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
What owners actually said
414 reports
25,000 miles · Mar 15, 2017
Steering
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
NHTSA ODI #10966054
58,000 miles · Mar 3, 2017
Steering
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.
NHTSA ODI #10958440
Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2017
Steering
STEERING SEEMS RANDOMLY UNRESPONSIVE. YOU TURN STEERING WHEEL AN THERE IS A LAG. FEELS LIKE I DONT ALWAYS HAVE CONTROL OF MY CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10954348
97,000 miles · Nov 17, 2016
Steering
STEERING IS TOO UNSTABLE ON STRAIGHT DRIVING. A SUDDEN PULL TO THE RIGHT/LEFT AND STEERING IS NOT CENTERING. STEERING IS STIFF AND HARD TO CONTROL.
NHTSA ODI #10926653
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2016
Steering
TAKATA RECALL. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY BMW Z4 2003 THE STEERING WHEEL IS GETTING NOTCHY AND SOMETIMES IT GETS STUCK IN THE LEFT OR RIGHT POSITION. I REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN AND IT STILL DOING THE SAME THING. NEED HELP.
NHTSA ODI #10924387
29,000 miles · Oct 17, 2016
Steering
STEERING WHEEL STICKS WHEN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE GETS ABOVE 80 DEGREES. THE STEERING WHEEL GETS HARD TO TURN AND TURN BACK STRAIGHT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING AT SPEEDS HIGHER THEM 10 MPH. THE VEHICLE BECOME UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10916683
40,000 miles · Aug 30, 2016
Steering
WHEN DRIVING THE STEERING IS STICKY ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS HOT OUT. IT IS HARD TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT WITHOUT CONSTANTLY MOVING THE WHEEL RIGHT AND LEFT AND YOU CAN FEEL THE GAP IN THE MOVE. YOU FEEL A SKIP IN THE MOVE. IT MAKES IT FEEL LIKE THE CAR IS GOING TO JUMP TO FAR RIGHT OR LEFT. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS THE LAST 3 Y…
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WHEN DRIVING THE STEERING IS STICKY ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS HOT OUT. IT IS HARD TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT WITHOUT CONSTANTLY MOVING THE WHEEL RIGHT AND LEFT AND YOU CAN FEEL THE GAP IN THE MOVE. YOU FEEL A SKIP IN THE MOVE. IT MAKES IT FEEL LIKE THE CAR IS GOING TO JUMP TO FAR RIGHT OR LEFT. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS THE LAST 3 YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. MY TIRES ARE NEW AND WELL BALANCED SO IT IS NOT THE TIRES. IT DID THIS WITH THE OLD TIRES AND NOW CONTINUES TO DO IT. YOU ARE WELCOME TO COME AND DRIVE IT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION AND TRYING TO DRIVE STRAIGHT AHEAD. WHEN MAKING A REASONABLE TURN IT IS FINE.
NHTSA ODI #10899639
30,000 miles · Aug 21, 2016
Steering
WHEN OPERATING VEHICLE AFTER ABOUT 2 HOURS, NORMALLY IN HOT WEATHER, THE STEERING GETS STICKY AND FEELS CATCHY. THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, AT ANY SPEED WHEN THIS HAPPENS. AFTER LETTING SIT FOR A COUPLE HOURS IT IS FINE. DRIVE FOR ANOTHER FEW HOURS AND IT HAPPENS AGAIN, REPEATABLE. HAPPENS GOING STRAIGHT, TURNING IS FINE.
NHTSA ODI #10897425
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 17, 2016
EquipmentSteering
MY NAME IS [XXX] , I JUST RECENTLY OWN A 2003 BMW Z4. IT IS ABOUT 65K CLEAN TITLE. I HAVE JUST NOTICE SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE STEERING. I RESEARCHED THIS ON MULTIPLE FORUMS AND IT APPEARS THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS EXAMPLES OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS. MOST RELATE TO ISSUES IN HOT TEMPERATURES AND TO SPEED. PROBLEM WAS VERY NOTICEABL…
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MY NAME IS [XXX] , I JUST RECENTLY OWN A 2003 BMW Z4. IT IS ABOUT 65K CLEAN TITLE. I HAVE JUST NOTICE SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE STEERING. I RESEARCHED THIS ON MULTIPLE FORUMS AND IT APPEARS THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS EXAMPLES OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS. MOST RELATE TO ISSUES IN HOT TEMPERATURES AND TO SPEED. PROBLEM WAS VERY NOTICEABLE LAST EVENING AT 70 DEGREES. HERE ARE THE SYMPTOMS... 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. THE HOT WEATHER JUST MAKES IT WORSE. FROM WHAT I KNOW FROM RESEARCH, THE WAY TO FIX THIS IS DO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN. I M SINCERE ASKING FOR HELP. I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE IT CHANGE ON MY OWN WHEN IS IT MORE LIKE BMW' ENGINEER PROBLEMS. I HOPE YOU GUYS CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT BEFORE IT GET TOO SERIOUS. THANKS IN ADVANCE. PLEASE CALL OR CONTACT ME THROUGH MY EMAIL AT [XXX] OR MY NUMBERS AT [XXX]. (BEST TO CALL ME) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
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.
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.
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.
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.
2003 BMW Z4 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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