Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2006 Bmw Z4: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

91 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

54,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2006 model year. Data updated: . 77 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 55 of 91 complaints (60.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior5661.5%
Electrical and battery issues88.8%
Engine operation33.3%
Transmission and shifting11.1%
Braking behavior11.1%
Fuel system concerns11.1%

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.

Steering
55
Air Bags
13
Electrical System
13
Engine
5
Exterior Lighting
4
Engine And Engine Cooling
3
Seats
3
Unknown Or Other
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Steering55
Air Bags13
Electrical System13
Engine5
Exterior Lighting4
Engine And Engine Cooling3
Seats3
Unknown Or Other2

Steering: 55; Air Bags: 13; Electrical System: 13; Engine: 5; Exterior Lighting: 4; Engine And Engine Cooling: 3; Seats: 3; Unknown Or Other: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
9
25,000 to 49,999
22
50,000 to 74,999
36
75,000 to 99,999
5
100,000 to 149,999
5
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0009
25,000 to 49,99922
50,000 to 74,99936
75,000 to 99,9995
100,000 to 149,9995
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 9; 25,000 to 49,999: 22; 50,000 to 74,999: 36; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (36). 14 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.

2008
1
2009
1
2010
10
2011
6
2012
6
2013
10
2014
16
2015
7
2016
9
2017
3
2018
3
2019
4
2020
4
2021
3
2022
4
2023
3
2024
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20081
20091
201010
20116
20126
201310
201416
20157
20169
20173
20183
20194
20204
20213
20224
20233
20241

2008: 1; 2009: 1; 2010: 10; 2011: 6; 2012: 6; 2013: 10; 2014: 16; 2015: 7; 2016: 9; 2017: 3; 2018: 3; 2019: 4; 2020: 4; 2021: 3; 2022: 4; 2023: 3; 2024: 1

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 56 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 8 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 3 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 10222589 · 2008-03-28 (March 28, 2008)

HI, MY DESCRIPTION IS TOO LONG , I WILL EMAIL IT SEPARATELY TO NHTSA. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD RUN FLAT TIRES AND THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, ONE OF THE TIRES SUDDENLY COLLAPSED AND SHREDDED. BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE RUN FLAT, THE CONSUMER STATED HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE 50 MILES AFTER LOOSING PRESSURE, YET IT GAVE WAY COMPLETELY IN AN INSTANT. EVEN AFTER THE BLOWOUT, THE TPMS DID NOT INDICATED THAT THE TIRE WAS LOW EVEN AFTER THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY OFF THE RIM…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10222589 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10272437 · 2009-05-31 (May 31, 2009)

THIS CONCERNS MANY BMW Z4 EPS (ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING) WHEN THE CAR SET IN HOT WEATHER AND THEN I GO TO DRIVE IT, THE STEERING BECOMES VERY TIGHT AND DOES NOT ALWAYS RETURN TO CENTER. ALSO THERE IS A LAG IN STEERING TURNING OR NULL SPOT OF ALMOST NO RESPONSE FOR UP TO ONE INCH OF STEERING WHEEL TURN. THIS TIGHT SLUG EST RESPONSE TO IS TOTALLY OPPOSITE IN COOL WEATHER WHEN THERE IS NO PROBLEM IN STEERING RESPONSE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 18,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10272437 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10315645 · 2010-03-02 (March 2, 2010)

BMW 2006 Z-4 3.0 SI POWER STEERING UNIT FAILED TO OPERATE AT VEHICLE START UP. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL BMW DEALER (BMW LONG BEACH CA) WHERE THE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING UNIT WAS CONFIRMED BY THE MECHANIC. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE UNIT BY THE DEALER THE UNIT BEGAN TO OPERATE WITH NO FURTHER FAULTS FOUND, AN ADDITIONAL THREE DAYS OF TESTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING BY THE DEALER FAILED TO IDENTIFY OR REPEAT THE ORIGINAL FAULT WITH THE UNIT-- NO PARTS WERE REPLACED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 32,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10315645 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10325769 · 2010-04-14 (April 14, 2010)

TODAY I EXPERIENCED A STEERING PROBLEM WITH MY 2006 BMW Z-4. THE OUTSIDE TEMP WAS APPROX 86 DEGREES. I NOTICED THE STEERING (WHICH IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED) BECAME VERY HEAVY AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN THE VEHICLE IN THE LANE. TWICE THE VEHICLE JUTTED TO THE RIGHT CAUSING ME TO RIDE ON THE EDGE OF THE ROAD (HITTING THE GRINDERS) - IT TOOK BOTH HANDS AND A TIGHT GRIP TO MAINTAIN CENTER. I FIRST NOTICED THIS PROBLEM LAST SUMMER - STEERING IS NORMAL AT COOLER TEMPS BUT TODAY IT WAS HOT OUTSIDE AND THE PROBLEM RECURRED. I TOOK MY V…

Owner-reported narrative. 37,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10325769 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10342060 · 2010-07-08 (July 8, 2010)

I HAVE HAD A RECURRING SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING INPUT EFFORT, ESPECIALLY WHEN HOT OUTSIDE. THE STEERING SEEMS VERY HEAVY AND STICKS WHEN CLOSE TO THE ON-CENTER POSITION, AND IS VERY HEAVY AND DIFFICULT TO RETURN BACK TO THE ON-CENTER POSITION. IT IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN A CONCERN FOR MY WIFE AND I NOW FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF SERVICE VERY FREQUENTLY SINCE APRIL OF 2010. IT IS IN SERVICE FOR THE FORTH TIME NOW REGARDING THE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE THIS TIME HAS BEEN IN NOW FOR ALMOST …

Owner-reported narrative. 4,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10342060 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10343883 · 2010-07-18 (July 18, 2010)

THE STEERING IN MY CAR SEEMS A LITTLE ODD AT SPEED. THE CAR WANTS TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH WHEN TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I THOUGHT IT MY BE THE ROAD CONDITIONS BUT I AM NOT TOTALLY CONVINCED THAT THE STEERING SHOULD BE BAD ENOUGH THAT YOU MANY NEED TO SLOW DOWN IN ORDER TO MAKE THE NECESSARY STEERING CORRECTIONS AT SPEEDS OF 70 MPH. I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES AS ME AS O HAVE READ POST AFTER POST TO THE PROBLEM WHILE LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS. I HAVE TRIED BUYING NEW TIRES AND THAT SEEMS TO CUT IT DOWN SOME…

Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10343883 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10346437 · 2010-07-30 (July 30, 2010)

IN HOT WEATHER (OVER 90 DEGREES F), AFTER SITTING IN THE SUN, STEERING WILL BIND OR STICK WHEN TURNING. IT REQUIRES MORE FORCE THAN NORMAL AND DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER AS EASILY. THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO TAKE CORNERS SMOOTHLY. SITUATION GETS BETTER AS CAR INTERIOR COOLS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10346437 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10347242 · 2010-08-04 (August 4, 2010)

2006 BMW Z4 3.0SI ELECTRIC STEERING SYSTEM REQUIRES REPEATED CORRECTIONS TO STAY GOING STRAIGHT DOWN ROAD. IT'S AS IS IT WILL ONLY STEER 3 DEGREES OR MORE IN EACH DIRECTION, BUT NEVER IN 1 DEGREE INCREMENTS. THIS ONLY HAPPENS ON VERY HOT DAYS AFTER BEING PARKED OUTSIDE IN SUN. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 9,025 miles reported. Look up ODI 10347242 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

19V273000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)

Reported: 2019-04-04 (April 4, 2019)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

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

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V119000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)

Reported: 2022-03-02 (March 2, 2022)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

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

Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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

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

84.6%Usable mileage77 / 91 records
100.0%Valid incident date91 / 91 records
100.0%Valid filing date91 / 91 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates91 / 91 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
Component2009201020112012201320142015201620192020202120222023
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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Steering36,236–64,250 mi52,244 mi48
ODI 10272437 · 18,000 mi

THIS CONCERNS MANY BMW Z4 EPS (ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING) WHEN THE CAR SET IN HOT WEATHER AND THEN I GO TO DRIVE IT, THE STEERING BECOMES VERY TIGHT AND DOES NOT ALWAYS RETURN TO CENTER. ALSO THERE IS A LAG IN STEERING TURNING OR NULL SPOT OF ALMOST NO RESPONSE FOR UP TO ONE INCH OF STEERING WHEEL TURN. THIS TIGHT SLUG EST RESPONSE TO IS TOTALLY OPPOSITE IN COOL WEATHER WHEN THERE IS NO PROBLEM IN STEERING RESPONSE. *TR

Look up ODI 10272437 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10315645 · 32,000 mi

BMW 2006 Z-4 3.0 SI POWER STEERING UNIT FAILED TO OPERATE AT VEHICLE START UP. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL BMW DEALER (BMW LONG BEACH CA) WHERE THE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING UNIT WAS CONFIRMED BY THE MECHANIC. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE UNIT BY THE DEALER THE UNIT BEGAN TO OPERATE WITH NO FURTHER FAULTS FOUND, AN ADDITIONAL THREE DAYS OF TESTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING BY THE DEALER FAILED TO IDENTIFY OR REPEAT THE ORIGINAL FAULT WITH THE UNIT-- NO PARTS WERE REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10315645 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10325769 · 37,500 mi

TODAY I EXPERIENCED A STEERING PROBLEM WITH MY 2006 BMW Z-4. THE OUTSIDE TEMP WAS APPROX 86 DEGREES. I NOTICED THE STEERING (WHICH IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED) BECAME VERY HEAVY AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN THE VEHICLE IN THE LANE. TWICE THE VEHICLE JUTTED TO THE RIGHT CAUSING ME TO RIDE ON THE EDGE OF THE ROAD (HITTING THE GRINDERS) - IT TOOK BOTH HANDS AND A TIGHT GRIP TO MAINTAIN CENTER. I FIRST NOTICED THIS PROBLEM LAST SUMMER - STEERING IS NORMAL AT COOLER TEMPS BUT TODAY IT WAS HOT OUTSIDE AND THE PROBLEM RECURRED. I TOOK MY V…

Look up ODI 10325769 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags33,087–63,138 mi57,500 mi10
ODI 10482096 · 64,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS …

Look up ODI 10482096 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10546572 · 31,500 mi

REFERENCE DEFECT INVESTIGATION EA08001, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000; PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY PAD CRACKED CAUSING AIR BAG LIGHT THAT REMAINS ON. UNCLEAR WHICH (IF ANY) AIRBAGS ARE OPERATIVE. REFERENCE CAMPAIGN FOR THE SAME ISSUE DID NOT INCLUDE THIS YEAR VEHICLE. BMW PROVIDED FOR EXTENDED 10 YEAR WARRANTY ON 2004-2005 Z4 VEHICLES AS PART OF THE RESOLUTION TO REFERENCE CAMPAIGN. *TR

Look up ODI 10546572 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10595216 · 28,325 mi

THE INDICATOR FOR "PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG DEACTIVATED" LIGHT CAME ON AND THE "AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" WARNING LAMP ON THE DASH CAME ON AND REMAINED ON. THIS OCCURRED ON THE FIRST START OF THE DAY AFTER HAVING DRIVEN IT SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE WITH NO ISSUES. I DID NOT, AND HAD NEVER TURNED THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS OFF. I SUSPECT THIS IS DUE TO A FAILED SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, SIMILAR TO WHAT INITIATED THE RECENT RECALL FOR OTHER MODELS. I CONTACTED BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND WAS TOLD THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS VERY ISSUE THAT IS A…

Look up ODI 10595216 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System44,819–72,000 mi60,050 mi11
ODI 10466331 · 69,000 mi

THE STEERING WHEEL INTERMITTENTLY LOCKS UP AT HIGHER SPEEDS (50-70 MPH). USUALLY THE ISSUE HAPPENS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 85 DEGREES. *TR

Look up ODI 10466331 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10493375 · 30,638 mi

ALL SERVICE AND REPAIRS OF THIS CPO PERFORMED BY DEALERSHIP. FIRE CAUSED TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION MELTING INTERIOR AND NEARLY BURNING DRIVER-DAMAGE MOST SEVERE ON DRIVER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE AND EXTENDS TO THE CAR EXTERIOR. FIRE STARTED WHILE VEHICLE MOVING ON HEAVILY USED PUBLIC ROAD SHORTLY AFTER WARNING SYMBOL FOR BLINKERS ACTIVATED AND BLINKERS ON PASSENGER SIDE INCREASED IN SPEED. *TR

Look up ODI 10493375 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10545520 · 60,050 mi

ON MY 2006 BMW Z4 3.0I, WHILE REPLACING A BLOWN HEADLIGHT BULB I DISCOVERED THAT THE INSULATION ON THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WIRING WAS CRUMBLING OFF AND IN PARTS HAD BARE COPPER WIRE SHOWING. AS THIS IS THE MAIN HEADLIGHT WIRING AND BOTH THE + AND - WIRES WERE SHOWING BARE COPPER A SHORT CIRCUIT AND OR FIRE COULD BE POSSIBLE. THIS WIRING IS WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING IT'S SELF. UPON DOING RESEARCH ONLINE I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON AFFECTED. I REPORTED THIS ISSUE TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALER WHO SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS AT THIS TIME AND I COULD …

Look up ODI 10545520 at NHTSA ↗

Engine45,000–76,700 mi60,000 mi5
ODI 10585515 · 76,700 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE ENGINE AS HAVING LOW COMPRESSION AND HE HEARD THE TIMING CHAIN FLAPPING. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THE DEALER TAKING A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE BOLTS HOLDING T…

Look up ODI 10585515 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10618746 · 45,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE CAM AND THE VALVES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

Look up ODI 10618746 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 ↗

Exterior LightingToo few reports for a range60,050 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10545520 · 60,050 mi

ON MY 2006 BMW Z4 3.0I, WHILE REPLACING A BLOWN HEADLIGHT BULB I DISCOVERED THAT THE INSULATION ON THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WIRING WAS CRUMBLING OFF AND IN PARTS HAD BARE COPPER WIRE SHOWING. AS THIS IS THE MAIN HEADLIGHT WIRING AND BOTH THE + AND - WIRES WERE SHOWING BARE COPPER A SHORT CIRCUIT AND OR FIRE COULD BE POSSIBLE. THIS WIRING IS WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING IT'S SELF. UPON DOING RESEARCH ONLINE I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON AFFECTED. I REPORTED THIS ISSUE TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALER WHO SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS AT THIS TIME AND I COULD …

Look up ODI 10545520 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10781296 · 20,000 mi

CHANGING A HEADLIGHT BULB ON DRIVERS SIDE NOTICED FLAKING INSULATION ON WIRING HARNESS. IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING HEADLAMP, INSULATION ON ALL THE WIRING ALMOST COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THIS SAME CONDITION EXISTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS WOULD SEEM TO PRESENT A FIRE HAZARD AT WORST AND A LOSS OF LIGHTING AT THE LEAST. I UNDERSTAND FROM READING VARIOUS FORUMS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM ACROSS MANY BMW MODELS. FURTHER, IT APPEARS THAT BMW USED A SOY BASED INSULATION PRODUCT ON THESE WIRES. ISN'T SOY BIODEGRADABLE? WHY WOULD…

Look up ODI 10781296 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11267326 · 95,000 mi

THE INSULATED WIRING INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING HAS HARDENED AND THE INSULATION HAD CRACKED AND FALLEN OFF. THIS ALLOWS THE WIRES TO SHORT AND CAUSES UNEXPECTED FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND OTHER ITEMS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. THE LIGHTS FAILED UNEXPECTEDLY AND INTERMITTENTLY.

Look up ODI 11267326 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range51,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 11464958 · 52,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 BMW Z4. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle overheated and stalled. The coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The contact waited for the vehicle to cool down and then restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer several times. The dealer completed the engine lifters replacement and other unknown repairs however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while stopped at…

Look up ODI 11464958 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11484865 · 50,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the PCV valve heater needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. T…

Look up ODI 11484865 at NHTSA ↗

SeatsToo few reports for a range37,848 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10546572 · 31,500 mi

REFERENCE DEFECT INVESTIGATION EA08001, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000; PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY PAD CRACKED CAUSING AIR BAG LIGHT THAT REMAINS ON. UNCLEAR WHICH (IF ANY) AIRBAGS ARE OPERATIVE. REFERENCE CAMPAIGN FOR THE SAME ISSUE DID NOT INCLUDE THIS YEAR VEHICLE. BMW PROVIDED FOR EXTENDED 10 YEAR WARRANTY ON 2004-2005 Z4 VEHICLES AS PART OF THE RESOLUTION TO REFERENCE CAMPAIGN. *TR

Look up ODI 10546572 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10619149 · 37,848 mi

THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SEAT MAT SENSOR SHORTED. *TR

Look up ODI 10619149 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10875931 · 65,000 mi

MY CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 65K MILES ON IT WHEN THE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATED AN ISSUE. IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 08/06. READING FROM THE COMPUTER INDICATED A PASSENGER OCCUPANCY MAT FAILURE. BMW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS THROUGH MODEL YEAR 05 BUT WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR 2006. I CALLED BMW USA AND ESCALATED IT. THEY CALLED ME BACK AND STATED IT WILL NOT BE COVERED. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY PREVENT THE AIRBAG FROM OPERATING IN CASE OF A COLLISION FOR THE PASSENGER. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2006 MODEL OCCUPANCY MAT WITH TH…

Look up ODI 10875931 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range62,112 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11118980 · 62,112 mi

THE CONVERTIBLE TOP FAILED 2011/30229 MILES, STILL UNDER CPO WARRANTY. THE DEALERSHIP ONLY TOPPED OFF THE HYDRAULIC FLUID AND CLAIMED NO LEAK FOUND. IT FAILED AGAIN 2014/45809 MILES. THIS TIME SEALS WERE REPLACED AND HYDRAULIC LINES. GOODWILL REPAIR WITH 50% OUT OF POCKET. IT FAILED AGAIN EARLIER THIS YEAR 2018/62112 MILES. THIS TIME I WAS QUOTED $2,938 TO $3,658. I HAD IT DIAGNOSED IN MAY AND WAS WAITING FOR AN ANSWER OF THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT BMW ASSISTING WITH THE REPAIR AND HAD NOT HEARD BACK. I INQUIRED AGAIN TWO DAYS AGO AND GOT A RE…

Look up ODI 11118980 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

2022: 1 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2022011
2023000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2022100
2023000

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
ComponentSteeringAir BagsElectrical SystemEngineExterior LightingEngine And Engine CoolingSeatsUnknown Or Other
Steering—0
1
ODI 10466331 · 69,000 mi

THE STEERING WHEEL INTERMITTENTLY LOCKS UP AT HIGHER SPEEDS (50-70 MPH). USUALLY THE ISSUE HAPPENS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 85 DEGREES. *TR

Look up ODI 10466331 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Air Bags0—
3
ODI 10432453

PASSENGER AIRBAG DEACTIVATION LIGHT ALWAYS ON (SINCE 20,000 MILES APPROX) TOGETHER WITH DASHBOARD AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. GARAGE DIAGNOSED FAULTY PASSENGER SEAT PRESSURE MAT AND ADVISED PASSENGER AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. BMW NORWELL MA, WHO SOLD THE CAR TO US, STATED NO RECALL ON 2006 MODEL (CONVERSATION WITH THEIR SERVICE DEPT. OF 10/21/2011) ALTHOUGH ALL Z4S UP TO 2005 WERE RECALLED FOR MAT REPLACEMENT. BMW WERE CLEARLY STILL FITTING DEFECTIVE PRESSURE MATS IN THE 2006 MODELS AND WOULD APPEAR TO BE NOT ONLY JEOPA…

Look up ODI 10432453 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 10875931 · 65,000 mi

MY CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 65K MILES ON IT WHEN THE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATED AN ISSUE. IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 08/06. READING FROM THE COMPUTER INDICATED A PASSENGER OCCUPANCY MAT FAILURE. BMW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS THROUGH MODEL YEAR 05 BUT WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR 2006. I CALLED BMW USA AND ESCALATED IT. THEY CALLED ME BACK AND STATED IT WILL NOT BE COVERED. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY PREVENT THE AIRBAG FROM OPERATING IN CASE OF A COLLISION FOR THE PASSENGER. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2006 MODEL OCCUPANCY MAT WITH TH…

Look up ODI 10875931 at NHTSA ↗

1
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 ↗

00
3
ODI 10546572 · 31,500 mi

REFERENCE DEFECT INVESTIGATION EA08001, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000; PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY PAD CRACKED CAUSING AIR BAG LIGHT THAT REMAINS ON. UNCLEAR WHICH (IF ANY) AIRBAGS ARE OPERATIVE. REFERENCE CAMPAIGN FOR THE SAME ISSUE DID NOT INCLUDE THIS YEAR VEHICLE. BMW PROVIDED FOR EXTENDED 10 YEAR WARRANTY ON 2004-2005 Z4 VEHICLES AS PART OF THE RESOLUTION TO REFERENCE CAMPAIGN. *TR

Look up ODI 10546572 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10619149 · 37,848 mi

THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SEAT MAT SENSOR SHORTED. *TR

Look up ODI 10619149 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10875931 · 65,000 mi

MY CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 65K MILES ON IT WHEN THE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATED AN ISSUE. IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 08/06. READING FROM THE COMPUTER INDICATED A PASSENGER OCCUPANCY MAT FAILURE. BMW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS THROUGH MODEL YEAR 05 BUT WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR 2006. I CALLED BMW USA AND ESCALATED IT. THEY CALLED ME BACK AND STATED IT WILL NOT BE COVERED. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY PREVENT THE AIRBAG FROM OPERATING IN CASE OF A COLLISION FOR THE PASSENGER. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2006 MODEL OCCUPANCY MAT WITH TH…

Look up ODI 10875931 at NHTSA ↗

0
Electrical System
1
ODI 10466331 · 69,000 mi

THE STEERING WHEEL INTERMITTENTLY LOCKS UP AT HIGHER SPEEDS (50-70 MPH). USUALLY THE ISSUE HAPPENS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 85 DEGREES. *TR

Look up ODI 10466331 at NHTSA ↗

3
ODI 10432453

PASSENGER AIRBAG DEACTIVATION LIGHT ALWAYS ON (SINCE 20,000 MILES APPROX) TOGETHER WITH DASHBOARD AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. GARAGE DIAGNOSED FAULTY PASSENGER SEAT PRESSURE MAT AND ADVISED PASSENGER AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. BMW NORWELL MA, WHO SOLD THE CAR TO US, STATED NO RECALL ON 2006 MODEL (CONVERSATION WITH THEIR SERVICE DEPT. OF 10/21/2011) ALTHOUGH ALL Z4S UP TO 2005 WERE RECALLED FOR MAT REPLACEMENT. BMW WERE CLEARLY STILL FITTING DEFECTIVE PRESSURE MATS IN THE 2006 MODELS AND WOULD APPEAR TO BE NOT ONLY JEOPA…

Look up ODI 10432453 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 10875931 · 65,000 mi

MY CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 65K MILES ON IT WHEN THE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATED AN ISSUE. IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 08/06. READING FROM THE COMPUTER INDICATED A PASSENGER OCCUPANCY MAT FAILURE. BMW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS THROUGH MODEL YEAR 05 BUT WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR 2006. I CALLED BMW USA AND ESCALATED IT. THEY CALLED ME BACK AND STATED IT WILL NOT BE COVERED. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY PREVENT THE AIRBAG FROM OPERATING IN CASE OF A COLLISION FOR THE PASSENGER. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2006 MODEL OCCUPANCY MAT WITH TH…

Look up ODI 10875931 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 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 ↗

4
ODI 10545520 · 60,050 mi

ON MY 2006 BMW Z4 3.0I, WHILE REPLACING A BLOWN HEADLIGHT BULB I DISCOVERED THAT THE INSULATION ON THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WIRING WAS CRUMBLING OFF AND IN PARTS HAD BARE COPPER WIRE SHOWING. AS THIS IS THE MAIN HEADLIGHT WIRING AND BOTH THE + AND - WIRES WERE SHOWING BARE COPPER A SHORT CIRCUIT AND OR FIRE COULD BE POSSIBLE. THIS WIRING IS WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING IT'S SELF. UPON DOING RESEARCH ONLINE I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON AFFECTED. I REPORTED THIS ISSUE TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALER WHO SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS AT THIS TIME AND I COULD …

Look up ODI 10545520 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10781296 · 20,000 mi

CHANGING A HEADLIGHT BULB ON DRIVERS SIDE NOTICED FLAKING INSULATION ON WIRING HARNESS. IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING HEADLAMP, INSULATION ON ALL THE WIRING ALMOST COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THIS SAME CONDITION EXISTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS WOULD SEEM TO PRESENT A FIRE HAZARD AT WORST AND A LOSS OF LIGHTING AT THE LEAST. I UNDERSTAND FROM READING VARIOUS FORUMS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM ACROSS MANY BMW MODELS. FURTHER, IT APPEARS THAT BMW USED A SOY BASED INSULATION PRODUCT ON THESE WIRES. ISN'T SOY BIODEGRADABLE? WHY WOULD…

Look up ODI 10781296 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11267326 · 95,000 mi

THE INSULATED WIRING INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING HAS HARDENED AND THE INSULATION HAD CRACKED AND FALLEN OFF. THIS ALLOWS THE WIRES TO SHORT AND CAUSES UNEXPECTED FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND OTHER ITEMS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. THE LIGHTS FAILED UNEXPECTEDLY AND INTERMITTENTLY.

Look up ODI 11267326 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10875931 · 65,000 mi

MY CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 65K MILES ON IT WHEN THE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATED AN ISSUE. IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 08/06. READING FROM THE COMPUTER INDICATED A PASSENGER OCCUPANCY MAT FAILURE. BMW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS THROUGH MODEL YEAR 05 BUT WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR 2006. I CALLED BMW USA AND ESCALATED IT. THEY CALLED ME BACK AND STATED IT WILL NOT BE COVERED. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY PREVENT THE AIRBAG FROM OPERATING IN CASE OF A COLLISION FOR THE PASSENGER. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2006 MODEL OCCUPANCY MAT WITH TH…

Look up ODI 10875931 at NHTSA ↗

0
Engine0
1
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 ↗

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 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 ↗

—0000
Exterior Lighting00
4
ODI 10545520 · 60,050 mi

ON MY 2006 BMW Z4 3.0I, WHILE REPLACING A BLOWN HEADLIGHT BULB I DISCOVERED THAT THE INSULATION ON THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WIRING WAS CRUMBLING OFF AND IN PARTS HAD BARE COPPER WIRE SHOWING. AS THIS IS THE MAIN HEADLIGHT WIRING AND BOTH THE + AND - WIRES WERE SHOWING BARE COPPER A SHORT CIRCUIT AND OR FIRE COULD BE POSSIBLE. THIS WIRING IS WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING IT'S SELF. UPON DOING RESEARCH ONLINE I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON AFFECTED. I REPORTED THIS ISSUE TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALER WHO SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS AT THIS TIME AND I COULD …

Look up ODI 10545520 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10781296 · 20,000 mi

CHANGING A HEADLIGHT BULB ON DRIVERS SIDE NOTICED FLAKING INSULATION ON WIRING HARNESS. IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING HEADLAMP, INSULATION ON ALL THE WIRING ALMOST COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THIS SAME CONDITION EXISTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS WOULD SEEM TO PRESENT A FIRE HAZARD AT WORST AND A LOSS OF LIGHTING AT THE LEAST. I UNDERSTAND FROM READING VARIOUS FORUMS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM ACROSS MANY BMW MODELS. FURTHER, IT APPEARS THAT BMW USED A SOY BASED INSULATION PRODUCT ON THESE WIRES. ISN'T SOY BIODEGRADABLE? WHY WOULD…

Look up ODI 10781296 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11267326 · 95,000 mi

THE INSULATED WIRING INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING HAS HARDENED AND THE INSULATION HAD CRACKED AND FALLEN OFF. THIS ALLOWS THE WIRES TO SHORT AND CAUSES UNEXPECTED FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND OTHER ITEMS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. THE LIGHTS FAILED UNEXPECTEDLY AND INTERMITTENTLY.

Look up ODI 11267326 at NHTSA ↗

0—000
Engine And Engine Cooling00000—00
Seats0
3
ODI 10546572 · 31,500 mi

REFERENCE DEFECT INVESTIGATION EA08001, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000; PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY PAD CRACKED CAUSING AIR BAG LIGHT THAT REMAINS ON. UNCLEAR WHICH (IF ANY) AIRBAGS ARE OPERATIVE. REFERENCE CAMPAIGN FOR THE SAME ISSUE DID NOT INCLUDE THIS YEAR VEHICLE. BMW PROVIDED FOR EXTENDED 10 YEAR WARRANTY ON 2004-2005 Z4 VEHICLES AS PART OF THE RESOLUTION TO REFERENCE CAMPAIGN. *TR

Look up ODI 10546572 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10619149 · 37,848 mi

THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SEAT MAT SENSOR SHORTED. *TR

Look up ODI 10619149 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10875931 · 65,000 mi

MY CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 65K MILES ON IT WHEN THE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATED AN ISSUE. IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 08/06. READING FROM THE COMPUTER INDICATED A PASSENGER OCCUPANCY MAT FAILURE. BMW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS THROUGH MODEL YEAR 05 BUT WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR 2006. I CALLED BMW USA AND ESCALATED IT. THEY CALLED ME BACK AND STATED IT WILL NOT BE COVERED. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY PREVENT THE AIRBAG FROM OPERATING IN CASE OF A COLLISION FOR THE PASSENGER. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2006 MODEL OCCUPANCY MAT WITH TH…

Look up ODI 10875931 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10875931 · 65,000 mi

MY CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 65K MILES ON IT WHEN THE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATED AN ISSUE. IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 08/06. READING FROM THE COMPUTER INDICATED A PASSENGER OCCUPANCY MAT FAILURE. BMW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS THROUGH MODEL YEAR 05 BUT WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR 2006. I CALLED BMW USA AND ESCALATED IT. THEY CALLED ME BACK AND STATED IT WILL NOT BE COVERED. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY PREVENT THE AIRBAG FROM OPERATING IN CASE OF A COLLISION FOR THE PASSENGER. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2006 MODEL OCCUPANCY MAT WITH TH…

Look up ODI 10875931 at NHTSA ↗

000—0
Unknown Or Other0000000—

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.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

11 mentions · 12.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 55,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10432453

PASSENGER AIRBAG DEACTIVATION LIGHT ALWAYS ON (SINCE 20,000 MILES APPROX) TOGETHER WITH DASHBOARD AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. GARAGE DIAGNOSED FAULTY PASSENGER SEAT PRESSURE MAT AND ADVISED PASSENGER AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. BMW NORWELL MA, WHO SOLD THE CAR TO US, STATED NO RECALL ON 2006 MODEL (CONVERSATION WITH THEIR SERVICE DEPT. OF 10/21/2011) ALTHOUGH ALL Z4S UP TO 2005 WERE RECALLED FOR MAT REPLACEMENT. BMW WERE CLEARLY STILL FITTING DEFECTIVE PRESSURE MATS IN THE 2006 MODELS AND WOULD APPEAR TO BE NOT ONLY JEOPA…

Look up ODI 10432453 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10482096 · 64,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS …

Look up ODI 10482096 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10531812

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10531812 at NHTSA ↗

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

Steering assistance concerns

7 mentions · 7.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 32,950 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10272437 · 18,000 mi

THIS CONCERNS MANY BMW Z4 EPS (ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING) WHEN THE CAR SET IN HOT WEATHER AND THEN I GO TO DRIVE IT, THE STEERING BECOMES VERY TIGHT AND DOES NOT ALWAYS RETURN TO CENTER. ALSO THERE IS A LAG IN STEERING TURNING OR NULL SPOT OF ALMOST NO RESPONSE FOR UP TO ONE INCH OF STEERING WHEEL TURN. THIS TIGHT SLUG EST RESPONSE TO IS TOTALLY OPPOSITE IN COOL WEATHER WHEN THERE IS NO PROBLEM IN STEERING RESPONSE. *TR

Look up ODI 10272437 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10315645 · 32,000 mi

BMW 2006 Z-4 3.0 SI POWER STEERING UNIT FAILED TO OPERATE AT VEHICLE START UP. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL BMW DEALER (BMW LONG BEACH CA) WHERE THE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING UNIT WAS CONFIRMED BY THE MECHANIC. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE UNIT BY THE DEALER THE UNIT BEGAN TO OPERATE WITH NO FURTHER FAULTS FOUND, AN ADDITIONAL THREE DAYS OF TESTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING BY THE DEALER FAILED TO IDENTIFY OR REPEAT THE ORIGINAL FAULT WITH THE UNIT-- NO PARTS WERE REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10315645 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10347890 · 32,500 mi

POWER STEERING STICKING, NOTCHY FEELING, TOOK TO DEALER, DEALER REPLACED STEERING COLUMN UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

Look up ODI 10347890 at NHTSA ↗

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

Hard or delayed shifting

5 mentions · 5.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 47,374 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10535458 · 64,000 mi

STEERING IS JERKY FROM CENTER POSITION. EXTRA EFFORT IS REQUIRED TO MOVE STERRING WHEEL FROM CENTER POSITION CAUSING OVER CORRECTION IN EITHER DIRECTION. SOMETIMES THIS EXTRA EFFORT PUTS THE CAR INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR THE DITCH. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AN I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION. BMW WANTS TO REPLACE THE STEERING SYSTEM (EXPENSIVE). THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS ITEM BECAUSE THERE ARE TOO MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10535458 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10598893 · 58,000 mi

I PICKED UP THIS CAR USED WITH 57000 MILES ON IN MAY 2013. THE STEERING HAS ALWAYS BEEN 'TOUCHY' BUT THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT IT'S BECAUSE IT'S A SPORTS CAR. WHEN DRIVING CAR IN TEMPERATURES AROUND 85 AND UP THE STEERING GETS REALLY 'JERKY' . THIS STARTED IN JUNE 2013 AS THE WEATHER WARMED UP. IT'S MY 2ND CAR SO DON'T DRIVE IT EVERY DAY AND DID NOT NOTICE THIS PROBLEM UNTIL THE WEATHER TURNED HOT . HIGH 80'S INTO THE 90'S. I DIDN'T USE IT MUCH DURING THE REALLY HOT WEATHER LAST YEAR. BUT THE PROBLEM WAS THERE. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE…

Look up ODI 10598893 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10637878 · 21,500 mi

I JUST PURCHASED A 2006 Z4 3.0I WITH 21000 MILES FROM A DEALERSHIP IN WILMINGTON, NC. DURING THE TEST DRIVE I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WAS UNUSUALLY STIFF AND AT HIGHER SPEEDS THE CAR WAS SOMEWHAT HARD TO KEEP IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I DISMISSED THE ISSUE AS A POSSIBLE ALIGNMENT OR WORN OUT TIRE ISSUE. ON THE 120 MILE DRIVE HOME TO RALEIGH, NC THE STEERING BECAME MORE AND MORE ERRATIC, PUSHING THE CAR HALF WAY TO THE OTHER LANE. I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WAS GETTING REALLY STICKY AND JERKY THE LONGER I DROVE. WHEN TRYING TO SLIGHTLY CORRECT THE …

Look up ODI 10637878 at NHTSA ↗

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

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 4.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 64,350 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10585515 · 76,700 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE ENGINE AS HAVING LOW COMPRESSION AND HE HEARD THE TIMING CHAIN FLAPPING. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THE DEALER TAKING A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE BOLTS HOLDING T…

Look up ODI 10585515 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10618746 · 45,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE CAM AND THE VALVES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

Look up ODI 10618746 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11464958 · 52,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 BMW Z4. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle overheated and stalled. The coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The contact waited for the vehicle to cool down and then restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer several times. The dealer completed the engine lifters replacement and other unknown repairs however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while stopped at…

Look up ODI 11464958 at NHTSA ↗

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