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2003 BMW Z4

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

355 reports with mileage · 59 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 342 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

31 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2016
Air Bags

MY CAR IS EVERY LOW MILLAGE (13,000) AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN STORED IN A GARAGE AND WELL CARED FOR. WHEN I TURNED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. IT WOULD NOT GO OFF WHEN I TURN THE AIRBAG BACK ON. THE BMW DEALERSHIP SAID THERE IS A PROCESSOR IN THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND IT IS A $1400 REPAIR. …

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MY CAR IS EVERY LOW MILLAGE (13,000) AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN STORED IN A GARAGE AND WELL CARED FOR. WHEN I TURNED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. IT WOULD NOT GO OFF WHEN I TURN THE AIRBAG BACK ON. THE BMW DEALERSHIP SAID THERE IS A PROCESSOR IN THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND IT IS A $1400 REPAIR. I FOUND A NHTSA RECALL # 04V247000 FOR THE 2003 Z4 THAT SEEMS TO BE THE SAME ISSUE. BMW DOES NOT SHOW MY VIN NUMBER UNDER THAT RECALL. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

NHTSA ODI #10897122

Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2015
Air Bags

THERE WAS NOT AN INCIDENT, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS ON. I TOOK IT TO THE BODY SHOP TO HAVE THE ERROR RESET AND IT SAID TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I DID NOT AND IT IS STILL ON. WAS THERE A RECALL ON THIS.

NHTSA ODI #10745554

94,024 miles · Dec 24, 2014
Air BagsSteering

STEERING LOCKS UP.. IF SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES IT RELEASES.. WENT TO GET GAS.. SHUT OFF.. STARTED.. SAME THING WITH ADDITION OF AIR BAG LIGHT GOING ON.. SHUT OFF SEVERAL MORE TIMES TO GET GOING BUT AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10668103

940,024 miles · Dec 24, 2014
Air BagsSteering

STEERING LOCKS UP.. IF SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES IT RELEASES.. WENT TO GET GAS.. SHUT OFF.. STARTED.. SAME THING WITH ADDITION OF AIR BAG LIGHT GOING ON.. SHUT OFF SEVERAL MORE TIMES TO GET GOING BUT AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10668102

55,000 miles · Sep 9, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR THREE YEARS. HAVE HAD 3 TESTS INCL LIETH BMW TEST THAT VERIFIES IT IS THE PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT. THIS DEFECT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN MANY BMW MODELS. BMW REFUSES TO FIX IT YET REQUIRES ME TO DO THESE DIAGNOSIS (FOR A FEE) OVER AND OVER. NOT ONLY THAT - THEY HAVE DRASTICALL…

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AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR THREE YEARS. HAVE HAD 3 TESTS INCL LIETH BMW TEST THAT VERIFIES IT IS THE PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT. THIS DEFECT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN MANY BMW MODELS. BMW REFUSES TO FIX IT YET REQUIRES ME TO DO THESE DIAGNOSIS (FOR A FEE) OVER AND OVER. NOT ONLY THAT - THEY HAVE DRASTICALLY RAISED THE PRICE TO REPAIR TO >$1400. I SERIOUSLY QUESTION THE SAFETY OF THE CAR AND FEEL BMW USES THE ISSUE AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE HIGH PROFITS OFF THE SAFETY CONCERNS OF ITS CUSTOMERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10631879

68,573 miles · Jun 25, 2014
Air Bags

VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON THE LOT SOMEONE HEARD A LOUD POP NOISE AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM INTERIOR OF VEHICLE, FOUND PASSENGER SIDE DASH AIR BAG HAD BEEN DEPLOYED THIS VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND LOCKED WITH KEYS INSIDE THE BUILDING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10605868

150,000 miles · Mar 24, 2014
Air Bags

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10574363

65,000 miles · Oct 10, 2012
Air Bags

THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND HAS REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR OVER 1 YEAR NOW. WHEN I CALLED BMW NA TO INQUIRE WHETHER THIS ISSUE WAS COVERED UNDER THE 04V247000 RECALL, I WAS TOLD MY VIN WAS NOT ONE OF THE VIN NUMBERS COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. HOWEVER, IN LIGHT OF THE NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FILED BY OWNERS OF THIS VEHICL…

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THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND HAS REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR OVER 1 YEAR NOW. WHEN I CALLED BMW NA TO INQUIRE WHETHER THIS ISSUE WAS COVERED UNDER THE 04V247000 RECALL, I WAS TOLD MY VIN WAS NOT ONE OF THE VIN NUMBERS COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. HOWEVER, IN LIGHT OF THE NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FILED BY OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE, IT IS EVIDENT THAT A PROBLEM EXISTS WITH THE AIR BAG MODULE OF THIS VEHICLE. BMW NA NEVERTHELESS HAS RESPONDED WITH THE SAME ANSWER "YOUR VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF AFFECTED VIN NUMBERS." IN CASE AN INJURY, WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY A PROPERLY FUNCTIONING AIRBAG SYSTEM, IS SUSTAINED BY MYSELF OR ANY OTHER COMPLAINING OWNER, BMW NA SHOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN PLACED ON ACTUAL NOTICE OF THE DEFECT AND SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR ITS INTENTIONAL DISREGARD OF A KNOWN HAZARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10479589

100,000 miles · Jul 12, 2012
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V247000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10465353

50,000 miles · Dec 16, 2011
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V247000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000 .

NHTSA ODI #10440144

Official recalls

4

04V247000 · Air Bags

May 24, 2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, INCOMPATIBLE ELECTRONIC AIR BAG SYSTEM PROCESSORS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MAY NOT OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM PROCESSORS. THE RECALL BEGAN JUNE 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

04V182000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Apr 12, 2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, A VAPOR LOCK IN THE FUEL PUMP COULD OCCUR CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE RESTARTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MINUTES.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE ELECTRICAL LINE POWERING THE FUEL PUMP IN ORDER TO PREVENT AN OCCURRENCE OF VAPOR LOCK. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

03V214000 · Tires

Jun 9, 2003

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18" TIRES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE TIRE HAS BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE MOUNTING PROCESS TO THE RIM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: CONSEQUENTLY, A LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE, OR A TIRE FAILURE, COULD OCCUR. DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND THE DRIVER'S REACTIONS, THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL UNSEAT THE TIRE FROM ITS RIM, INSPECT FOR ANY DAMAGE, AND THEN RESEAT THE TIRE TO ITS RIM. IF INSPECTION REVEALS THAT A FRONT TIRE HAS INCURRED DAMAGE DURING THE MOUNTING PROCESS, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

03V032000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Feb 4, 2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CONNECTION OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE TO THE STEEL ROPE OF THE TENSIONER DOES NOT MEET BMW SPECIFICATIONS. IN SEVERE FRONTAL CRASHES, THIS CONNECTION CAN DETACH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE CONNECTION DETACHES, THE PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SAFETY BELT IS LIKELY TO BE IMPAIRED, AND SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER COULD OCCUR THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE MITIGATED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT TENSIONER AND BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THESE PARTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE10020 · Sticky Steering

Opened Jun 28, 2010 · Closed Jun 28, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column; Steering:electric Power Assist System

ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the sticky steering condition does not result in a significant steering effort, thus the impact on the driver's ability to control the vehicle does not appear to be significant.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.See the attached report for additional information.In addition, during this investigation, ODI became aware of allegations of failure or loss of electric power-assisted steering on the subject vehicles.As a result, ODI is separately reviewing this issue to determine whether additional agency action is needed.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Steering

ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the sticky steering condition does not result in a significant steering effort, thus the impact on the driver's ability to control the vehicle does not appear to be significant.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.See the attached report for additional information.In addition, during this investigation, ODI became aware of allegations of failure or loss of electric power-assisted steering on the subject vehicles.As a result, ODI is separately reviewing this issue to determine whether additional agency action is needed.

Steering:column

ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the sticky steering condition does not result in a significant steering effort, thus the impact on the driver's ability to control the vehicle does not appear to be significant.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.See the attached report for additional information.In addition, during this investigation, ODI became aware of allegations of failure or loss of electric power-assisted steering on the subject vehicles.As a result, ODI is separately reviewing this issue to determine whether additional agency action is needed.

Steering:electric Power Assist System

ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the sticky steering condition does not result in a significant steering effort, thus the impact on the driver's ability to control the vehicle does not appear to be significant.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.See the attached report for additional information.In addition, during this investigation, ODI became aware of allegations of failure or loss of electric power-assisted steering on the subject vehicles.As a result, ODI is separately reviewing this issue to determine whether additional agency action is needed.