IllustrationWHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES ARE ABOVE APPROXIMATELY 85 DEGREES, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING WILL PRODUCE ABNORMAL RESISTANCE REQUIRING CONSIDERABLE FORCE TO RETURN TO CENTER. THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE REQUIRING FURTHER NHTSA INVESTIGATION. *TR
2004 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
680–25K
12925–50K
10550–75K
4275–100K
26100–150K
2150K+
372 reports with mileage · 39 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 378 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports2 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
411 reports2004 BMW Z4 STEERING WHEEL BINDS WHILE DRIVING AFTER THE AUTO HAS SAT IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT FOR SEVERAL HOURS OR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 85 DEGREES. ONCE THE CAR IS ALLOWED TO COOL IN THE SHADE OR THROUGH EXTENDED DRIVING, THE STEERING WILL RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE CAR TO BE UNSAFE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. …
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2004 BMW Z4 STEERING WHEEL BINDS WHILE DRIVING AFTER THE AUTO HAS SAT IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT FOR SEVERAL HOURS OR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 85 DEGREES. ONCE THE CAR IS ALLOWED TO COOL IN THE SHADE OR THROUGH EXTENDED DRIVING, THE STEERING WILL RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE CAR TO BE UNSAFE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE REPORTED THIS CONDITION SEVERAL TIMES TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME IT COULD BE THE TIRES 'STICKING' TO THE ROAD. THIS CONDITION WARRANTS A RECALL. THE STEERING IS NOT SAFE WHEN IT IS HOT. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. SINCE 2008, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND WOULD LOCK UP. THE FAILURE HAS SINCE WORSENED DUE TO THE HOT WEATHER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,00…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. SINCE 2008, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND WOULD LOCK UP. THE FAILURE HAS SINCE WORSENED DUE TO THE HOT WEATHER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,000. UPDATED 9/1/09 *CN UPDATED 09/09/09*JB
WHEN DRIVING THE POWER STEERING GETS HARD LIKE IT WILL GOING LOCK UP WHEN DRIVING. *TR
2004 BMW Z4-STEERING STICKS OR CATCHES AT CENTER WHEN TURNING WHEEL WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION. CAUSES VEHICLE TO SWERVE. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. *TR
STEERING ISSUES. *TR
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A SUNNY, SUMMER DAY, THE STEERING WHEEL HAS "TENSION" AND "STICKINESS" WHILE TRYING TO ROTATE IT. THIS CAUSES ABRUPT AND IMPRECISE STEERING CORRECTIONS DUE TO THE STICKINESS CAUSING JERKY STEERING. *TR THIS DEFECT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO RETAIN A STRAIGHT DRIVING PATH, AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO STAY WITH…
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WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A SUNNY, SUMMER DAY, THE STEERING WHEEL HAS "TENSION" AND "STICKINESS" WHILE TRYING TO ROTATE IT. THIS CAUSES ABRUPT AND IMPRECISE STEERING CORRECTIONS DUE TO THE STICKINESS CAUSING JERKY STEERING. *TR THIS DEFECT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO RETAIN A STRAIGHT DRIVING PATH, AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO STAY WITHIN A LANE ON THE LOCAL ROADS AND HIGHWAYS. THE STEERING ALIGNMENT ALSO BECOMES OUT OF A STRAIGHT LINE, THUS COMING OUT OF "CENTER", AND FURTHER MAKING IT MORE DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN A SAFE DRIVING COURSE.
MY CAR WAS PARKED IN AN AN AREA THAT WAS NOT IN THE SHADE LOT FOR SEVERAL HOURS. THE AIR TEMP. WAS ABOUT 80. WHEN I DROVE OFF I COULD FEEL THAT THE STEERING WAS NOT REACTING TO MY INPUT AS IT HAD IN THE COOL MORNING. THE STEERING WAS JERKY AND WOULD NOT TRACK AS I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT LAGGED A FEW MOMENTS. I HAD AN 80…
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MY CAR WAS PARKED IN AN AN AREA THAT WAS NOT IN THE SHADE LOT FOR SEVERAL HOURS. THE AIR TEMP. WAS ABOUT 80. WHEN I DROVE OFF I COULD FEEL THAT THE STEERING WAS NOT REACTING TO MY INPUT AS IT HAD IN THE COOL MORNING. THE STEERING WAS JERKY AND WOULD NOT TRACK AS I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT LAGGED A FEW MOMENTS. I HAD AN 80 MILE DRIVE WHERE I HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL IN A ZIG-ZAG MANNER TO KEEP THE CAR TRACKING IN THE DIRECTION I WANTED TO GO. WHEN THE CAR COOLED OFF OVERNIGHT THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. IT DOES NOT FEEL SAFE. *TR
AFTER WINTER STORAGE I TOOK MY 2004 BMW Z4 OUT OF STORAGE TO FIND THE STEERING STICKS. AFTER CORNERING, I MUST JERK THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO CENTER. THIS CAUSED ME TO RUN OFF THE ROAD FOR A BRIEF MOMENT WHILE I GATHERED CONTROL OF THE CAR. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, BUT THAT IS JUST BY LUCK. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS DESPITE HAVIN…
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AFTER WINTER STORAGE I TOOK MY 2004 BMW Z4 OUT OF STORAGE TO FIND THE STEERING STICKS. AFTER CORNERING, I MUST JERK THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO CENTER. THIS CAUSED ME TO RUN OFF THE ROAD FOR A BRIEF MOMENT WHILE I GATHERED CONTROL OF THE CAR. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, BUT THAT IS JUST BY LUCK. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS DESPITE HAVING THE CAR AND TIRES CHECKED OUT. THE PROBLEM IS WORSE AT HIGHER AMBIENT TEMPS. *TR
2004 Z4 - I HAVE EXPERIENCED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS IN WARM WEATHER 70 DEGREES OR MORE WERE MY CAR STEERING LOSES "TENSION". IN OTHER WORDS THE STEERING WILL BECOME LOOSE. WHEN TURNING STEER LEFT OR RIGHT, THE CAR HESITATE TO REACT FOR APPROX. 2 TO 3 SECONDS. IT CONTINUES STRAIGHT UNTIL SECONDS LATER IT WILL "ENGAGE". *TR
Official recalls
104V182000 · 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.
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
2PE10020 · 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.
EA08001 · BMW Airbag Light Illumination
Opened Jan 4, 2008 · Closed Dec 31, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Air Bags
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.
Air Bags:frontal
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.