Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1997 Bmw Z3: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

47 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

88,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: . 11 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Seats is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 47 complaints (23.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior714.9%
Electrical and battery issues36.4%
Transmission and shifting24.3%
Steering behavior24.3%

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

Component breakdown

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

Seats
11
Air Bags
10
Seat Belts
4
Unknown Or Other
4
Air Bags:Frontal
3
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Seats11
Air Bags10
Seat Belts4
Unknown Or Other4
Air Bags:Frontal3
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine2
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly2

Seats: 11; Air Bags: 10; Seat Belts: 4; Unknown Or Other: 4; Air Bags:Frontal: 3; Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 2; Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9993
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9993
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 2

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 36 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

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

1996
1
1997
5
1998
2
1999
6
2000
6
2001
2
2002
7
2003
4
2004
5
2007
1
2008
2
2010
2
2011
1
2014
1
2017
1
2023
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19961
19975
19982
19996
20006
20012
20027
20034
20045
20071
20082
20102
20111
20141
20171
20231

1996: 1; 1997: 5; 1998: 2; 1999: 6; 2000: 6; 2001: 2; 2002: 7; 2003: 4; 2004: 5; 2007: 1; 2008: 2; 2010: 2; 2011: 1; 2014: 1; 2017: 1; 2023: 1

Pattern summary

Seats leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

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

Examples from the source records

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

Owner report 10001349 · 2002-12-20 (December 20, 2002)

WHILE DRIVING THE ACCELERATOR STUCK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A TREE. THE CONSUME BELIEVES THIS ACCIDENT IS RELATED TO NHTSA RECALL #8324 97V-131000 OF THE CRUISE CONTROL THROTTLE CABLES CABLE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *TS *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001349 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10010799 · 2003-03-20 (March 20, 2003)

FIRST FAILURE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS ARE COMING LOOSE FROM THE TRACK THAT THE SEATS MOVE BACK AND FORTH ON. THE SEATS CAN MOVE BACK AND FORTH A FEW INCHES, WITHOUT DEPRESSING ON THE LEVEL TO MOVE THE SEATS BACK AND FORTH. THE AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE TRACK AND IT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER CONTENDS THIS IS A REPAIR ITEM AND DOES NOT BELIEVE IT TO BE DEFECT IN THE SEATS OR A SAFETY PROBLEM SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR. THE FACT THAT BOTH SEATS NOW DO THIS AND IT IS NOT SOMETHING…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10010799 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10020196 · 2003-09-12 (September 12, 2003)

THE BRACKET WHICH HELD THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE FLOOR BECAME LOOSE. THIS CAUSED THE SEAT TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH WHEN A STOP WAS MADE. THE DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS NORMAL AND THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THE SEAT. *JB *CB *JB THE DEALER WITNESSED ALOT OF THIS PROBLEM. *SCC

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10020196 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10023166 · 2003-06-16 (June 16, 2003)

THE SEAT TRACKS OF BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ALLOWED THE SEATS TO MOVE AT LEAST 10MM FORWARD AND REARWARD UNDER BRAKING AND ACCELERATION. THIS MOVEMENT CAUSES A PARTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 32K MILES ON IT. THIS APPEARS TO BE A PREMATURE FAILURE AND A DEFECT OF BOTH TRACKS. THIS FAILURE MODE IS DOCUMENTED BOTH ON THIS SITE AND ON MANY BMW FORUMS. THE ENTIRE TRACK ASSEMBLY OF BOTH SEATS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10023166 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10023167 · 2003-06-16 (June 16, 2003)

THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS UP MORE OFTEN THAN NORMAL AND AT UN-NEEDED TIMES. THIS CAUSES PAIN TO THE USER WITH THE END RESULT BEING THAT THE USER TENDS TO REMOVE THE SEAT BELT, OR IS FORCED TO SIT THERE IN PAIN WITH THE SEAT BELT ON AND LOCKED UP. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10023167 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10056081 · 2004-01-29 (January 29, 2004)

WHILE APPLYING BRAKES STEERING JERKS SIDE TO SIDE. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE CROSSES OVER TO DIFFERENT LANES WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATES THAT IS A NORMAL PROCEDURE OF THE VEHICLE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 72,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10056081 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10061983 · 2004-03-12 (March 12, 2004)

REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S AIRBAG. THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. I HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND I PAID BMW TO FIX IT. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS SOMETHING WITH THE SEATBELT. THE LIGHT HAS COME ON AGAIN.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10061983 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10062042 · 2004-03-12 (March 12, 2004)

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, UNKNOWN REASON.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 34,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10062042 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

97V131000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Reported: 1997-08-19 (August 19, 1997)

THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

23.4%Usable mileage11 / 47 records
80.9%Valid incident date38 / 47 records
100.0%Valid filing date47 / 47 records
80.9%Ordered incident and filing dates38 / 47 records

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

Problems by model year

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

Component complaint heatmap
Component19961997199819992000200120022003
Air Bags
620.0%
ODI 10060648 · 652,122 mi

SRS LIGHT CAME ON AFTER ADJUSTING THE SEAT. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM NUMEROUS Z3 OWNERS, THIS A COMMON PROBLEM. BMW HAS ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. AS SRS FAILURE COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH, BMW SHOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM BY PROPERLY REDESIGNING THE DEFECTIVE PART(S). *JB

Look up ODI 10060648 at NHTSA ↗

1021.3%
ODI 10061983

REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S AIRBAG. THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. I HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND I PAID BMW TO FIX IT. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS SOMETHING WITH THE SEATBELT. THE LIGHT HAS COME ON AGAIN.

Look up ODI 10061983 at NHTSA ↗

26.7%
ODI 10042414

WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD COME ON. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER.*AK

Look up ODI 10042414 at NHTSA ↗

615.4%
ODI 10072655

1999 BMW Z3 SRS WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON CONTINUOUSLY.*AK

Look up ODI 10072655 at NHTSA ↗

926.5%
ODI 10112682

BMW Z3 SEAT BELT TENSIONER FAULT. BY READING ONLINE MESSAGE BOARDS, THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAULT. SEAT BELT IS FINE, BUT FAULT CAUSES THE AIRBAG TO NOT DEPLOY. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL?*AK

Look up ODI 10112682 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 11326781 · 29,300 mi

PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN ENGINE IS ON. *TR

Look up ODI 11326781 at NHTSA ↗

233.3%
ODI 10244619 · 20,000 mi

PASSENGER AIR BAG FAILURE. PRESSURE SWITCH IN PASSENGER SEAT FAILED. HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *TR

Look up ODI 10244619 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats
310.0%
ODI 10244151 · 30,000 mi

THE DRIVER SEAT MOVES FORWARD WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED HARD. MY MECHANIC SAYS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE Z3'S. *TR

Look up ODI 10244151 at NHTSA ↗

1123.4%
ODI 10010799

FIRST FAILURE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS ARE COMING LOOSE FROM THE TRACK THAT THE SEATS MOVE BACK AND FORTH ON. THE SEATS CAN MOVE BACK AND FORTH A FEW INCHES, WITHOUT DEPRESSING ON THE LEVEL TO MOVE THE SEATS BACK AND FORTH. THE AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE TRACK AND IT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER CONTENDS THIS IS A REPAIR ITEM AND DOES NOT BELIEVE IT TO BE DEFECT IN THE SEATS OR A SAFETY PROBLEM SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR. THE FACT THAT BOTH SEATS NOW DO THIS AND IT IS NOT SOMETHING…

Look up ODI 10010799 at NHTSA ↗

620.0%
ODI 10110189 · 17,000 mi

DRIVER'S SEAT MOVES BACK AND FORTH WHICH CAN BE A SAFETY HAZARD, I HAVE SEEN OTHER BMW Z3 WHILE AT A DEALER FOR SERVICE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. YET BMW HAS NOT RECOGNIZED THIS AS A FACTORY DEFECT. *JB

Look up ODI 10110189 at NHTSA ↗

25.1%
ODI 10083462 · 34,000 mi

THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT ROCKED BACK AND FORTH. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST HIM. NOW THE DRIVERS SEAT HAS THE SAME DEFECT, HE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER CAME OUT WITH A RETRO KIT AND THERE WOULD BE A CHARGE FOR THAT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS DENIED HIS CLAIM FOR ANY ASSISTANCE. *JB (SEAT RAIL PROBLEM) *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10083462 at NHTSA ↗

12.9%
ODI 763483

THE CONSUMER STATES PER INVOICE THE ENGINE(NON SPECIFIC), ABS(NON SPECIFIC), AND SERVICE LIGHTS(POPPED ON). ALSO THE DASHBOARD IS LOUD AND RATTLES WHEN TEMPETURES ARE BELOW 70 DEGREES FROM BOTH SIDES NEAR THE OUTSIDE VENTS. THERE IS AN UNSPECIFIED STRING ON TOP COMING UNDONE ON BOTH SIDE-REPAIRED, THE PASSENGER'S SEAT COVER IS TORN FROM THE SEAT BELT/PROBLEMS WITH THE LEATHER, AND THE DRIVER SEAT ROCKS BACK/FORTH. *SCC

Look up ODI 763483 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10567172

2001 BMW Z3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL VEHICLE PROBLEMS AND UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM DEALERSHIP. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON EBAY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ARRIVED AND THEN EVALUATED, HE WAS INFORMED THE TIRES WERE OVER 10 YEARS OLD, SEVERAL LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE, BOTH FOG LIGHT AND LEFT PARKING AND TURNING LIGHTS DID NOT WORK. THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD, THE SEAT BELT GUIDE ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS BROKEN, THE SEATS SLID FORWARD WHEN STOPPING WHICH CAUSED HIM, TO UNEXPECTEDLY STEP ON TH…

Look up ODI 10567172 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts
13.3%
ODI 10524931 · 75,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BMW Z3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT COULD NOT BE UNLATCHED WHEN THE DRIVER WOULD DEPRESS OR ADD ANY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Look up ODI 10524931 at NHTSA ↗

48.5%
ODI 10369086 · 131,000 mi

MY 1997 BMW Z3 HAD THE AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON 2 YEARS AGO. THE TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY THE SEATBELT TENSIONER. HE REPLACED IT AND ALL WAS FINE. IT'S BACK ON AGAIN. IF THIS IS AS COMMON TO THESE MODELS AS I'VE HEARD WHY HASN'T BMW HAD A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS GETTING EXPENSIVE. *TR

Look up ODI 10369086 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 10024010 · 53,500 mi

THE DRIVER WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED IN THE FRONT AT 45 MPH. NEITHER OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE SEAT BELT ALSO FAILED TO PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE DRIVER. *AK *CB *NLM

Look up ODI 10024010 at NHTSA ↗

25.1%
ODI 10040838

SEATBELTS LOCK TIGHT, PINNING ME DOWN OR DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. BOLT ON DRIVER'S SEAT WAS REPLACED BUT THE SEAT STILL MOVES. CONVERTIBLE TOP IS MISALIGNED CAUSING LEAKS, GAPS COULD BE SEEN 1 WEEK AFTER PURCHASE AND THEY ARE GROWING. DEALER ARGUES NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. CAR HESITATES BUT HASN'T STALLED YET.

Look up ODI 10040838 at NHTSA ↗

25.9%
ODI 11018864 · 72,000 mi

AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE SHOWS WARNING SIGN ALL TIMES

Look up ODI 11018864 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10567172

2001 BMW Z3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL VEHICLE PROBLEMS AND UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM DEALERSHIP. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON EBAY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ARRIVED AND THEN EVALUATED, HE WAS INFORMED THE TIRES WERE OVER 10 YEARS OLD, SEVERAL LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE, BOTH FOG LIGHT AND LEFT PARKING AND TURNING LIGHTS DID NOT WORK. THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD, THE SEAT BELT GUIDE ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS BROKEN, THE SEATS SLID FORWARD WHEN STOPPING WHICH CAUSED HIM, TO UNEXPECTEDLY STEP ON TH…

Look up ODI 10567172 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 10894361 · 46,000 mi

SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM - SEAT-BELT GUIDE HAS BROKEN AS IT IS WARPED PLASTIC AND STOPPING SHORT CAN BREAK IT. IN AN ACCIDENT SEAT BELT COULD SLIP UP, OR IMPACT NECK AS IT IS NOT HELD INTO PLACE NEAR THE SEAT. DEALER WANTS $400 TO FIX WHAT SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT

Look up ODI 10894361 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.1%
ODI 10946920 · 199,000 mi

VEHICLE JERKS, SHUTTERS AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. REAR SUB FRAME AND DIFFERENTIAL BUSHING FAILURE.

Look up ODI 10946920 at NHTSA ↗

310.0%
ODI 10415652

I PURCHASED A USED 1998 BMW Z3 WITH THE 1.9 LITER ENGINE ON 10/14/2010 WITH 90564 MILES. IN MID NOVEMBER I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHICH WAS SERVICED. THE MECHANIC INFORMS ME THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH Z3'S ALONG WITH OTHER MODEL BMW'S WITH THE WAY THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS ATTACHED. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE FLEXING IN THE SHEET METAL WHERE THE DIFFERENTIAL IS ATTACHED CAUSING FAILURE OF THE SPOT WELDS HOLDING THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY TOGETHER. HE SHOWED ME IN MY TRUNK WHERE TWO OF THE SIX SPOT WELDS HAD BROKEN. I HAVE RESEARC…

Look up ODI 10415652 at NHTSA ↗

25.1%
ODI 10676809 · 101,000 mi

THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING IS SEPARATING FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE CAR, UNDER OR NEAR THE TRUNK AREA. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH THE Z3 SERIES OF VEHICLES. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE IF THE READ DIFFERENTIAL SEPARATES FROM THE SUBFRAME, AND COULD CAUSE A HAZARD TO OTHER MOTORIST. THIS APPEARS TO BE DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. THE FRAME WAS DESIGNED FOR A 1.9L ENGINE, AND BMW DID NOT REDESIGN THE SUBFRAME TO ALLOW FOR THE LARGER ENGINES IT LATER SOLD IN THE Z3 SERIES OF CARS. BMW ALSO HAD THIS SAME…

Look up ODI 10676809 at NHTSA ↗

411.8%
ODI 10433570 · 70,000 mi

I HEARD A CREAKING FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR, I PUT IT ON JACKS TO CHECK IT OUT. TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FLOOR PAN MAINLY AROUND THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT. THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE., BUT YET BMW WILL NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MATTER. I SEE IT AS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IF I DID NOT CHECK IT AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CRACKS AND TEARS IN THE BODY METAL THAT EXIST COULD HAVE CONTINUED EVEN FURTHER AND LED TO AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. I WAS ESTIMATED AT A WHOPPING 5200 DOLLARS WHICH BMW SAID THEY WOULD ONLY PAY 3000 OF. I BELIEVE …

Look up ODI 10433570 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 11748391

Component or System Failed: The critical safety component that failed, and was deliberately tampered with, is the ABS/DSC (Anti-lock Braking System / Dynamic Stability Control) module. The compromised component is currently on the vehicle and is readily available for physical inspection upon request. How Safety Was Put at Risk: My safety and the safety of the public were severely compromised because the selling dealership actively concealed a total failure of the primary braking and traction control systems. The ABS/DSC module was physically seve…

Look up ODI 11748391 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 10714743 · 29,000 mi

AS I HAVE LEARNED AS I RESEARCH WHAT I THOUGH WAS AN ISOLATED DANGEROUS STEERING ISSUE IS THAT THERE ARE MANY MANY BMW Z4 DANGEROUSLY DRIVING ON OUR PUBLIC ROADS. MY CAR STEERS IN MANY DIRECTIONS JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, ESPECIALLY IN HOTTER WEATHER WHERE AS THE TEMPERATURE STARTS TO GET HOTTER IT SEEMS THAT MY NEWLY PURCHASED USED BMW Z4 LOSSES ALL POWER STEERING, ITS LIKE DRIVING A CAR THAT IS TURNED OFF FROM THE STEERING PERSPECTIVE. I LIVE IN THE DALLAS METROPLEX SO AS IT BEEN GETTING HOTTER I HAVE FOUND OUT FIRST HAND THAT THIS CAR IS …

Look up ODI 10714743 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal
26.7%
ODI 801463

CONSUMER REARENDED SOMONE AND BOTH AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

Look up ODI 801463 at NHTSA ↗

36.4%
ODI 550196

NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING ACCIDENT WHICH RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL FRONTAL DAMAGE. CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO ARM, WRIST AND LOWER BACK. NLM

Look up ODI 550196 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 10024010 · 53,500 mi

THE DRIVER WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED IN THE FRONT AT 45 MPH. NEITHER OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE SEAT BELT ALSO FAILED TO PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE DRIVER. *AK *CB *NLM

Look up ODI 10024010 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

514.7%
ODI 10048281 · 48,000 mi

AFTER RUNNING OVER A METAL PANEL IN THE ROAD THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG AT NO CHARGE. *NM

Look up ODI 10048281 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.

Power Train
13.3%
ODI 10014703 · 24,000 mi

THE SHIFTER POPPED OUT OF FIRST GEAR AND DROPPED INTO NEUTRAL, AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER. *JB

Look up ODI 10014703 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

310.0%
ODI 10415652

I PURCHASED A USED 1998 BMW Z3 WITH THE 1.9 LITER ENGINE ON 10/14/2010 WITH 90564 MILES. IN MID NOVEMBER I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHICH WAS SERVICED. THE MECHANIC INFORMS ME THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH Z3'S ALONG WITH OTHER MODEL BMW'S WITH THE WAY THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS ATTACHED. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE FLEXING IN THE SHEET METAL WHERE THE DIFFERENTIAL IS ATTACHED CAUSING FAILURE OF THE SPOT WELDS HOLDING THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY TOGETHER. HE SHOWED ME IN MY TRUNK WHERE TWO OF THE SIX SPOT WELDS HAD BROKEN. I HAVE RESEARC…

Look up ODI 10415652 at NHTSA ↗

410.3%
ODI 10378668 · 105,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW Z3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCREASINGLY HARD TO CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY FOR AN ALIGNMENT. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAD FAILED AND WAS CAUSING THE WHEELS TO FRACTURE FROM THE SUB FRAME. THE MECHANIC ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT OF THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V272000 (POWER TRAIN: DRIVELINE: DIFFERENTIAL UNIT). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEA…

Look up ODI 10378668 at NHTSA ↗

12.9%
ODI 719441

SPEEDOMETER SHOWS 6% OVER ACTUAL SPEED. THIS IS A SAFTY ISSUE DUE TO 1) NO ACCURATE SPEED KNOWN, 2) DRIVER'S ATTENTION IS DISTRACTED FROM DRIVING WHILE TRYING TO CALCULATE TRUE SPEED 3) DRIVER FINDS HIMSELF SPEEDING IN OTHER VEHICLES DUE TO HABITS OF COMPESATING FOR SPEEDOMETER ERROR IN Z3. BMW REFUSES TO REPAIR. *AK

Look up ODI 719441 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 8001219

SPEEDOMETOR IS INCORRECT BY 9.4 MILES. VEHICLE IS GOING SLOWER THAN SPEEDOMETOR IS READING. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT ALLOW DEALERS TO FIX PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Look up ODI 8001219 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
310.0%
ODI 10025497 · 74,000 mi

PASSENGER SEAT BELT LOCKS UP WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION AND WILL NOT RELEASE. *AK

Look up ODI 10025497 at NHTSA ↗

24.3%
ODI 10023167

THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS UP MORE OFTEN THAN NORMAL AND AT UN-NEEDED TIMES. THIS CAUSES PAIN TO THE USER WITH THE END RESULT BEING THAT THE USER TENDS TO REMOVE THE SEAT BELT, OR IS FORCED TO SIT THERE IN PAIN WITH THE SEAT BELT ON AND LOCKED UP. *NLM

Look up ODI 10023167 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

37.7%
ODI 861033

ONGOING PROBLEM WITH PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILING TO RELEASE WHEN NEEDED. UNABLE TO USE SAFETY BELT. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND MADE REPAIRS ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS. BUT PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. *AK

Look up ODI 861033 at NHTSA ↗

38.8%
ODI 10128810 · 27,000 mi

I HAVE HAD VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH MY BMW Z3 2000''INTERNAL WATER PUMP FAILURE WHILE ON THE FREEWAY, RATTLING NOISES IN THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM, ETC. ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE CONTINUALLY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM YEAR OVER YEAR SINCE I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE--THE SRS LIGHT ON THE DASH COMING ON DUE TO THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER BEING FAULTY. ON SERVICE DATES 8/22/03, 12/05/03, 12/18/03, 1/10/04, 3/20/04, 9/10/04, 1/24/05, I HAVE HAD THE SRS PROBLEM FIXED''AND THE PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE LAST TIME I CAME IN (1/24/05), I TALKED WITH THE…

Look up ODI 10128810 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.

Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

48.5%
ODI 10010799

FIRST FAILURE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS ARE COMING LOOSE FROM THE TRACK THAT THE SEATS MOVE BACK AND FORTH ON. THE SEATS CAN MOVE BACK AND FORTH A FEW INCHES, WITHOUT DEPRESSING ON THE LEVEL TO MOVE THE SEATS BACK AND FORTH. THE AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE TRACK AND IT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER CONTENDS THIS IS A REPAIR ITEM AND DOES NOT BELIEVE IT TO BE DEFECT IN THE SEATS OR A SAFETY PROBLEM SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR. THE FACT THAT BOTH SEATS NOW DO THIS AND IT IS NOT SOMETHING…

Look up ODI 10010799 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 714824

BMW Z3 IS A PIECE OF CRAP. DEALER NOW THINKS THAT THERE IS UNDERLYING PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE. 3 CD PLAYERS, 2 IGNITION SYSTEMS, 1 FUEL SENSOR, 1 ENGINE THAT WOULDN'T START DUE TO SOMETHING STUCK OPEN AND JUST GENERAL POOR QUALITY. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE FOR ANYONE.

Look up ODI 714824 at NHTSA ↗

25.1%
ODI 10040838

SEATBELTS LOCK TIGHT, PINNING ME DOWN OR DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. BOLT ON DRIVER'S SEAT WAS REPLACED BUT THE SEAT STILL MOVES. CONVERTIBLE TOP IS MISALIGNED CAUSING LEAKS, GAPS COULD BE SEEN 1 WEEK AFTER PURCHASE AND THEY ARE GROWING. DEALER ARGUES NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. CAR HESITATES BUT HASN'T STALLED YET.

Look up ODI 10040838 at NHTSA ↗

411.8%
ODI 11109874

IN SHOP..... STATIONARY UP ON LIFT ...' DIFFERENTIAL BRACKET..... UNDERNEATH CAR..... THE WELD RIVETS SEPARATE...THE RIVETS GO ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE TRUNK UNDERNEATH.. .. HAS TOO BE TAKEN APART AND REINFORCED SOLID WELD NEEDED..... THERE ARE UTUBE VIDEOS ONLINE SHOWING THIS ISSUE.... I PUT MY CAR IN SHOP TOO GET IT CHECKED.... THANKS

Look up ODI 11109874 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.

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

Failure mileage by component

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

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
SeatsToo few reports for a range109,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10222149 · 88,000 mi

SEAT RAILS DO NOT LOCK PROPERLY THEREBY ALLOWING SEAT(S) TO SLIDE FORWARD DURING BRAKING. CAN POTENTIALLY LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10222149 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10562829 · 130,000 mi

THE SEAT TRACKS OF BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ALLOWED THE SEATS TO MOVE AT LEAST 10MM FORWARD AND REARWARD UNDER BRAKING AND ACCELERATION. THIS MOVEMENT CAUSES A PARTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10562829 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range62,962 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10087000 · 32,000 mi

MY 1997 BMW Z3 HAS THE SRS LIGHT CONSTANTLY ON, I GET IT FIXED AND IT GOES ON AGAIN. I'VE DONE THIS LIKE 3 TIMES, NOW MY MECHANIC IS SAYING IT'S LIKE 800 TO FIX. REDICULOUS! IT'A DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE, I'M NOT SUE THE SYSTEM WILL WORK NOW.*AK

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ODI 10238068 · 69,500 mi

PASSENGER GOT INTO FRONT SEAT AND ADJUSTED IT DOWN AND BACK WITH THE POWER SEAT CONTROLS. AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND HAS BEEN ON EVER SINCE. I CHECKED FOR BROKEN OR DAMAGED WIRING BUT FOUND NOTHING OBVIOUS. BMW IS RECALLING MANY OF THEIR NEW CARS, BUT IT SEEMS THEIR OLD ONES EXHIBIT THE SAME FAILURES. *TR

Look up ODI 10238068 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10404652 · 56,423 mi

UPON STARTING THE CAR THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TWO TIME IT COST APPROXIMATELY $350 TO REPAIR. FOR THIS TO HAPPEN A THIRD TIME IS INDICATIVE OF A DESIGN FAULT.

Look up ODI 10404652 at NHTSA ↗

Seat BeltsToo few reports for a range131,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10369086 · 131,000 mi

MY 1997 BMW Z3 HAD THE AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON 2 YEARS AGO. THE TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY THE SEATBELT TENSIONER. HE REPLACED IT AND ALL WAS FINE. IT'S BACK ON AGAIN. IF THIS IS AS COMMON TO THESE MODELS AS I'VE HEARD WHY HASN'T BMW HAD A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS GETTING EXPENSIVE. *TR

Look up ODI 10369086 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range110,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10371628 · 110,000 mi

I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED NORMALLY. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL (5 SPEED TRANS.) TO ALLOW IT TO WARM-UP FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES WHILE I CHECKED MY VOICE MAIL ON MY PHONE. AS I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND LOOKED OUT THE WINDSHIELD TO PULL OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE, I SAW DENSE WHITE SMOKE ROLLING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I LOOKED AT THE DASH FOR ANY WARNING OR INDICATOR LIGHTS; THERE WERE NONE. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE CAR OFF, POPPED THE HOOD, AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. I WANTED TO WAIT UNTIL THE SMOKE WAS NO LONGER…

Look up ODI 10371628 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-102026-09

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

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

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

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

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

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

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

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2002: 0 complaints · 2003: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2002000
2003000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2002600
2003200

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
ComponentSeatsAir BagsSeat BeltsUnknown Or OtherAir Bags:FrontalSeat Belts:Front:AnchorageEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineSeat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
Seats—
1
ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 10010799

FIRST FAILURE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS ARE COMING LOOSE FROM THE TRACK THAT THE SEATS MOVE BACK AND FORTH ON. THE SEATS CAN MOVE BACK AND FORTH A FEW INCHES, WITHOUT DEPRESSING ON THE LEVEL TO MOVE THE SEATS BACK AND FORTH. THE AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE TRACK AND IT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER CONTENDS THIS IS A REPAIR ITEM AND DOES NOT BELIEVE IT TO BE DEFECT IN THE SEATS OR A SAFETY PROBLEM SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR. THE FACT THAT BOTH SEATS NOW DO THIS AND IT IS NOT SOMETHING…

Look up ODI 10010799 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

00
Air Bags
1
ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

—
2
ODI 748070

AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. THIS HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME IN NOVEMBER 1999. DEALERSHIP ANALYZED THE FAULT ON THEIR COMPUTER AND SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT RECEPTICLE. THIS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. IN JUNE OF 2001, AIRBAG LITE CAME ON AGAIN. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A SHORT IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT RECEPTACLE. REPLACEMENT COST IS $266.00. I SAID THEY REPLACED THE SAME PART A YEAR AND A HALF AGO. THE SAID THE WARRANTY ON PARTS IS ONE YEAR. I CALLED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND REQUESTED H…

Look up ODI 748070 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

0
2
ODI 748982

AIRBAG LIGHT IN DASBOARD REMAINS ILLUMINATED. SEATBELTS APPEAR TO WORK, BUT I HAVE HAD THE CAR INSPECTED BY 2 DIFFERENT SERVICE SHOPS (DAVE WALTER BMW AND AUTOBAHN - BOTH IN AKRON, OH) AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE CAUSE IS A FAULTY SEATBELT LOCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT.

Look up ODI 748982 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

00
Seat Belts
1
ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 748070

AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. THIS HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME IN NOVEMBER 1999. DEALERSHIP ANALYZED THE FAULT ON THEIR COMPUTER AND SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT RECEPTICLE. THIS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. IN JUNE OF 2001, AIRBAG LITE CAME ON AGAIN. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A SHORT IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT RECEPTACLE. REPLACEMENT COST IS $266.00. I SAID THEY REPLACED THE SAME PART A YEAR AND A HALF AGO. THE SAID THE WARRANTY ON PARTS IS ONE YEAR. I CALLED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND REQUESTED H…

Look up ODI 748070 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

—
1
ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

00
Unknown Or Other
2
ODI 10010799

FIRST FAILURE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS ARE COMING LOOSE FROM THE TRACK THAT THE SEATS MOVE BACK AND FORTH ON. THE SEATS CAN MOVE BACK AND FORTH A FEW INCHES, WITHOUT DEPRESSING ON THE LEVEL TO MOVE THE SEATS BACK AND FORTH. THE AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE TRACK AND IT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER CONTENDS THIS IS A REPAIR ITEM AND DOES NOT BELIEVE IT TO BE DEFECT IN THE SEATS OR A SAFETY PROBLEM SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR. THE FACT THAT BOTH SEATS NOW DO THIS AND IT IS NOT SOMETHING…

Look up ODI 10010799 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

00
Air Bags:Frontal0000—000
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
1
ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 748982

AIRBAG LIGHT IN DASBOARD REMAINS ILLUMINATED. SEATBELTS APPEAR TO WORK, BUT I HAVE HAD THE CAR INSPECTED BY 2 DIFFERENT SERVICE SHOPS (DAVE WALTER BMW AND AUTOBAHN - BOTH IN AKRON, OH) AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE CAUSE IS A FAULTY SEATBELT LOCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT.

Look up ODI 748982 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 8003673

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR, THE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN STOPPING. *YD

Look up ODI 8003673 at NHTSA ↗

0—00
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine000000—0
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly0000000—

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.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 135,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10056081 · 72,000 mi

WHILE APPLYING BRAKES STEERING JERKS SIDE TO SIDE. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE CROSSES OVER TO DIFFERENT LANES WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATES THAT IS A NORMAL PROCEDURE OF THE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 10056081 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10946920 · 199,000 mi

VEHICLE JERKS, SHUTTERS AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. REAR SUB FRAME AND DIFFERENTIAL BUSHING FAILURE.

Look up ODI 10946920 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 780655

AFTER VEHICLE WAS VACUUMED IT WOULD NOT START; THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE AND THE DRIVER TURNED THE KEY AGAIN TO START IT, AND A PUFF OF SMOKE CAME FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DRIVER QUICKLY TRIED TO TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION,THEN THE LIGHTS DIMMED. THE KEY BECAME IMMOVABLE IN THE START POSITION, AND SMOKE BEGAN TO POUR FROM ALL THE VENTS. STUNNED, THE DRIVER OPENED THE DOOR TO RUN FROM THE VEHICLE, BUT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND KNOCKED THE DRIVER UNCONSCIOUS. THE DRIVER WAS PULLED FROM THE VEHICLE AND REVIVED IN TIME TO GET THE…

Look up ODI 780655 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b