODI 10743569 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Steering:Electric Power Assist System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	12.2% ODI 11462141 · 70,000 mi The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering was locked in a slight left turn and he had to apply the brakes to keep the vehicle on the road. The contact was able to pull off to the left side of the highway. The contact stated that a yellow steering wheel warning light was illuminated, and a warning bell was chiming. The contact turned the vehicle off and upon restarting the power steering functionality returned. The con… Look up ODI 11462141 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes	14.5% ODI 11340972 · 5 mi 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. Look up ODI 11340972 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	510.9% ODI 10546719 · 33,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECELERATE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A CURB IN ORDER TO GET IT TO STOP. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT INFORMED OF WHAT CAUSED THE SHAKING OR BRAKING FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,000. Look up ODI 10546719 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 11645390 I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly. Look up ODI 11645390 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 11014613 · 25,000 mi WHILE PARKING IN PARKING LOT, DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR ACCELERATED. CONTINUED TO BRAKE AND THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING UNTIL I HIT A POLE. Look up ODI 11014613 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	240.0% ODI 11363216 · 3,300 mi WAS IN A DRIVE THRU ON 9/6/2020 WAITING OUR TURN. APPROX. 7 CARS IN FRONT OF US. AS WE ARE SLOWLY MOVING UP TO ORDER, CAR IN IDLE, FOOT ON BRAKE. AS WE ARE MOVING FORWARD, WHEN WE WERE UP TO 3 CARS, STILL IDLING AND FOOT ON BRAKE, THE CAR HAD FULLY ACCELERATED, BRAKE NOT HOLDING THE CAR, INCHING FORWARD DUE TO THE FORCE OF THE ACCELERATION. TRIED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, WENT INTO REVERSE. TRIED AGAIN TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, WENT INTO DRIVE, STILL INCHING FORWARD, AT THIS TIME I PUSHED THE OFF BUTTON TO STOP THE CAR. RESULT OF COLLISION WIT… Look up ODI 11363216 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable 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
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Steering	28,200–68,000 mi	47,000 mi	849	ODI 10358581 · 56,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO HANDLE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ELECTRONIC SENSOR FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,419. Look up ODI 10358581 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10639592 · 90,000 mi ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY LOST POWER ASSISTED ABILITY. STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT, BACK TO THE OLD MANUAL DAYS.. NEVER THOUGHT TO ASK WHY..BUT VEHICLE ALWAYS HAD A DETENT QUIRK SINCE 2003..JUST THOUGHT IT TYPICAL FOR HOW A SPORTS CAR WAS DESIGNED. AFTER CHECKING OTHERS SIMILAR PROBLEMS I GUESS I'VE BEEN MISLED INTO BELIEVING THAT WAS TYPICAL AFTER ALL THIS TIME.TAKING IT TO THE DEALER IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS TO SERVICE PROBLEM. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS DETENT THING GET IT CHECKED OUT BEFORE A B… Look up ODI 10639592 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10946361 · 63,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW Z4. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. Look up ODI 10946361 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	37,848–77,000 mi	57,425 mi	65	ODI 10281234 · 31,000 mi THIS COMPLAINT INVOLVES THE STEERING OF THE 2003 BMW Z4(BUILT 03/03). IT SEEMS IN HOT WEATHER (HIGH 80'S AND ABOVE) THE STEERING BECOMES VERY STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MAKE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS. IT FEELS LIKE IT LOCKS IN PLACE AND WHEN ADJUSTMENTS ARE ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE STEERING, YOU ACTUALLY OVER ADJUST BECAUSE IT STICKS AND YOU HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME REMAINING IN YOUR LANE. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS 80'S OR ABOVE, AND BECOMES STIFFER THE HOTTER THE TEMPERATURE BECOMES. WE CONTACTED BMW AND THEY INFORMED US THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY… Look up ODI 10281234 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10313544 · 22,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4 SERIES. THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON FEBRUARY 22, 2010 WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. SHE CONTACTED BMW DIRECTLY AND THEY HAVE NOT DIAGNOSED THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 03/26/10. LJ UPDATED 05/11/10. JB Look up ODI 10313544 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10350083 · 39,000 mi I HAVE A 2003 BMW Z4 AND I AM HAVING PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG ISSUES, THERE WAS A RECALL ON CERTAIN VIN NUMBERS FOR SUCH PROBLEMS. MY CAR DOES NOT FIT IN THE VIN NUMBERS BUT I AM HAVING SAME PROBLEM, THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING I COULD DO. TR Look up ODI 10350083 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	30,000–75,000 mi	52,954 mi	53	ODI 10061950 · 18,000 mi MY CAR STALLED ON THE ROAD GOING FIFTY MILES AN HOUR ON UNIVERSITY CITY BLVD. IN CHARLOTTE NORTH CAROLINA. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE BUT LUCKILY THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO AVOID ME. I HAVE NEVER BEEN THAT SCARED IN MY LIFE. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THE CAR HAD BROKEN DOWN IN NINE MONTHS. THE FIRST TIME BEING MAY 27, 2003. THE SECOND BEING OCTOBER 25, 2003. AND THE THIRD TIME BEING JANUARY 16, 2004 (THIS IS THE TIME IT STALLED GOING 50 MILES ON THE ROAD). THE DEALERSHIP, BMW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, AND THE MANAGERS AT HENDRICK IM… Look up ODI 10061950 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10283103 · 70,000 mi PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT'S FAILED SEAT SENSOR AND REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE SEAT. TR Look up ODI 10283103 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10353046 · 35,000 mi MY 2003 BMW Z4 HAS STICKY AND/OR BINDING ELECTRIC POWER ASSISTED STEERING CONTROL WHEN THE TEMPERATURES ARE 75 DEGREES OR WARMER, MAKING THE CAR DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS TO STEER. BECAUSE OF THIS, OVERSTEERING RESULTS, WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE INTO THE NEXT LANE OR ONTO THE SHOULDER. THIS BECOMES A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHEN CHANGING LANES OR MAKING MINOR STEERING CORRECTIONS. THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY OVERNIGHT WHEN COOLER TEMPERATURES PREVAIL AND THE POWER STEERING UNIT HAS HAD A CHANCE TO COOL DOWN. TR Look up ODI 10353046 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	7,163–74,000 mi	43,900 mi	18	ODI 11064993 · 52,000 mi VEHICLE STALLS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MOVE FROM A STOPPED POSITION. STALLS AT OR IN TRYING TO MOVE THROUGH INTERSECTIONS Look up ODI 11064993 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10504547 · 99,662 mi BOUGHT THE 2005 Z-4 BMW USED FROM A DEALER IN HIGH POINT NC. DROVE IT AND ENJOY DRIVING UNTIL THE WARM WEATHER. THE STEERING STICKS TO A POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. TO COMPENSATE, I STEER TO THE LEFT AND CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT THEN I BRING THE STEERING BACK TOWARDS THE CENTER AND FEEL IT STICKING SO I COMPENSATE BY STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE WHOLE TIME DOWN THE HIGHWAY I FEAR FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS CAR. I REALLY HAD TO CONCENTRATE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM STEERING OFF THE ROAD AND I'M SURE IT APPEARS I'M DRIVING ERRATICALLY TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. T… Look up ODI 10504547 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10691844 · 42,800 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING ON THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BELT TENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,800. Look up ODI 10691844 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	25,650–65,000 mi	49,000 mi	16	ODI 10167375 · 24,599 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF ALL VEHICLE POWER. AFTER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE ENGINE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. Look up ODI 10167375 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10217874 · 48,000 mi BMW Z4 ENGINE FAILURE. TR Look up ODI 10217874 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10252705 · 41,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 60MPH HIS VEHICLE SHUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NOT A FACTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING AT THE TIME THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. HE WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BUT THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES FAILED. IT BECAME WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. HE WAS ABLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE NORMALLY AFTER 20 MINUTES. THE FOLLOWING DAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED THERE WAS A BUBBLING NOISE IN THE ENGINE AREA THAT LASTED … Look up ODI 10252705 at NHTSA ↗
Wheels	16,000–36,532 mi	21,580 mi	22	ODI 10520603 · 5,000 mi BUT BOUGHT WITH LESS THAN 12,500 MILES, THEY FOUND TURNED UNSTABLE SITUATION, HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIND WHAT THE REASON, AT TIMES ALMOST A MAJOR ACCIDENT WHEN DRIVING, THE TIRE DOES NOT FEEL STICKY, BUT ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR IS ALL OVER THE PLACE (LIKE A DRUNK DRIVER), THE STEERING FEELS VERY LOOSE, NOT TOO SENSITIVE. IF I DO ANYTHING MORE THAN A SLIGHT ROTATION, DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM HAS BEEN STARTED, IF THE CURVE WENT TO THE RIGHT, I HAD TO "JERK" TO GO STRAIGHT TO RECTIFY THE SAME, IF IT WENT. WHEN A STRAIGHT ROAD, IT WILL FEEL V… Look up ODI 10520603 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10486198 · 74,580 mi VEHICLE WOULD RUN FINE IN THE MORNING BEFORE THE DAY HEATED UP. AT NOON, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD STICK AND MORE FORCE THAN USUAL HAD TO BE APPLIED WITH BOTH HANDS TO OPERATE THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, THERE ARE TIMES THE CAR WILL JERK LEFT OR RIGHT UPON BREAKING. IF THE ROAD IS SLIGHTLY UNEVEN, YOU HAVE TO BE PREPARED IN CASE THE CAR JERKS IN ANY DIRECTION. I HAVE TRIED UPGRADING THE VEHICLES SUSPENSION SYSTEM TO NO AVAIL. MAKES THE CAR FEEL UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I LOVE THE CAR, BUT I WOULD LIKE THESE ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS SERI… Look up ODI 10486198 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10630842 · 98,900 mi A TRACTOR TRAILER HIT MY CAR, A BMW Z4 CONVERTIBLE, CT LICENSE PLATE, IN THE REAR LEFT, AS I WAS MOVING SLOWLY WITH TRAFFIC JUST BEFORE THE OVERPASS, RIGHT BEFORE I HIT THE TAPPANZEE BRIDGE AS I WAS HEADING TO NJ ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 1ST, 2014, SOMETIME BETWEEN 11:50-1230PM. I BELIEVE IT WAS CLOSE OR ABOUT 12:20PM.MY HEAD SLAMMED VIOLENTLY AGAINST THE TOP OF THE WHEEL FROM THE IMPACT.I LOOKED BACK AFTER BEING HIT AND THE DRIVER AGREED TO PULL OVER WHEN THERE WAS ROOM FOR HIM AFTER GOING OVER THE BRIDGE TO EXCHANGE INSURANCE INFORMATION. I WROTE DO… Look up ODI 10630842 at NHTSA ↗
Steering:Electric Power Assist System	4,325–30,120 mi	9,150 mi	22	ODI 10078618 · 15,500 mi WHEN MY VEHICLE HAS SAT OUT IN THE 90F+ TEMPERATURE FOR A FEW HOURS, THE STEERING BECOMES ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE IN THAT THE STEERING "STICKS" AND IS NO LONGER SMOOTH IN ITS ROTATION. TO GET THE STEERING TO GO THE OTHER WAY AFTER TURNING OR CHANGING LANES, YOU LITERALLY HAVE TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE FOR IT TO HAPPEN. MY ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN/ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. I'VE CONFIRMED THIS ISSUE WITH Z4 OWNERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AM BEGINNING TO FEEL THIS IS AN OVERALL DESIGN ISSUE… Look up ODI 10078618 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10078689 · 8,300 mi DURING EXPOSURE TO HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE MID 1990'S FARENHEIT THE STEERING BECOMES STIFF, UNRESPONSIVE WITH A TENDENCY TO "STICK" WHERE IT IS SET. ONLY SEEMS TO OCCUR AFTER VEHICLE HAS SAT IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT ON HOT DAYS.AK Look up ODI 10078689 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10078746 · 10,000 mi WHEN MY VEHICLE IS PARKED IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES EXCEEDING ROUGHLY 85 DEGREES, FOR PERIODS OF AN HOUR OR MORE, THE CAR'S POWER STEERING BEGINS TO MALFUNCTION. THE STEERING TAKES ON AN EXTREMELY HEAVY FEEL, AND IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO TURN. ADDITIONALLY, IN A GENTLE TURN, THE WHEEL DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY RETURN TO THE CENTER POSITION WHEN IT IS RELEASED. THE CAR CONTIUNES TO TURN INDEFINITELY. AS LONG AS TEMPERATURES REMAIN HIGH, THE PROBLEM PERSISTS.AK Look up ODI 10078746 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	7,635–62,890 mi	33,000 mi	13	ODI 10643828 · 66,300 mi CAR STEERING HARD TO CENTER , STEERING STICKS TO THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT , WHEN TEMPERATURE OUT SIDE IS ABOVE 80 DEGREES OR WHEN YOU DRIVE A LONG WAYS AND THE CAR BEGINS TO PRODUCE HEAT.VERY HARD TO DRIVE OR TAKE A LONG TRIP IN.VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR Look up ODI 10643828 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11300644 · 40,395 mi I PREVIOUSLY FILED A REPORT ABOUT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, POOR STEERING, STICKING PRIOR TO HAVING IT FIXED ON THIS DATE. I HAD NOT FOUND THE PAPERWORK FOR IT UNTIL AFTER I SUBMITTED THE REPORT. THE TRACKING # 11300634. Look up ODI 11300644 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10716007 · 7,635 mi OCCASIONALLY, WHEN BRAKING AND PRESSING CLUTCH, RPMS JUMP AND ENGINE REVS UP. Look up ODI 10716007 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

ComponentPeriod

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
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	1	None	ODI 11630547 · 16,000 mi The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and turning to the left, the steering wheel seized, and the contact had to use force to return the steering wheel back to center. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds while turning left or right. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while the steering wheel was turned to the left or right. The vehicle regained normal steering functionality when the vehicle was stopped and turned off and restarted. The contact stated the … Look up ODI 11630547 at NHTSA ↗
2025-01	1	None	ODI 11638768 The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11638768 at NHTSA ↗
2025-02	5	None	ODI 11642101 The electric steering gets sticky when very often. It feels locked in its position and requires extra force to unstick, once its past the sticking point it over corrects and causes the vehicle to swerve. This failure seems to be quite common and is well known. It seems to be a manufacturing defect inside the electric steering column. I believe it should be investigated by NHTSA. The last time it happened my car went off onto the soft shoulder. The manufacturer should repair the steering. It’s a widely known issue. Look up ODI 11642101 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11641959 The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11641959 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11645390 I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly. Look up ODI 11645390 at NHTSA ↗
2025-03	2	None	ODI 11650357 Steering assist failed almost resulting in head on collision. Failure is serious and likely to cause fatalities Look up ODI 11650357 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11647400 The contact owns a 2015 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11647400 at NHTSA ↗
2025-04	4	None	ODI 11653689 Power steering stopped working. Look up ODI 11653689 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11656879 While moving, especially in warm weather, the steering will stick. This requires excessive force to move the steering wheel which results in a "jump" when the steering moves (breaks loose). This sudden "jump" results in vehicle moving excessively, especially scary in traffic! I have not had the vehicle inspected by a mechanic but reading various forums this appears to be a common problem with BMW Z4s. Look up ODI 11656879 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11658036 Electrical power steering system failed, warning light came on. Vehicle suddenly became very difficult to impossible to steer. Failed to negotiate a turn and nearly hit a tree. I have an appointment set with an independent service dealer near me, but I’m afraid to drive it there, so I may have it towed. The warning light came on just moments before the initial failure. Look up ODI 11658036 at NHTSA ↗
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	3	None	ODI 11664730 Power steering wheel went out of power during a trip at about 70mph. Yellow light at the dashboard went ON then so, car became imposible to drive or so. Look up ODI 11664730 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11665759 Twice this month, while operating the vehicle, the power steering completely stopped functioning, causing the vehicle to be almost uncontrollable. No prior warning light. When I purchased the vehicle in 2018, the same problem occurred and the dealer replaced the steering column under warranty. In researching online I find that this is a common problem with this model. I am surprised to find that there is no recall notice for what is a major safety concern. Look up ODI 11665759 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11666290 The contact owns a 2015 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11666290 at NHTSA ↗
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	3	None	ODI 11682240 Steering is binding up, very hard to steer and control. Car starts out running fine after parked in hot weather and restarted it is almost uncontrollable. Looking for corrective action. Only 39,920 miles on car. Would like to use it or sell it, can do neither in current condition. Steering column needed or components Look up ODI 11682240 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11682989 This complaint is regarding a large number of 2008 BMW cars exhibiting the ABS failure light. Mine is a Z4 with @ 65K miles and was diagnosed by a certified mechanic as the ABS module failure - a high ($3000-$4000) cost repair. If you use this search term - "how common is bmw 2008 ABS module failure?", you will see that a multitude of cars from 2008 (and in other years and models using the same module) are affected by and exhibit this dangerous issue. What has to happen for BMW to be forced to repairing this chronic, safety-compromising, and wi… Look up ODI 11682989 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11681645 · 111,544 mi The contact owns a 2014 BMW Z4. The contact stated that rodents had chewed through some electrical wiring in the vehicle. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to monitor the oil levels due to the damaged electrical wiring. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, where it was determined that the electrical wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact was informed about other methods to deter the varmints from chewing on the electrical wiring. … Look up ODI 11681645 at NHTSA ↗
2025-09	0	25V636000	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	1	None	ODI 11691012 My 2015 BMW Z4 vehicle has a coolant pump safety recall. It reportedly could cause a short circuit and thermal event or fire. I bought the vehicle while living elsewhere and am now in a small community with 4 major automobile dealers but not BMW. The nearest BMW dealer is about 220 miles away. I contacted that dealer. The service rep said it is 1.5-2 day repair and a loaner vehicle may be available. The repair time sounds wrong but is what she said. She said the dealership would not work with any facility close to me to make the repair so I mu… Look up ODI 11691012 at NHTSA ↗
2025-11	1	None	ODI 11701698 The contact owns a 2019 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Look up ODI 11701698 at NHTSA ↗
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	26V056000	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	1	None	ODI 11719116 Engine starter safety recall came out in September 2025, with no remedy or parts existing for fixing it. 5 months later, and no timeframe is provided for a remedy. This is a major fire risk given the amount of rain now that could corrode the starter and lead to a fire. Look up ODI 11719116 at NHTSA ↗
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	1	None	ODI 11729687 ON 3 APRIL 2026 I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 BMW Z4 SDRIVE 30I E89 N52K (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) THAT HAS 31,000 MILES ON IT, SUDDENLY A STEERING ASSISTANCE MALFUNCTION TROUBLE LIGHT APPEARED AND I LOST ALL ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT!! THEN SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING CONTROL RETURNED. ON APRIL 4 I LOST THE STEERING CONTROL AGAIN AND TOOK IT TO A BMW REPAIR SHOP. THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE EPS (ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CONTROL). UPON INVESTIGATION, A S… Look up ODI 11729687 at NHTSA ↗
2026-05	1	None	ODI 11737891 · 161,000 mi The contact owns a 2010 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH when attempting to depress the accelerator pedal the vehicle decrease speed independently. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an dealer where it was diagnosed the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed him there are no recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 161,000. Look up ODI 11737891 at NHTSA ↗
2026-06	1	None	ODI 11744028 This vehicle has a "sticky steering" issue in warm or hot weather, the steering sticks and requires a lot of effort to get the wheel to turn. If I am doing any speeds over 40 mph and keep adjusting the steering, I have almost wrecked the car on more than one occasion. The problem is the electric steering on the early year models of the BMW Z4. Mine is a 2003, the first year the car was on the market. Look up ODI 11744028 at NHTSA ↗
2026-07	2	None	ODI 11751896 The engine starter failed on my 2020 BMW Z4 M40i. The vehicle experienced starting failures and the repair shop diagnosed a faulty/shorted engine starter assembly. The symptoms and component failure match the exact defect description of active safety recalls NHTSA 24V-576 and 25V-636 (Starter Motor Fire Risk due to electrical short circuit/overheating). However, when checking my specific 17-digit VIN, the manufacturer has excluded my vehicle from the recall population. Because this is an identical component failure that poses a severe vehicle f… Look up ODI 11751896 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11753894 There is a strong chemical smell when the AC is turned on and the system is loosing refrigerant. There is a common issue on these cars of premature evaporative core corrosion. Look up ODI 11753894 at NHTSA ↗
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	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.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2022: 1 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2022	0	1	1
2023	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2022	1	0	0
2023	0	0	0

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
Component	Steering	Air Bags	Electrical System	Engine	Engine And Engine Cooling	Wheels	Steering:Electric Power Assist System	Service Brakes
Steering	—	8 ODI 10281234 · 31,000 mi THIS COMPLAINT INVOLVES THE STEERING OF THE 2003 BMW Z4(BUILT 03/03). IT SEEMS IN HOT WEATHER (HIGH 80'S AND ABOVE) THE STEERING BECOMES VERY STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MAKE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS. IT FEELS LIKE IT LOCKS IN PLACE AND WHEN ADJUSTMENTS ARE ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE STEERING, YOU ACTUALLY OVER ADJUST BECAUSE IT STICKS AND YOU HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME REMAINING IN YOUR LANE. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS 80'S OR ABOVE, AND BECOMES STIFFER THE HOTTER THE TEMPERATURE BECOMES. WE CONTACTED BMW AND THEY INFORMED US THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY… Look up ODI 10281234 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10395938 · 19,881 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE NOR WAS A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR. LATER, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STUCK AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTU… Look up ODI 10395938 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10433599 · 43,730 mi 1.VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE; UNABLE TO MAINTAIN STEERING OR KEEP VEHICLE ON THE ROAD SAFELY. 2.VIBRATIONS WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE 3.MANUAL GEAR BOX; SHIFTING THROUGH GEARS NOT SMOOTH, NOT ENGAGING SMOOTHLY 4.WATER LEAKING INSIDE OF VEHICLE TRUNK AND REAR SEAT AREAS. VEHICLE TRUNK AREA WAS SATURATED WITH WATER AFTER RAINING; FILLING WATER OVER THE BATTERY BOX AND CARPETS, SHORTING OUT ELECTRONICS. 5.OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE; PLASTIC COMPONENTS EARLY DETERIORATION; FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER AREA BLACK PLASTIC COWL AND ANTENNA. INSIDE OF VEHICLE BLACK PLA… Look up ODI 10433599 at NHTSA ↗	20 ODI 10353046 · 35,000 mi MY 2003 BMW Z4 HAS STICKY AND/OR BINDING ELECTRIC POWER ASSISTED STEERING CONTROL WHEN THE TEMPERATURES ARE 75 DEGREES OR WARMER, MAKING THE CAR DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS TO STEER. BECAUSE OF THIS, OVERSTEERING RESULTS, WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE INTO THE NEXT LANE OR ONTO THE SHOULDER. THIS BECOMES A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHEN CHANGING LANES OR MAKING MINOR STEERING CORRECTIONS. THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY OVERNIGHT WHEN COOLER TEMPERATURES PREVAIL AND THE POWER STEERING UNIT HAS HAD A CHANCE TO COOL DOWN. TR Look up ODI 10353046 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10433087 · 71,000 mi MY STEERING WHEEL LIGHT GOES ON THEN THE CAR HANDLING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE PROBLEM STARTED ONE DAY ON THE HIGHWAY. THE WHEEL WAS SUDDENLY HARD. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY: WHEN I START THE CAR AND AT ANY RANDOM TIME WHILE I'M DRIVING. I HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR IN ORDER TO GET THE POWER STEERING BACK (BEFORE THE NEXT FAILURE). THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS SINCE NOTHING IS TELLING ME WHEN THE NEXT ISSUE IS GOING TO HAPPEN. I'M ALWAYS SCARED TO MAKE A TURN OR TO CHANGE LANES. TT Look up ODI 10433087 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10445000 · 81,000 mi THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAS FAILED ON THE CAR MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. LUCKILY IT FAILED WHILE ON A STRAIGHT PART OF AN INTERSTATE AS MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THIS SEVERELY FRIGHTENED HER. SHE DID NOT OVERREACT AND WE TOOK APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO GET THE VEHICLE HOME. ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS ISSUE WAS BEING INVESTIGATED BY NHTSA IN 2010 BUT CAN NOT FIND ANY INDICATION THAT AN ACTUAL RECALL IS IN PLACE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS THING TO HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY IN A STATE WITH A LOT OF WINDING ROADS (TENNESSEE). I… Look up ODI 10445000 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 11064993 · 52,000 mi VEHICLE STALLS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MOVE FROM A STOPPED POSITION. STALLS AT OR IN TRYING TO MOVE THROUGH INTERSECTIONS Look up ODI 11064993 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10504547 · 99,662 mi BOUGHT THE 2005 Z-4 BMW USED FROM A DEALER IN HIGH POINT NC. DROVE IT AND ENJOY DRIVING UNTIL THE WARM WEATHER. THE STEERING STICKS TO A POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. TO COMPENSATE, I STEER TO THE LEFT AND CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT THEN I BRING THE STEERING BACK TOWARDS THE CENTER AND FEEL IT STICKING SO I COMPENSATE BY STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE WHOLE TIME DOWN THE HIGHWAY I FEAR FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS CAR. I REALLY HAD TO CONCENTRATE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM STEERING OFF THE ROAD AND I'M SURE IT APPEARS I'M DRIVING ERRATICALLY TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. T… Look up ODI 10504547 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10252705 · 41,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 60MPH HIS VEHICLE SHUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NOT A FACTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING AT THE TIME THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. HE WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BUT THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES FAILED. IT BECAME WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. HE WAS ABLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE NORMALLY AFTER 20 MINUTES. THE FOLLOWING DAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED THERE WAS A BUBBLING NOISE IN THE ENGINE AREA THAT LASTED … Look up ODI 10252705 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10445000 · 81,000 mi THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAS FAILED ON THE CAR MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. LUCKILY IT FAILED WHILE ON A STRAIGHT PART OF AN INTERSTATE AS MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THIS SEVERELY FRIGHTENED HER. SHE DID NOT OVERREACT AND WE TOOK APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO GET THE VEHICLE HOME. ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS ISSUE WAS BEING INVESTIGATED BY NHTSA IN 2010 BUT CAN NOT FIND ANY INDICATION THAT AN ACTUAL RECALL IS IN PLACE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS THING TO HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY IN A STATE WITH A LOT OF WINDING ROADS (TENNESSEE). I… Look up ODI 10445000 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10486198 · 74,580 mi VEHICLE WOULD RUN FINE IN THE MORNING BEFORE THE DAY HEATED UP. AT NOON, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD STICK AND MORE FORCE THAN USUAL HAD TO BE APPLIED WITH BOTH HANDS TO OPERATE THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, THERE ARE TIMES THE CAR WILL JERK LEFT OR RIGHT UPON BREAKING. IF THE ROAD IS SLIGHTLY UNEVEN, YOU HAVE TO BE PREPARED IN CASE THE CAR JERKS IN ANY DIRECTION. I HAVE TRIED UPGRADING THE VEHICLES SUSPENSION SYSTEM TO NO AVAIL. MAKES THE CAR FEEL UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I LOVE THE CAR, BUT I WOULD LIKE THESE ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS SERI… Look up ODI 10486198 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10630842 · 98,900 mi A TRACTOR TRAILER HIT MY CAR, A BMW Z4 CONVERTIBLE, CT LICENSE PLATE, IN THE REAR LEFT, AS I WAS MOVING SLOWLY WITH TRAFFIC JUST BEFORE THE OVERPASS, RIGHT BEFORE I HIT THE TAPPANZEE BRIDGE AS I WAS HEADING TO NJ ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 1ST, 2014, SOMETIME BETWEEN 11:50-1230PM. I BELIEVE IT WAS CLOSE OR ABOUT 12:20PM.MY HEAD SLAMMED VIOLENTLY AGAINST THE TOP OF THE WHEEL FROM THE IMPACT.I LOOKED BACK AFTER BEING HIT AND THE DRIVER AGREED TO PULL OVER WHEN THERE WAS ROOM FOR HIM AFTER GOING OVER THE BRIDGE TO EXCHANGE INSURANCE INFORMATION. I WROTE DO… Look up ODI 10630842 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10513346 MY REAR RIMS HAVE DEVELOPED CRACKS WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN QUICK LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE AND IN SOME CASES DESTROYING TIRE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES, HOWEVER THUS FAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN ISOLATED TO THE REAR (MODEL 296 19") RIMS. IN THE 16 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES INCLUDING ON 5/11/2012, 9/9/12, 4/12/13 AND 5/23/13. EACH TIME I HAVE PURCHASED A NEW RIM OR HAD THE EXISTING RIM REPAIRED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DEALER. IN NONE OF THESE CASES HAS THERE BEEN ANY IMPACT OR DRIVING… Look up ODI 10513346 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10486702 · 76,000 mi THE STEERING WHEEL GETS STUCK WHILE DRIVING AND CAR DOESN'T STAY IN LANE INFACT NEEDS CONSTANT SIGNIFICANT ADJUSTMENTS TO KEEP IT FROM ACCIDENTALLY GETTING INTO ANOTHER LANE. THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND WAS AN INCONVENIENCE SO I DIDN'T PAY A LOT OF ATTENTION BUT IT'S MORE LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE NOW WITH CONTROLLING THE CAR BECOMING MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT ON FREEWAYS. NHTSA HAS IDENTIFIED THIS ISSUE PE10020 AS NOT SIGNIFICANT AND I SINCERELY HOPE THEY INVESTIGATE IT FURTHER AND TAKE SOME SERIOUS ACTION BEFORE IT CAUSES IRREPARABLE L… Look up ODI 10486702 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10416476 · 35,000 mi 2005 BMW Z4 WITH STICKING STEERING PROBLEMS. VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. YOU HAVE TO MAKE CONSTANT CORRECTIONS TO THE STEERING WHEEL. HAVE NOTICED MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WISH TO SEE A RECALL FROM BMW BEFORE ANYONE GETS KILLED OR DISABLED. THANK YOU KB Look up ODI 10416476 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10588283 · 95,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTIONED AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. Look up ODI 10588283 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 10643828 · 66,300 mi CAR STEERING HARD TO CENTER , STEERING STICKS TO THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT , WHEN TEMPERATURE OUT SIDE IS ABOVE 80 DEGREES OR WHEN YOU DRIVE A LONG WAYS AND THE CAR BEGINS TO PRODUCE HEAT.VERY HARD TO DRIVE OR TAKE A LONG TRIP IN.VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR Look up ODI 10643828 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11300634 I HAD THIS CAR BUILT AND AM THE ONLY OWNER. INITIALLY, STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THE CAR NEEDED A NEW CONVERTIBLE TOP. AFTER THAT, FOR YEARS, I HAD A 'STICKING' WHEN I WOULD STEER THE CAR MAKING THE CAR VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR TURN. THIS DETERRED ME FROM DRIVING THE CAR AS MUCH AS I WANTED, AND CERTAINLY FROM TAKING IT ON ANY DISTANCE TRIPS....BASICALLY ENJOYING THE CAR. INITIALLY I THOUGHT THE CAR MAY NEED NEW TIRES OR AN ALIGNMENT, BUT IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN. FROM READING BMW CHATS AND FORUMS, I FOUND THIS WAS … Look up ODI 11300634 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11300644 · 40,395 mi I PREVIOUSLY FILED A REPORT ABOUT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, POOR STEERING, STICKING PRIOR TO HAVING IT FIXED ON THIS DATE. I HAD NOT FOUND THE PAPERWORK FOR IT UNTIL AFTER I SUBMITTED THE REPORT. THE TRACKING # 11300634. Look up ODI 11300644 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	8 ODI 10281234 · 31,000 mi THIS COMPLAINT INVOLVES THE STEERING OF THE 2003 BMW Z4(BUILT 03/03). IT SEEMS IN HOT WEATHER (HIGH 80'S AND ABOVE) THE STEERING BECOMES VERY STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MAKE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS. IT FEELS LIKE IT LOCKS IN PLACE AND WHEN ADJUSTMENTS ARE ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE STEERING, YOU ACTUALLY OVER ADJUST BECAUSE IT STICKS AND YOU HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME REMAINING IN YOUR LANE. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS 80'S OR ABOVE, AND BECOMES STIFFER THE HOTTER THE TEMPERATURE BECOMES. WE CONTACTED BMW AND THEY INFORMED US THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY… Look up ODI 10281234 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10395938 · 19,881 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE NOR WAS A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR. LATER, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STUCK AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTU… Look up ODI 10395938 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10433599 · 43,730 mi 1.VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE; UNABLE TO MAINTAIN STEERING OR KEEP VEHICLE ON THE ROAD SAFELY. 2.VIBRATIONS WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE 3.MANUAL GEAR BOX; SHIFTING THROUGH GEARS NOT SMOOTH, NOT ENGAGING SMOOTHLY 4.WATER LEAKING INSIDE OF VEHICLE TRUNK AND REAR SEAT AREAS. VEHICLE TRUNK AREA WAS SATURATED WITH WATER AFTER RAINING; FILLING WATER OVER THE BATTERY BOX AND CARPETS, SHORTING OUT ELECTRONICS. 5.OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE; PLASTIC COMPONENTS EARLY DETERIORATION; FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER AREA BLACK PLASTIC COWL AND ANTENNA. INSIDE OF VEHICLE BLACK PLA… Look up ODI 10433599 at NHTSA ↗	—	8 ODI 10631879 · 55,000 mi AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR THREE YEARS. HAVE HAD 3 TESTS INCL LIETH BMW TEST THAT VERIFIES IT IS THE PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT. THIS DEFECT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN MANY BMW MODELS. BMW REFUSES TO FIX IT YET REQUIRES ME TO DO THESE DIAGNOSIS (FOR A FEE) OVER AND OVER. NOT ONLY THAT - THEY HAVE DRASTICALLY RAISED THE PRICE TO REPAIR TO >$1400. I SERIOUSLY QUESTION THE SAFETY OF THE CAR AND FEEL BMW USES THE ISSUE AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE HIGH PROFITS OFF THE SAFETY CONCERNS OF ITS CUSTOMERS. *TR Look up ODI 10631879 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10240250 · 24,994 mi ON AUGUST 7, 2007 I TOOK MY CAR TO STERLING BMW IN NEWPORT BEACH, CA BECAUSE I NOTICED THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHTS WERE ON ALONG WITH OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES. AFTER THEY HAD INSPECTED MY VEHICLE FOR THREE DAYS I WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIRBAG/ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE BMW FACTORY WARRANTY, AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDED THAT I FILE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE CARRIER. OBVIOUSLY MY INSURANCE COMPANY DENIED THE CLAIM, BECAUSE AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER LOSS DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR, MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL BREAKDO… Look up ODI 10240250 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10693675 FIRST THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, I WENT TO HOUSTON MOMENTUM BMW DEALER TO CHECK AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY SIGNAL FROM SOMEWHERE THEY WERE NOT SURE ABOUT. THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE FOR THAN A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIND IT AND REPAIR IT. IT WOULD COST MORE IF THEY FOUND OUT THE REAL PROBLEM. I TOLD THEM THIS SHOULD BE UNDER BMW WARRANTY, BUT THEY SAID IT WASN'T. I REFUSED THE WORK. THIS CASE HAPPENED FEW YEARS AGO. NOW I HAVE AIR BAG LIGHT ON, I DON'T KNOW WHY. I DON'T DARE TO GO BACK TO DEALER TO CHECK BECAUSE I'M AFRAID THEY WILL … Look up ODI 10693675 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10870114 · 60,000 mi SPRING IN STEERING WHEEL THAT IS PART OF AIR BAG CAUSES WARNING LIGHT. LESS THAN 50 K MILES ELECTRICAL ISSUES. HAVE HAD 2 REPLACE THE BATTERIES TWICE IN 5 YEARS. HAVING TO REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR TWICE, AND THE CONSOLE CONTROLS FOR AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER. LASTLY, WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM AND YOU COME TO A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE SURGES DRASTICALLY. BMW SERVICE CLAIMS THAT IT IS NORMAL. AND Look up ODI 10870114 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11153666 · 115,000 mi WHILE IN MOTION THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES FOR 2 TO 3 SECONDS PERIODICALLY ON HIGHWAY AND IN CITY. WHILE IN MOTION AT LOW SPEED AND WHEN STATIONARY AFTER DRIVING ONLY A FEW MILES THE VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. WHILE IN MOTION AT HIGH SPEED THE VEHICLE ENGINE STUTTERS BADLY BUT DOES NOT TURN OFF. THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS TO BE TUNED OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN, AND THEN THE ENGINE TURNS OVER AND I'M ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT. BOTH VALVE COVER GASKETS LEAK OIL ONTO THE ENGINE. THE WORST WAS FRONT OF THE ENGINE WHICH HAS BEEN REPLACED. THERE IS AN EL… Look up ODI 11153666 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	20 ODI 10353046 · 35,000 mi MY 2003 BMW Z4 HAS STICKY AND/OR BINDING ELECTRIC POWER ASSISTED STEERING CONTROL WHEN THE TEMPERATURES ARE 75 DEGREES OR WARMER, MAKING THE CAR DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS TO STEER. BECAUSE OF THIS, OVERSTEERING RESULTS, WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE INTO THE NEXT LANE OR ONTO THE SHOULDER. THIS BECOMES A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHEN CHANGING LANES OR MAKING MINOR STEERING CORRECTIONS. THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY OVERNIGHT WHEN COOLER TEMPERATURES PREVAIL AND THE POWER STEERING UNIT HAS HAD A CHANCE TO COOL DOWN. TR Look up ODI 10353046 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10433087 · 71,000 mi MY STEERING WHEEL LIGHT GOES ON THEN THE CAR HANDLING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE PROBLEM STARTED ONE DAY ON THE HIGHWAY. THE WHEEL WAS SUDDENLY HARD. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY: WHEN I START THE CAR AND AT ANY RANDOM TIME WHILE I'M DRIVING. I HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR IN ORDER TO GET THE POWER STEERING BACK (BEFORE THE NEXT FAILURE). THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS SINCE NOTHING IS TELLING ME WHEN THE NEXT ISSUE IS GOING TO HAPPEN. I'M ALWAYS SCARED TO MAKE A TURN OR TO CHANGE LANES. TT Look up ODI 10433087 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10445000 · 81,000 mi THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAS FAILED ON THE CAR MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. LUCKILY IT FAILED WHILE ON A STRAIGHT PART OF AN INTERSTATE AS MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THIS SEVERELY FRIGHTENED HER. SHE DID NOT OVERREACT AND WE TOOK APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO GET THE VEHICLE HOME. ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS ISSUE WAS BEING INVESTIGATED BY NHTSA IN 2010 BUT CAN NOT FIND ANY INDICATION THAT AN ACTUAL RECALL IS IN PLACE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS THING TO HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY IN A STATE WITH A LOT OF WINDING ROADS (TENNESSEE). I… Look up ODI 10445000 at NHTSA ↗	8 ODI 10631879 · 55,000 mi AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR THREE YEARS. HAVE HAD 3 TESTS INCL LIETH BMW TEST THAT VERIFIES IT IS THE PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT. THIS DEFECT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN MANY BMW MODELS. BMW REFUSES TO FIX IT YET REQUIRES ME TO DO THESE DIAGNOSIS (FOR A FEE) OVER AND OVER. NOT ONLY THAT - THEY HAVE DRASTICALLY RAISED THE PRICE TO REPAIR TO >$1400. I SERIOUSLY QUESTION THE SAFETY OF THE CAR AND FEEL BMW USES THE ISSUE AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE HIGH PROFITS OFF THE SAFETY CONCERNS OF ITS CUSTOMERS. *TR Look up ODI 10631879 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10240250 · 24,994 mi ON AUGUST 7, 2007 I TOOK MY CAR TO STERLING BMW IN NEWPORT BEACH, CA BECAUSE I NOTICED THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHTS WERE ON ALONG WITH OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES. AFTER THEY HAD INSPECTED MY VEHICLE FOR THREE DAYS I WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIRBAG/ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE BMW FACTORY WARRANTY, AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDED THAT I FILE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE CARRIER. OBVIOUSLY MY INSURANCE COMPANY DENIED THE CLAIM, BECAUSE AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER LOSS DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR, MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL BREAKDO… Look up ODI 10240250 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10693675 FIRST THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, I WENT TO HOUSTON MOMENTUM BMW DEALER TO CHECK AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY SIGNAL FROM SOMEWHERE THEY WERE NOT SURE ABOUT. THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE FOR THAN A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIND IT AND REPAIR IT. IT WOULD COST MORE IF THEY FOUND OUT THE REAL PROBLEM. I TOLD THEM THIS SHOULD BE UNDER BMW WARRANTY, BUT THEY SAID IT WASN'T. I REFUSED THE WORK. THIS CASE HAPPENED FEW YEARS AGO. NOW I HAVE AIR BAG LIGHT ON, I DON'T KNOW WHY. I DON'T DARE TO GO BACK TO DEALER TO CHECK BECAUSE I'M AFRAID THEY WILL … Look up ODI 10693675 at NHTSA ↗	—	5 ODI 10504547 · 99,662 mi BOUGHT THE 2005 Z-4 BMW USED FROM A DEALER IN HIGH POINT NC. DROVE IT AND ENJOY DRIVING UNTIL THE WARM WEATHER. THE STEERING STICKS TO A POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. TO COMPENSATE, I STEER TO THE LEFT AND CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT THEN I BRING THE STEERING BACK TOWARDS THE CENTER AND FEEL IT STICKING SO I COMPENSATE BY STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE WHOLE TIME DOWN THE HIGHWAY I FEAR FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS CAR. I REALLY HAD TO CONCENTRATE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM STEERING OFF THE ROAD AND I'M SURE IT APPEARS I'M DRIVING ERRATICALLY TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. T… Look up ODI 10504547 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10870114 · 60,000 mi SPRING IN STEERING WHEEL THAT IS PART OF AIR BAG CAUSES WARNING LIGHT. LESS THAN 50 K MILES ELECTRICAL ISSUES. HAVE HAD 2 REPLACE THE BATTERIES TWICE IN 5 YEARS. HAVING TO REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR TWICE, AND THE CONSOLE CONTROLS FOR AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER. LASTLY, WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM AND YOU COME TO A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE SURGES DRASTICALLY. BMW SERVICE CLAIMS THAT IT IS NORMAL. AND Look up ODI 10870114 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11230059 · 15 mi MY BATTERY IS IN GOOD CONDITION BUT I CAN'T START THE ENGINE.-700KM OIL SERVICE WARNING LIGHT DISPLAY ON MY DASH.FUEL PUMP IS WORKING.THEM OPEN THE KEY LIKE THAT SOUND GAP GAP IS COME OUT...PLS HELP ME... Look up ODI 11230059 at NHTSA ↗	9 ODI 10445000 · 81,000 mi THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAS FAILED ON THE CAR MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. LUCKILY IT FAILED WHILE ON A STRAIGHT PART OF AN INTERSTATE AS MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THIS SEVERELY FRIGHTENED HER. SHE DID NOT OVERREACT AND WE TOOK APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO GET THE VEHICLE HOME. ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS ISSUE WAS BEING INVESTIGATED BY NHTSA IN 2010 BUT CAN NOT FIND ANY INDICATION THAT AN ACTUAL RECALL IS IN PLACE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS THING TO HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY IN A STATE WITH A LOT OF WINDING ROADS (TENNESSEE). I… Look up ODI 10445000 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11638768 The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11638768 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11641959 The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11641959 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	2 ODI 11300644 · 40,395 mi I PREVIOUSLY FILED A REPORT ABOUT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, POOR STEERING, STICKING PRIOR TO HAVING IT FIXED ON THIS DATE. I HAD NOT FOUND THE PAPERWORK FOR IT UNTIL AFTER I SUBMITTED THE REPORT. THE TRACKING # 11300634. Look up ODI 11300644 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11645390 I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly. Look up ODI 11645390 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	2 ODI 11064993 · 52,000 mi VEHICLE STALLS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MOVE FROM A STOPPED POSITION. STALLS AT OR IN TRYING TO MOVE THROUGH INTERSECTIONS Look up ODI 11064993 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10504547 · 99,662 mi BOUGHT THE 2005 Z-4 BMW USED FROM A DEALER IN HIGH POINT NC. DROVE IT AND ENJOY DRIVING UNTIL THE WARM WEATHER. THE STEERING STICKS TO A POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. TO COMPENSATE, I STEER TO THE LEFT AND CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT THEN I BRING THE STEERING BACK TOWARDS THE CENTER AND FEEL IT STICKING SO I COMPENSATE BY STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE WHOLE TIME DOWN THE HIGHWAY I FEAR FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS CAR. I REALLY HAD TO CONCENTRATE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM STEERING OFF THE ROAD AND I'M SURE IT APPEARS I'M DRIVING ERRATICALLY TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. T… Look up ODI 10504547 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10870114 · 60,000 mi SPRING IN STEERING WHEEL THAT IS PART OF AIR BAG CAUSES WARNING LIGHT. LESS THAN 50 K MILES ELECTRICAL ISSUES. HAVE HAD 2 REPLACE THE BATTERIES TWICE IN 5 YEARS. HAVING TO REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR TWICE, AND THE CONSOLE CONTROLS FOR AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER. LASTLY, WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM AND YOU COME TO A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE SURGES DRASTICALLY. BMW SERVICE CLAIMS THAT IT IS NORMAL. AND Look up ODI 10870114 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11153666 · 115,000 mi WHILE IN MOTION THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES FOR 2 TO 3 SECONDS PERIODICALLY ON HIGHWAY AND IN CITY. WHILE IN MOTION AT LOW SPEED AND WHEN STATIONARY AFTER DRIVING ONLY A FEW MILES THE VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. WHILE IN MOTION AT HIGH SPEED THE VEHICLE ENGINE STUTTERS BADLY BUT DOES NOT TURN OFF. THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS TO BE TUNED OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN, AND THEN THE ENGINE TURNS OVER AND I'M ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT. BOTH VALVE COVER GASKETS LEAK OIL ONTO THE ENGINE. THE WORST WAS FRONT OF THE ENGINE WHICH HAS BEEN REPLACED. THERE IS AN EL… Look up ODI 11153666 at NHTSA ↗	5 ODI 10504547 · 99,662 mi BOUGHT THE 2005 Z-4 BMW USED FROM A DEALER IN HIGH POINT NC. DROVE IT AND ENJOY DRIVING UNTIL THE WARM WEATHER. THE STEERING STICKS TO A POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. TO COMPENSATE, I STEER TO THE LEFT AND CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT THEN I BRING THE STEERING BACK TOWARDS THE CENTER AND FEEL IT STICKING SO I COMPENSATE BY STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE WHOLE TIME DOWN THE HIGHWAY I FEAR FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS CAR. I REALLY HAD TO CONCENTRATE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM STEERING OFF THE ROAD AND I'M SURE IT APPEARS I'M DRIVING ERRATICALLY TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. T… Look up ODI 10504547 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10870114 · 60,000 mi SPRING IN STEERING WHEEL THAT IS PART OF AIR BAG CAUSES WARNING LIGHT. LESS THAN 50 K MILES ELECTRICAL ISSUES. HAVE HAD 2 REPLACE THE BATTERIES TWICE IN 5 YEARS. HAVING TO REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR TWICE, AND THE CONSOLE CONTROLS FOR AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER. LASTLY, WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM AND YOU COME TO A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE SURGES DRASTICALLY. BMW SERVICE CLAIMS THAT IT IS NORMAL. AND Look up ODI 10870114 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11230059 · 15 mi MY BATTERY IS IN GOOD CONDITION BUT I CAN'T START THE ENGINE.-700KM OIL SERVICE WARNING LIGHT DISPLAY ON MY DASH.FUEL PUMP IS WORKING.THEM OPEN THE KEY LIKE THAT SOUND GAP GAP IS COME OUT...PLS HELP ME... Look up ODI 11230059 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 11074972 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BMW OF LOUISVILLE (4 AUTOCENTER DR, LOUISVILLE, KY) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTA… Look up ODI 11074972 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	2 ODI 10716007 · 7,635 mi OCCASIONALLY, WHEN BRAKING AND PRESSING CLUTCH, RPMS JUMP AND ENGINE REVS UP. Look up ODI 10716007 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11363216 · 3,300 mi WAS IN A DRIVE THRU ON 9/6/2020 WAITING OUR TURN. APPROX. 7 CARS IN FRONT OF US. AS WE ARE SLOWLY MOVING UP TO ORDER, CAR IN IDLE, FOOT ON BRAKE. AS WE ARE MOVING FORWARD, WHEN WE WERE UP TO 3 CARS, STILL IDLING AND FOOT ON BRAKE, THE CAR HAD FULLY ACCELERATED, BRAKE NOT HOLDING THE CAR, INCHING FORWARD DUE TO THE FORCE OF THE ACCELERATION. TRIED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, WENT INTO REVERSE. TRIED AGAIN TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, WENT INTO DRIVE, STILL INCHING FORWARD, AT THIS TIME I PUSHED THE OFF BUTTON TO STOP THE CAR. RESULT OF COLLISION WIT… Look up ODI 11363216 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	2 ODI 10252705 · 41,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 60MPH HIS VEHICLE SHUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NOT A FACTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING AT THE TIME THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. HE WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BUT THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES FAILED. IT BECAME WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. HE WAS ABLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE NORMALLY AFTER 20 MINUTES. THE FOLLOWING DAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED THERE WAS A BUBBLING NOISE IN THE ENGINE AREA THAT LASTED … Look up ODI 10252705 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10445000 · 81,000 mi THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAS FAILED ON THE CAR MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. LUCKILY IT FAILED WHILE ON A STRAIGHT PART OF AN INTERSTATE AS MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THIS SEVERELY FRIGHTENED HER. SHE DID NOT OVERREACT AND WE TOOK APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO GET THE VEHICLE HOME. ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS ISSUE WAS BEING INVESTIGATED BY NHTSA IN 2010 BUT CAN NOT FIND ANY INDICATION THAT AN ACTUAL RECALL IS IN PLACE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS THING TO HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY IN A STATE WITH A LOT OF WINDING ROADS (TENNESSEE). I… Look up ODI 10445000 at NHTSA ↗	0	9 ODI 10445000 · 81,000 mi THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAS FAILED ON THE CAR MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. LUCKILY IT FAILED WHILE ON A STRAIGHT PART OF AN INTERSTATE AS MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THIS SEVERELY FRIGHTENED HER. SHE DID NOT OVERREACT AND WE TOOK APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO GET THE VEHICLE HOME. ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS ISSUE WAS BEING INVESTIGATED BY NHTSA IN 2010 BUT CAN NOT FIND ANY INDICATION THAT AN ACTUAL RECALL IS IN PLACE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS THING TO HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY IN A STATE WITH A LOT OF WINDING ROADS (TENNESSEE). I… Look up ODI 10445000 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11638768 The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11638768 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11641959 The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11641959 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11074972 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BMW OF LOUISVILLE (4 AUTOCENTER DR, LOUISVILLE, KY) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTA… Look up ODI 11074972 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0
Wheels	3 ODI 10486198 · 74,580 mi VEHICLE WOULD RUN FINE IN THE MORNING BEFORE THE DAY HEATED UP. AT NOON, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD STICK AND MORE FORCE THAN USUAL HAD TO BE APPLIED WITH BOTH HANDS TO OPERATE THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, THERE ARE TIMES THE CAR WILL JERK LEFT OR RIGHT UPON BREAKING. IF THE ROAD IS SLIGHTLY UNEVEN, YOU HAVE TO BE PREPARED IN CASE THE CAR JERKS IN ANY DIRECTION. I HAVE TRIED UPGRADING THE VEHICLES SUSPENSION SYSTEM TO NO AVAIL. MAKES THE CAR FEEL UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I LOVE THE CAR, BUT I WOULD LIKE THESE ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS SERI… Look up ODI 10486198 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10630842 · 98,900 mi A TRACTOR TRAILER HIT MY CAR, A BMW Z4 CONVERTIBLE, CT LICENSE PLATE, IN THE REAR LEFT, AS I WAS MOVING SLOWLY WITH TRAFFIC JUST BEFORE THE OVERPASS, RIGHT BEFORE I HIT THE TAPPANZEE BRIDGE AS I WAS HEADING TO NJ ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 1ST, 2014, SOMETIME BETWEEN 11:50-1230PM. I BELIEVE IT WAS CLOSE OR ABOUT 12:20PM.MY HEAD SLAMMED VIOLENTLY AGAINST THE TOP OF THE WHEEL FROM THE IMPACT.I LOOKED BACK AFTER BEING HIT AND THE DRIVER AGREED TO PULL OVER WHEN THERE WAS ROOM FOR HIM AFTER GOING OVER THE BRIDGE TO EXCHANGE INSURANCE INFORMATION. I WROTE DO… Look up ODI 10630842 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10513346 MY REAR RIMS HAVE DEVELOPED CRACKS WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN QUICK LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE AND IN SOME CASES DESTROYING TIRE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES, HOWEVER THUS FAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN ISOLATED TO THE REAR (MODEL 296 19") RIMS. IN THE 16 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES INCLUDING ON 5/11/2012, 9/9/12, 4/12/13 AND 5/23/13. EACH TIME I HAVE PURCHASED A NEW RIM OR HAD THE EXISTING RIM REPAIRED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DEALER. IN NONE OF THESE CASES HAS THERE BEEN ANY IMPACT OR DRIVING… Look up ODI 10513346 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Steering:Electric Power Assist System	3 ODI 10486702 · 76,000 mi THE STEERING WHEEL GETS STUCK WHILE DRIVING AND CAR DOESN'T STAY IN LANE INFACT NEEDS CONSTANT SIGNIFICANT ADJUSTMENTS TO KEEP IT FROM ACCIDENTALLY GETTING INTO ANOTHER LANE. THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND WAS AN INCONVENIENCE SO I DIDN'T PAY A LOT OF ATTENTION BUT IT'S MORE LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE NOW WITH CONTROLLING THE CAR BECOMING MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT ON FREEWAYS. NHTSA HAS IDENTIFIED THIS ISSUE PE10020 AS NOT SIGNIFICANT AND I SINCERELY HOPE THEY INVESTIGATE IT FURTHER AND TAKE SOME SERIOUS ACTION BEFORE IT CAUSES IRREPARABLE L… Look up ODI 10486702 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10416476 · 35,000 mi 2005 BMW Z4 WITH STICKING STEERING PROBLEMS. VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. YOU HAVE TO MAKE CONSTANT CORRECTIONS TO THE STEERING WHEEL. HAVE NOTICED MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WISH TO SEE A RECALL FROM BMW BEFORE ANYONE GETS KILLED OR DISABLED. THANK YOU KB Look up ODI 10416476 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10588283 · 95,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTIONED AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. Look up ODI 10588283 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Service Brakes	4 ODI 10643828 · 66,300 mi CAR STEERING HARD TO CENTER , STEERING STICKS TO THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT , WHEN TEMPERATURE OUT SIDE IS ABOVE 80 DEGREES OR WHEN YOU DRIVE A LONG WAYS AND THE CAR BEGINS TO PRODUCE HEAT.VERY HARD TO DRIVE OR TAKE A LONG TRIP IN.VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR Look up ODI 10643828 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11300634 I HAD THIS CAR BUILT AND AM THE ONLY OWNER. INITIALLY, STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THE CAR NEEDED A NEW CONVERTIBLE TOP. AFTER THAT, FOR YEARS, I HAD A 'STICKING' WHEN I WOULD STEER THE CAR MAKING THE CAR VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR TURN. THIS DETERRED ME FROM DRIVING THE CAR AS MUCH AS I WANTED, AND CERTAINLY FROM TAKING IT ON ANY DISTANCE TRIPS....BASICALLY ENJOYING THE CAR. INITIALLY I THOUGHT THE CAR MAY NEED NEW TIRES OR AN ALIGNMENT, BUT IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN. FROM READING BMW CHATS AND FORUMS, I FOUND THIS WAS … Look up ODI 11300634 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11300644 · 40,395 mi I PREVIOUSLY FILED A REPORT ABOUT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, POOR STEERING, STICKING PRIOR TO HAVING IT FIXED ON THIS DATE. I HAD NOT FOUND THE PAPERWORK FOR IT UNTIL AFTER I SUBMITTED THE REPORT. THE TRACKING # 11300634. Look up ODI 11300644 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 11300644 · 40,395 mi I PREVIOUSLY FILED A REPORT ABOUT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, POOR STEERING, STICKING PRIOR TO HAVING IT FIXED ON THIS DATE. I HAD NOT FOUND THE PAPERWORK FOR IT UNTIL AFTER I SUBMITTED THE REPORT. THE TRACKING # 11300634. Look up ODI 11300644 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11645390 I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly. Look up ODI 11645390 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10716007 · 7,635 mi OCCASIONALLY, WHEN BRAKING AND PRESSING CLUTCH, RPMS JUMP AND ENGINE REVS UP. Look up ODI 10716007 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11363216 · 3,300 mi WAS IN A DRIVE THRU ON 9/6/2020 WAITING OUR TURN. APPROX. 7 CARS IN FRONT OF US. AS WE ARE SLOWLY MOVING UP TO ORDER, CAR IN IDLE, FOOT ON BRAKE. AS WE ARE MOVING FORWARD, WHEN WE WERE UP TO 3 CARS, STILL IDLING AND FOOT ON BRAKE, THE CAR HAD FULLY ACCELERATED, BRAKE NOT HOLDING THE CAR, INCHING FORWARD DUE TO THE FORCE OF THE ACCELERATION. TRIED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, WENT INTO REVERSE. TRIED AGAIN TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, WENT INTO DRIVE, STILL INCHING FORWARD, AT THIS TIME I PUSHED THE OFF BUTTON TO STOP THE CAR. RESULT OF COLLISION WIT… Look up ODI 11363216 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—

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.

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

179 mentions · 14.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 48,000 mi (161 usable records).

ODI 10358581 · 56,000 mi

Look up ODI 10358581 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10639592 · 90,000 mi

Look up ODI 10639592 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10946361 · 63,000 mi

Look up ODI 10946361 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

117 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 44,000 mi (107 usable records).

ODI 10520603 · 5,000 mi

Look up ODI 10520603 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10201049 · 51,247 mi

STEERING LOCKS, RESIST, JERKS, AND STIFFENS UP ON HOT DAYS. THIS DAY MY STEERING ALMOST COMPLETELY LOCKED WHILE CHANGING LANES ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ACROSS TWO EXTRA LANES BEFORE IT LET GO. *JB

Look up ODI 10201049 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10281008

2003 BMW Z4 HAS A GLITCH IN THE STEERING THAT OUR DEALERSHIP DOES NOT KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING. ON HOT DAYS ESPECIALLY THE STEERING BECOMES SO JERKY IT IS HARD TO DRIVE THE CAR. YOU CAN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THERE WILL BE A PAUSE BEFORE THE STEERING CATCHES AND TURNS THE CAR. WE TOOK THE CAR INTO THE BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD TWO OTHER CARS, SAME MODEL AND YEAR WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. IF YOU GOOGLE IT, YOU RECEIVE MANY PAGES OF PEOPLE HAVING THE PROBLEM SO BMW IS DEFINITELY AWARE OF IT BUT TO THIS POINT HAS DONE NOTHING. THESE CARS H…

Look up ODI 10281008 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

59 mentions · 4.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 55,000 mi (48 usable records).

ODI 10291919 · 100,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. AFTER HE REPLACED THE BATTERY, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT SINCE HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL #08V384000 ( AIR BAGS: FRONTAL), HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $1,500.00 FOR THE REPAIR. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

Look up ODI 10291919 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10353056 · 18,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. UPDATED 12/22/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR HIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. HOWEVER, HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 12/30/10*JB UPDATED 07/12/12. *JB

Look up ODI 10353056 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10356986 · 28,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. WHILE TRAVELING 10 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WILL SUDDENLY LOCK AND THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WOULD APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD . THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT NOTICED PRIOR THAT THE FAILURE TENDS TO OCCUR DURING WARM WEATHER. THE FAILURE MILEAGES WAS 28000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30000.

Look up ODI 10356986 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Stalling or loss of power

42 mentions · 3.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 40,000 mi (39 usable records).

ODI 10639592 · 90,000 mi

Look up ODI 10639592 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10014953

THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING, THE MECHANIC STATED THE STEERING GEAR BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 10014953 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10061950 · 18,000 mi

MY CAR STALLED ON THE ROAD GOING FIFTY MILES AN HOUR ON UNIVERSITY CITY BLVD. IN CHARLOTTE NORTH CAROLINA. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE BUT LUCKILY THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO AVOID ME. I HAVE NEVER BEEN THAT SCARED IN MY LIFE. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THE CAR HAD BROKEN DOWN IN NINE MONTHS. THE FIRST TIME BEING MAY 27, 2003. THE SECOND BEING OCTOBER 25, 2003. AND THE THIRD TIME BEING JANUARY 16, 2004 (THIS IS THE TIME IT STALLED GOING 50 MILES ON THE ROAD). THE DEALERSHIP, BMW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, AND THE MANAGERS AT HENDRICK IM…

Look up ODI 10061950 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Brake response concerns

9 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 36,000 mi (9 usable records).

ODI 10031217 · 5,095 mi

I WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND I HAD TO STOP. I BEGAN EASING UP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS THE CAR WAS COMING TO A STOP. IT WAS THEN THAT I REALIZED I WAS HAVING TO PRESS HARDER ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS THE CAR WAS NOT MAINTAINING THE SLOW SPEED I WAS EXPECTING. HAVING REACHED THE POINT AT WHICH I HAD TO STOP, I FOUND MYSELF PRESSING QUITE HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND NOTICED THE TACHOMETER READING 3,500 TO 4,000 RPM'S. I BELIEVE IT WAS MY TAPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL THAT GOT THE CAR TO REV AT THE NORMAL R…

Look up ODI 10031217 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10252705 · 41,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 60MPH HIS VEHICLE SHUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NOT A FACTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING AT THE TIME THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. HE WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BUT THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES FAILED. IT BECAME WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. HE WAS ABLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE NORMALLY AFTER 20 MINUTES. THE FOLLOWING DAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED THERE WAS A BUBBLING NOISE IN THE ENGINE AREA THAT LASTED …

Look up ODI 10252705 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10312902 · 1,500 mi

CAR IS A NEW (11 /21/09) BMW Z4 WITH LESS THAN 2,000 MILES. WHEN DRIVING IN SUBURBAN TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 45MPH, DRIVER SIGNALED FOR A RIGHT HAND TURN AT AN INTERSECTION WITHOUT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THERE WAS VIRTUALLY NO STOPPING POWER. UNABLE TO SLOW FOR THE RIGHT TURN, DRIVER PROCEEDED TO THE NEXT TURN WHILE APPLYING ALL OF THE PHYSICAL PRESSURE SHE COULD MUSTER, WHICH FINALLY SLOWED THE CAR TOP THE POINT IT COULD BE TURNED AND STOPPED. IF THIS BRAKE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED WHEN THERE WAS STOPPED TRAFFIC, AN ACCIDENT W…

Look up ODI 10312902 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule