IllustrationTAKATA RECALL AS I WAS DRIVING BACK HOME ON HIGHWAY THE STEERING WAS STIFF OR HARD, IT MAKES IT HARD TO STEER TO DIFFERENT ROAD OR A EXIT BUT WHEN IM DIVING ON LOW SPEED UBER 20MPH IT SEE LIKE NO PROBLEMS. THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY AND I SEE MANY, MANY PEOPLE ALSO HAVE THEE SAME PROBLEM.
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 reportsGARBAGE! ONLY WAY TO DESCRIBE THE STEERING ISSUE ON MY Z4. FROM TJE UNSEALED BEARING IN THE STERRING COLUNN TO THE UN- HIGH PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING FOR TJE OVERALL STEERING SYSTEM FOR THE ENTIRE CAR. WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY PUTTING POWER ASSIAT STEERING ON THIS LITTLE SHORT CAR ANYWAY... HENCE WHY ITS NOT ON THE M SERIES. MY …
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GARBAGE! ONLY WAY TO DESCRIBE THE STEERING ISSUE ON MY Z4. FROM TJE UNSEALED BEARING IN THE STERRING COLUNN TO THE UN- HIGH PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING FOR TJE OVERALL STEERING SYSTEM FOR THE ENTIRE CAR. WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY PUTTING POWER ASSIAT STEERING ON THIS LITTLE SHORT CAR ANYWAY... HENCE WHY ITS NOT ON THE M SERIES. MY GRANDFATHER'S 1965 TRUCK RAN TRUER THAN THIS DEATH TRAP. ITS A SHAME TO HAVE A GREAT CAR AND SCREW IT UP WITH THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, TJE MOST IMPORTANT PART😤😡😠. CAR DARTS ALL OVER THE ROAD, CONSTANT CORRECTIONS WITH PUBLIC SAFETY IN JEOPARDY. THIS IS A TRAVESTY IN DEED!!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4 ROADSTER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ON HOT DAYS AND WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED, THE STEERING WOULD BECOME STUCK WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED, IT WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE CENTER POSITION. THE DEALER (BMW OF CHARLOTTESVILLE IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, 434-270-8664) AND THE T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4 ROADSTER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ON HOT DAYS AND WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED, THE STEERING WOULD BECOME STUCK WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED, IT WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE CENTER POSITION. THE DEALER (BMW OF CHARLOTTESVILLE IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, 434-270-8664) AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000.
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON WARM DAYS (80 OR ABOVE) THE STEERING DOES NOT RETURN TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION WHEN SMALL ADJUSTMENTS ARE MADE. THE STEERING FEELS "STICKY" OR "NOTCHED" REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO RE POSITION THE STEERING WHEEL TO STAY ON THE ROAD. TIRE PRESSURES ARE IN SPEC AS IS THE ALIGNMENT.
STICKY STEERING WHEN IT IS HOT WEATHER. IT IS HARD TO STEER AND WILL NOT STRAIGHTEN UP. CONSTANT STEERING PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IN HOT WEATHER. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM.
AT LOW SPEEDS (UNDER 20MPH) STEERING IS VERY LIGHT AND SMOOTH, NO ISSUES AT ALL. AS SPEED INCREASES, THE STEERING GETS HEAVIER (AS IT SHOULD) BUT DEVELOPS A "DETENT" AT STRAIGHT CENTER. THE FASTER THE SPEED, THE MORE EFFORT NEEDED TO OVERCOME THE DETENT RESISTANCE, TO THE POINT THAT IT BECOMES EASY TO OVERSTEER THE CAR. THIS CAN…
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AT LOW SPEEDS (UNDER 20MPH) STEERING IS VERY LIGHT AND SMOOTH, NO ISSUES AT ALL. AS SPEED INCREASES, THE STEERING GETS HEAVIER (AS IT SHOULD) BUT DEVELOPS A "DETENT" AT STRAIGHT CENTER. THE FASTER THE SPEED, THE MORE EFFORT NEEDED TO OVERCOME THE DETENT RESISTANCE, TO THE POINT THAT IT BECOMES EASY TO OVERSTEER THE CAR. THIS CAN BE REAL SCARY DURING AVOIDANCE MANEUVERS AND QUICK LANE CHANGES.
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING STICKS AND IS VERY STIFF. NOT FLUID STEERING BUT JERKING AND IS UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. THIS IS A DANGER ON ROAD.
STEERING GETS "STUCK" WHILE DRIVING. FEELS LIKE YOUR IN A RUT. 35K ON THE VEHICLE AND THE BMW DEALER SAID THE STEERING COLUMN MUST BE REPLACED FOR $4538.41. I READ ON THE INTERNET THE ISSUES WITH THE STEERING COLUMN ISSUES FOR CARS 2003-2005. MANY HAVE THE SAME ISSUES AND BMW HAD NO RECALLS ON THE CARS. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE…
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STEERING GETS "STUCK" WHILE DRIVING. FEELS LIKE YOUR IN A RUT. 35K ON THE VEHICLE AND THE BMW DEALER SAID THE STEERING COLUMN MUST BE REPLACED FOR $4538.41. I READ ON THE INTERNET THE ISSUES WITH THE STEERING COLUMN ISSUES FOR CARS 2003-2005. MANY HAVE THE SAME ISSUES AND BMW HAD NO RECALLS ON THE CARS. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO DRIVE THE CARS. I KNOW THERE HAVE BEEN MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHSTA AND WONDERING WHAT WAS DONE WITH THE ISSUE. I ONLY DRIVE 1500 MILES PER YEAR AND IT STARTED LATE LAST SUMMER AND IS NOW UNDRIVEABLE BECAUSE OF SAFETY ISSUES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS MORE PRONOUNCED DURING WARM TEMPERATURES. THE CONTACT WAS A MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING OPEN FACED BEA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS MORE PRONOUNCED DURING WARM TEMPERATURES. THE CONTACT WAS A MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING OPEN FACED BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING ASSEMBLY UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000. UPDATED 06/02/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. UPDATED 08/29/2017*JS
SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE WHILE IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS RESULTED IN INCORRECT AMOUNTS OF STEERING PRESSURE BEING APPLIED BY TWO DIFFERENT DRIVERS & NEAR ACCIDENTS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. DATE IS APPROXIMATE FOR FIRST OCCURRENCE.
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.