IllustrationLOST OF POWER STEERING. *TR
2003 BMW Z4
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Z4 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
930–25K
10725–50K
9050–75K
4075–100K
22100–150K
3150K+
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
Steering complaints
342 reportsSTEERING IS STICKY DURING WARMER WEATHER AND STICKS ON CENTER AND IS DIFFICULT TO TURN FROM CENTER. *TR
STEERING WHEEL SOMETIMES IS "STICKING" WHILE DRIVING MAKING TURNING A LITTLE MORE LABORED THAN NORMAL. *TR
SAME PROBLEM AS ALL OTHER 2003 BMW Z4 STEERING COMPLAINTS. VEHICLE STARTED STICKING WHEN MAKING EVEN SLIGHT STEERING ADJUSTMENTS. ALWAYS STARTS THIS ABOUT 5 MINUTES INTO A DRIVE. HAS CONTINUED TO THIS DATE IN MARCH 2014 BUT NOW IN ADDITION TO STICKING GET A LOUD SQUEAL WHEN TURNING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. *TR
THE PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR IS "STICKY" STEERING. IT OCCURS MOSTLY AT HIGH SPEEDS IN HOT WEATHER. MANY BMW FORUMS OUT LINE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 2003 Z4. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO BE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND HAVE THE STEERING BECOME SO STIFF YOU CAN HARDLY STEER THE CAR. BMW WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM EVE…
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THE PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR IS "STICKY" STEERING. IT OCCURS MOSTLY AT HIGH SPEEDS IN HOT WEATHER. MANY BMW FORUMS OUT LINE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 2003 Z4. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO BE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND HAVE THE STEERING BECOME SO STIFF YOU CAN HARDLY STEER THE CAR. BMW WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH MANY PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED. I AM SURE YOU HAVE RECEIVED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND I HOPE WILL DO SOMETHING TO FORCE BMW TO CORRECT THIS ENGINEERING DEFECT AND REPAIR THOSE CARS WHICH ARE AFFECTED.
INSERT THIS LINK TO READ THE SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING: HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2004/BMW/Z4/STEERING. *TR
MY 2003 BMW Z4 IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, WHILE I AM ON FLAT SURFACES TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY THE STEERING WHEEL ALL OF A SUDDEN WILL PULL TO THE LEFT AND THEN TO THE RIGHT CONSTANTLY AND I HAVE TO CORRECT IT EVERY 2 SECONDS AND SOMETIMES IT JUST LOCKS INTO A LEFT TURN POSITION WHEN I AM ON THE FREEWAY AND ALL I AM TRYING…
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MY 2003 BMW Z4 IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, WHILE I AM ON FLAT SURFACES TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY THE STEERING WHEEL ALL OF A SUDDEN WILL PULL TO THE LEFT AND THEN TO THE RIGHT CONSTANTLY AND I HAVE TO CORRECT IT EVERY 2 SECONDS AND SOMETIMES IT JUST LOCKS INTO A LEFT TURN POSITION WHEN I AM ON THE FREEWAY AND ALL I AM TRYING TO DO IS KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT GOING DOWN THE FREEWAY. AT THIS POINT I AM AFRAID AN ACCIDENT WILL HAPPEN SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE AND I HAVE BEEN READING THOUSANDS OF POSTS ON THE WEB WITH PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME CAR. AT WHAT POINT ARE YOU GUYS GOING TO ACTIVATE A VEHICLE RECALL TO FIX THE STEERING COLUMN DESIGN, PERHAPS AFTER I EITHER GET INTO AN ACCIDENT OR I OR A FAMILY MEMBER GETS KILLED, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, I AM BEGGING YOU PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THE FLAWED DESIGN OF THE STEERING OF THIS CAR .....!!!! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
ABOUT A WEEK AFTER I PURCHASED THE 2003 BMW Z-4 I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL STICKING, BMW REFUSED TO CORRECT THE SITUATION OR DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE COST TO REPAIR IS $3600.00. IT IS AN EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITION, THAT I DO NOT HAVE THE EXTRA FUNDS TO REPAIR. AFTER RESEARCH ON THE WEB IT IS APPARENT THAT THIS IS…
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ABOUT A WEEK AFTER I PURCHASED THE 2003 BMW Z-4 I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL STICKING, BMW REFUSED TO CORRECT THE SITUATION OR DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE COST TO REPAIR IS $3600.00. IT IS AN EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITION, THAT I DO NOT HAVE THE EXTRA FUNDS TO REPAIR. AFTER RESEARCH ON THE WEB IT IS APPARENT THAT THIS IS AN ALL AROUND ISSUE WITH THE Z4 BMW FOR YEARS 2003-2005. THIS SHOULD OF BEEN RECALLED AND REPAIRED AT BMW'S EXPENSE MANY YEARS AGO AND HAS GONE WITH OUT THE PROPER RECALL FOR FAR TO LONG. THIS ISSUE HAS NEARLY CAUSED MANY ACCIDENTS FOR ME SINCE HAVING THE VEHICLE. I CAN NOT AFFORD THE REPAIR, I CAN NOT CONSCIOUSLY SELL THE VEHICLE IN THE CONDITION IT IS CURRENTLY IN, AND I CAN NOT AFFORD AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE THE LOSS OF LIFE. I AM STUCK WITH A NON DRIVABLE VEHICLE, MAKING $350.00 PAYMENTS FOR NOTHING. PLEASE NHTSA HELP RECTIFY A STICKY SITUATION (LITERALLY, NO PUN INTENDED) BEFORE ALL THESE Z-4'S CAUSE MANY DEATHS. *TR
WHEN STEERING SHARPLY OR TURNING THE WHEEL FREQUENTLY LIKE TO PARALLEL PARK FOR EXAMPLE, THE ELECTRICAL SUDDENLY COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN IN MY CAR. THE CAR'S POWER COMPLETELY DIES AND I LOSE ABILITY TO STEER. SOMETIMES THIS IS WHILE MAKING A QUICK TURN WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC APPROACHING QUICKLY. I MUST STOP TURNING, WAIT FOR THE PO…
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WHEN STEERING SHARPLY OR TURNING THE WHEEL FREQUENTLY LIKE TO PARALLEL PARK FOR EXAMPLE, THE ELECTRICAL SUDDENLY COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN IN MY CAR. THE CAR'S POWER COMPLETELY DIES AND I LOSE ABILITY TO STEER. SOMETIMES THIS IS WHILE MAKING A QUICK TURN WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC APPROACHING QUICKLY. I MUST STOP TURNING, WAIT FOR THE POWER TO TURN BACK ON, AND RESUME DRIVING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR. *TR
THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER WITHOUT CONSIDERABLE ASSISTANCE. THE PROBLEM IS DEFINITELY WORSE WHEN CAR IS "WARMED UP" AND IS ALSO WORSENED BY INCREASED OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN. MY DEALER CHARGED ME $104.00 FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND TOLD ME TO KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED. THI…
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THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER WITHOUT CONSIDERABLE ASSISTANCE. THE PROBLEM IS DEFINITELY WORSE WHEN CAR IS "WARMED UP" AND IS ALSO WORSENED BY INCREASED OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN. MY DEALER CHARGED ME $104.00 FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND TOLD ME TO KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED. THIS HAS HAD NE EFFECT ON THE PROBLEM. *TR
Official recalls
404V247000 · 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
1PE10020 · 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.